Paddy Brennan's Day 2 Cheltenham Tips
It's day two of the Cheltenham Festival and Paddy has had his say on who he thinks will be in the winner's enclosure on day one as he spoke to Free Bets, the home of the best Cheltenham Betting Offers.
1:20 – Turners Novices' Hurdle
The ground is the key talking point here. There's not a lot of rain about — I know they're forecasting bits and bobs, but it won't make any significant difference. And I think that's a big negative for No Drama This End. I really like Act Of Innocence. He will love the ground and with Nicky Henderson winning the Supreme already, the momentum could really build. Act Of Innocence is my pick.
2:00 – Brown Advisory Novices' Chase
Final Demand is my selection. I love Wendigo — I know he ran very well last year — but I really fancied him in the Albert Bartlett and he's a better horse this year. I think he's a better horse over fences, and I think Cheltenham on Wednesday is made for him.
2:40 – BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle
It's an open race and you need a lot of luck in running here. My pick is Kateira. She's Dan Skelton's fancied runner and Harry Skelton will ride her with patience — she'll be taking her time, which I think suits this race perfectly. Hopefully she'll come home very strong.
3:20 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
I love Stumptown. Yes, he's got a lot of weight, but the stats say over the years that weight isn't a big thing in this race — it doesn't seem to matter what they're carrying. Stumptown loves it here and I'd say this has been the plan all season.
4:00 – BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase
L'Eau Du Sud is my pick. He had a good prep for the race. Majborough is the warm favourite, but I'm slightly against him — the ground is drying and he loves soft. I don't think he's going to get the soft ground he wants on Wednesday. I'm sticking with L'Eau Du Sud.
4:40 – Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase
Big field, and again a lot of luck needed in running. I'm going for Personal Ambition at a big price from Ben Pauling's yard. He's got loads of ability — I know he only won a three-runner race last time out, but at around 20/1 that's a massive price. He's my each-way call.
5:20 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper
The Irish don't seem quite as strong in the bumper division this year. I'm going for Mets Ta Ceinture — Dan Skelton's four-year-old filly, ridden by Harry Skelton. She's got the 10lb fillies' allowance on top of the four-year-old weight, and she looks very good on form and at home. She's my each-way selection to finish the day.
