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TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for an exhilarating second day at the Cheltenham Festival, aiming to pick some winners.
He shares his insights on his selections for a thrilling afternoon at Prestbury Park, with the Champion Chase set to commence at 4pm.
To place your bets, just click the odds below. Good luck!
Cheltenham 2025 – everything you need to know
COMFORT ZONE (2.40 Cheltenham, nap)
This extraordinary six-year-old is under the skilled guidance of Joseph O’Brien and is poised to excel in this demanding handicap. He had an impressive flat season last year, culminating in a notable victory at Naas in October. Although his hurdle debut at Leopardstown during the Christmas meeting was less than ideal due to space issues, he crossed the finish line with plenty of energy remaining.
FINAL DEMAND (1.20 Cheltenham, nb)
The horse trained by Willie Mullins demonstrated his potential with a sparkling performance at Leopardstown, clocking an impressively quick time. He possesses significant stamina and is expected to show marked improvement following his fourth outing at the racecourse.
UNEXPECTED PARTY (4.40 Cheltenham, treble)
Prepared to defend his Grand Annual title, the Skeltons have trained him meticulously for today’s contest. The brothers excel at pinpointing Festival handicaps, and he recently indicated good form by finishing second at Windsor. Even though he slipped in the betting market, he was ridden calmly, finishing strongly while the winner was already far ahead. His jumping remains consistent, and the 6lb rise from last year should not hinder his prospects.
Templegate’s In-Depth Analysis for Day Two at Cheltenham
1.20 Turners Novices’ Hurdle
FINAL DEMAND is the favorite to win the Turners.
The horse trained by Willie Mullins has made quite an impression with his recent win at Leopardstown and is expected to prevail against the Skeltons’ The New Lion in what promises to be a thrilling race.
Here’s my evaluation of the competitors rated out of five stars:
FINAL DEMAND 5 stars
A brilliant winner at Leopardstown with a fast time. Excellent stamina combined with much more potential to come.
FORTY COATS 1
In urgent need of improvement. Struggled in three lower-tier races.
KAID D’AUTHIE 1
Outclassed in previous Grade 1 events and appears unprepared.
KAPPA JY PYKE 2
Not quite at the required level. Performed adequately in muddy conditions at a lower profile but requires significant improvement.
KEL HISTOIRE 3
Unlucky in the last outing; an increase in distance should suit. Might be the standout among the long shots.
KISS WILL 2
Showing consistent improvement; demonstrated stamina at Fairyhouse. Could potentially secure a place as an outsider.
POTTERS CHARM 3
A winner at Gr1 Formby on soft ground and has shown good form here previously but needs to enhance performance on Sixmilebridge.
SIXMILEBRIDGE 4
Triumphed in Gr2 here in the last outing and has ample stamina, making him a solid option if ground conditions are favorable.
SUPERSUNDAE 2
Best performances were on heavy ground; he has faced challenges in recent Gr1 competitions and needs considerable rain for improvement.
THE NEW LION 4
A strong contender, demonstrating early brilliance in the Challow at Newbury. Exhibits strong staying capabilities and potential for growth.
THE YELLOW CLAY 4
Completely reliable; clinched a Gr1 at Naas and excels at this distance. Adaptable across various ground conditions and competitive.
2.00 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
GORGEOUS TOM is set to make significant advancements as he faces three miles for the first time.
After a novice-like fall at Tipperary upon his return, he picked up pace for Henry De Bromhead, winning a Cork Grade 3 by six lengths in November.
This victory qualified him for the distinguished Drinmore at Fairyhouse, where he narrowly missed out by less than a length.
That race was over 2m4f, and his robust finish indicates that this longer trip will suit him perfectly.
Ballyburn has raised his game, capped with a decisive five-length victory at the Dublin Racing Festival.
While he seems to handle the longer distance well, he needs to confirm his performance here. He can be prone to minor errors, but his class keeps him in contention.
Dancing City has excelled on firm ground yet performed well in muddy conditions at Naas last time. A seasoned Grade 1 veteran over hurdles, he might find the faster pace challenging.
Stellar Story, the former Albert Bartlett winner over hurdles last season, holds promise if he enhances his jumping skills.
Better Days Ahead is established over long distances, having won last year’s Martin Pipe. Rain would be an added benefit to his chances.
Cheltenham Day Two – Insights and Trends
TEMPLEGATE (Steve Mullen) has thoroughly examined the essential statistics for all 28 races at the Festival.
He provides a DO DO for each race — these insights aim to uncover potential winners.
Additionally, a HOODOO is noted to help you avoid poor bets over the next four days.
Turners Novices’ Hurdle
DO DO: Bet on horses that won their previous race; nine of the last ten winners have adhered to this pattern. Irish yards and bumper victors have consistently performed well here.
HOODOO: The reigning Challow Hurdle champion has a poor history, similar to those who have competed on the Flat previously.
Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
DO DO: Wager on horses that have at least finished second in a Grade 2 chase. Focus on competitors with only one hurdle season behind them.
HOODOO: A mare hasn’t won this race in nearly thirty years; steer clear of any horse that finished outside the top two in their last outing.
Coral Cup
DO DO: Watch for outsiders; horses priced at 50-1, 33-1, and 28-1 have won since 2019. Look for competitors who previously finished in the top four at a Festival.
HOODOO: Just one favorite has managed to win in two decades. Despite having 50 entries, Willie Mullins has only one victory.
Cross Country Chase
DO DO: Bet on horses that have previously run over this course this season, with Gordon Elliott and JP McManus both enjoying strong success here.
HOODOO: Horses younger than eight generally struggle here. Despite numerous attempts, Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins have yet to find victory.
Queen Mother Champion Chase
DO DO: Seek out horses that have triumphed at the Cheltenham Festival before. Aim for no more than three seasonal runs and odds not exceeding 6-1.
HOODOO: Nine of the last twelve odds-on favorites have lost. A fall or being unseated earlier in the season poses a significant risk.
Grand Annual
DO DO: Focus on horses aged nine or younger; most winners have prior Festival experience. Strong form at Cheltenham is a vital indicator.
HOODOO: Favorites have had mixed success, with only two out of the last twenty winning before this race. Horses with more than nine chase runs often face difficulties.
Champion Bumper
DO DO: Trust Willie Mullins, who has trained 13 winners. Irish trainers have dominated, winning 25 of the last 32 races, so ensure your pick has won their last race.
HOODOO: Cue Card was the last four-year-old to win; your selection must have participated in several bumpers leading into this event.
2.40 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
COMFORT ZONE is the favored entrant in this fiercely contested handicap, under the vigilant guidance of Joseph O’Brien.
This six-year-old displayed a strong season on the flat, capped by a notable victory at Naas last October.
His only hurdle attempt since was at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, where he faced some unfortunate luck yet still finished respectably, indicating his maintained potential.
Moving up in distance shows strategic planning, and he appears well-positioned under Mark Walsh.
Owner JP McManus likely possesses another strong competitor in Impose Toi, from Nicky Henderson’s yard.
His performance at Newbury was impressive, and he also won in a large field here in November.
First-time cheekpieces may enhance his performance for this challenge.
Be Aware is a classic contender from Dan Skelton; he secured a solid second place in the Greatwood here before finishing third in a large field at Ascot.
Having demonstrated stamina with a second-place finish at Kempton last year, he stands to make further progress.
Jimmy De Seuil boasts strong credentials with a second-place finish last year in the Turners Novice Hurdle.
After a lengthy break, Willie Mullins will ensure he’s prepared for an impressive showing.
Lossiemouth (not the mare from yesterday!) is a Grade 2 winner returning from a long absence.
Positive signs were evident in his recent outing at Chepstow, putting him in each-way discussions.
Betting has favored Bunting, owned by Brighton Chairman Tony Bloom.
He seldom misses his targets, following steady performances in last year’s Triumph Hurdle.
After a lengthy hiatus, he returned with a rusty second at Clonmel in January and could turn out to be a threat.
Ballyadam finished second last year, benefiting from a 4lb drop, hinting he could replicate that performance.
3.20 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
BUSSELTON captured attention during an impressive outing at December’s meeting held on this course.
He navigated the obstacles smoothly without any issues and finished in sixth place.
Improving from his initial effort, connections have preserved his rating by having him run over hurdles last time.
He performed admirably in a Grade 2 at Navan in February and should now be in optimal condition. His stamina is advantageous for this race format, benefitting from softer ground.
In this challenge, it may be somewhat tough for Stumptown, who must concede weight to all adversaries.
He received an 8lb rise following his win in the December meeting, and cheekpieces have been added after a rather subdued performance.
He stands as a strong contender. The horse who finished close behind him last time, Mister Coffey, could again nab a podium finish.
Despite several promising performances, it remains puzzling why he has yet to secure victory in chase events; however, he seemed to favor this task previously; while he could find a unique way to falter, he must be included in your Placepot.
Galvin may show signs of decline at 11 years but brings a wealth of experience over this course, having come close to winning the American Grand National last October.
Although that was in a hurdles event, his versatility positions him well here.
Vanillier didn’t impress with a ninth-place finish on this course in December but ended a three-year losing streak with a victory in April over the banks course at Punchestown.
A repeat performance would place him in competitive range.
4.00 Queen Mother Champion Chase
SOLNESS has been somewhat overlooked following his excellent win at Leopardstown last month.
His commanding victory established him as a top contender, showcasing notable speed.
He showed exceptional jumping ability and displayed no signs of tiring during the final surge.
A slight reduction in distance may assist with the stamina demands of the hill, enhancing his performance potential.
Jonbon appears to be a formidable rival and is enjoying a stellar season.
Remaining unbeaten with Nico De Boinville aboard, he showcased his capabilities at Ascot recently.
As a supporter of Solness, I must note that all three of his career defeats occurred at Cheltenham, with two of those at the Festival.
Marine Nationale finished two lengths behind Solness in his last outing; however, his prior Cheltenham appearance yielded a victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, making him a contender worth considering.
If the ground isn’t soft enough, Energumene might encounter obstacles, compounded by age, which could make a placement more realistic.
4.40 Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
UNEXPECTED PARTY is set to defend his Grand Annual title for the Skeltons, who have skillfully prepared him for today’s race.
The Skelton brothers have a history of effectively targeting Festival handicaps, as evidenced by his second-place finish at Windsor last time out.
He experienced slight fluctuations in the betting market before being ridden conservatively, finishing far behind the winner who had already crossed the line.
His excellent jumping skills position him favorably, even with a 6lb increase from last year.
My Mate Mozzie represents a strong each-way option following a commendable return to chasing, finishing second at Leopardstown last month. His swift pace suits this distance, and he typically remains competitive.
So Scottish may emerge as a strategic selection from the astute Emmet Mullins.
He finished seventh in the 2023 Plate and was performing effectively in the December Gold Cup before an unfortunate fall.
After primarily racing over hurdles since with inconsistent results, he now returns to chasing at a more favorable mark.
A market shift in his favor while donning JP McManus silks wouldn’t be unexpected.
JPR One holds potential, particularly given the class drop.
Having competed in the Arkle last year, he performed decently in the Tingle Creek before a quieter outing at Newbury last time.
Carrying significant weight, his talent could see him contend for additional placements.
The King Of Prs showcased dominance over a longer distance at Fairyhouse last January.
General Medrano surged ahead at Doncaster but was narrowly outpaced at the finish.
The brisk pace of this race will likely work to his advantage, alongside a 2lb rise in weights enhancing his chance.
Dancing On My Own merits consideration for each-way betting following a solid third-place finish last time amidst Henry De Bromhead’s less stellar performances.
5.20 Champion Bumper
I’m backing Townend to shine in the Champion Bumper — I have faith in Jody over her brother Paul.
She rides BAMBINO FEVER, who benefits from a favorable 7lb allowance for being a mare.
Jody was aboard during her remarkable win in a Grade 2 race at Leopardstown last month.
She sped her way to victory, finishing over seven lengths ahead with plenty of energy to spare.
This burst of speed will serve her well today, making her a formidable competitor. Another strong prospect is Aqua Force, who could pose a significant threat.
After a 28-length triumph under one of Ireland’s smaller trainers, Miguel Gunn, she has transitioned to Willie Mullins.
Now carrying JP McManus colors, she may show improvement under a champion trainer, even in a short window.
Kalypso’chance made a favorable impression with a victory at Navan last December, even as a newcomer.
Though he hasn’t seen action since, Gordon Elliott’s training should have cemented his development during this break.
Copacabana has also drawn attention for this contest, showcasing impressive speed in his recent Navan victory. He is anticipated to show significant improvement here.
Gameofinches was effortlessly dominant in his first outing at Punchestown last month.
While he may benefit from facing tougher competition to sharpen his skills, he remains a key contender alongside Paul Townend.
He Can’t Dance was a notable acquisition, finishing close in a Grade 2 race at Leopardstown last month.
Building on that achievement could pave the way for a placement.
Idaho Sun stands out among a rather thin British representation. He performed adequately at Windsor last time, but this race demands even higher quality competitors.
The Skeltons’ Fortune De Mer claimed victory in a Listed race over this course and distance, potentially placing him in serious contention.
Templegate’s complete tips
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