Day 2 of the greatest show on turf is almost here, and we will try and guide you in the best way possible through all seven races.

We are convinced Day 2 will be just as tricky as Day 1 to predict, with more tough handicaps and top-class races to explore.

So, make sure to grab a peek at the latest Cheltenham odds and Cheltenham Festival betting offers. That includes our exclusive Day 2 Cheltenham Offer! Place a £10 bet on the first race and get a 100% Profit Boost token to use on any Cheltenham race.

Without further delay, let’s take a look at the Day 2 races.

*All odds are correct at time of publication but subject to change, tipped horses may also become non-runners

1.20pm – Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m5f

Much like the first day, the second day begins with a top-class novice hurdle, bringing together the creme de la creme from the UK and Ireland. With the likes of Istabraq having won this race, the winner will surely become a household name in the years to come, and the worthy favourite for the 2026 renewal is No Drama This End. He is unbeaten over hurdles, including an easy win in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury.  However, we think the step up in trip could suit Ballyfad, who was narrowly beaten by Talk the Talk at Leopardstown last time. At longer odds, the rapidly improving Bossman Jack can stake a claim for a place, having won impressively on his last two starts.

Selection – BALLYFAD – 11/2

Each-way – Bossman Jack – 16/1

2pm – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – 3m1f

A surprisingly big field of 16 goes to post for this race, which usually provides a good pointer for future Cheltenham Gold Cup horses. Ireland hold an extremely strong hand in this race and we think Romeo Coolio is one of the bankers of the entire Festival. Going up in trip should definitely suit judging by his last performance, where he stayed on really well to win over two miles – and his excellent jumping should hold him in good stead. Although Willie Mullins has a few contenders in this race, we like the look of Kitzbuhel at an each-way price. He won easily at Kempton over Christmas and is definitely one to consider.

Selection – ROMEO COOLIO – 4/1

Each-way – Kitzbuhel – 12/1

2.40pm – BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle – 2m5f

This is arguably the trickiest race of the week to predict as 24 runners line up, which could throw up some traffic problems and hard luck stories for those horses who like to finish with a late surge. It might pay to side with a horse who likes to bowl along in front, or be prominent, so our selection hits that brief. I Started A Joke likes to be close to the pace and has run some good races this season in big fields. He won well at Punchestown before losing narrowly in a valuable hurdle at Leopardstown, and we think he could be the one. At slightly bigger odds, we think Jingko Blue could run a big race. He has quality form in the book and this drop back in class over hurdles could be an inspired move by Nicky Henderson and his team.

Selection – I STARTED A JOKE– 17/2

Each-way – Jingko Blue – 11/1

3.20pm – Cross Country Chase – 3m5f

The usual suspects are back once again for this truly unique race, run over a variety of fences, banks and ditches in the middle of Cheltenham racecourse, away from the hubbub of the stands. It takes a special kind of horse to win this race and the Irish contingent dominate the betting as expected. This year’s race is hugely competitive and we believe it is a battle between Stumptown and Favari de Champdou, with preference going to the former. He won this race last year before a poor run in the Grand National. However, he made light work of his opponents on his only run this season, and he can make it a double. 

Selection – STUMPTOWN – 11/4

4pm – Queen Mother Champion Chase – 2m

This is the highlight of Day 2’s card, with the speedsters going head-to-head around Prestbury Park. Legendary names such as Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre, Master Minded and Viking Flagship have all won this race, and we think Majborough is hard to take on as a warm favourite.  He was hugely impressive in beating Marine Nationale in first-time cheekpieces at Leopardstown, and that level of improvement should be too much for his rivals. Il Etait Temps can make it a Mullins 1-2, despite failing last time. He has solid wins over Jonbon in the book and can run our selection close.

Selection – MAJBOROUGH– 4/5

Danger – Il Etait Temps – 5/1

4.40pm – Grand Annual Challenge Cup – 2m

Back to the handicaps we go as 20 runners are prepared to set sail for this tricky contest that is going to throw up plenty of contenders. After a day of expected Irish dominance, we believe that this race can go to the UK, as plenty of home-grown runners lead the betting. The one that stands out to us is Ben Pauling’s Vanderpoel. He is currently in tremendous form, winning easily at Sandown and Ascot on his last two outings. Calico may run a big race at generous odds. He won his first two starts this season before a slightly disappointing fourth behind Lulamba last time. However, that could be a better run than first thought, and he could be a livewire at a longer price. 

Selection – VANDERPOEL – 15/2

Each-way – Calico – 16/1

5.20pm – Champion Bumper – 2m

The last race of Day 2 is the only one of the whole Festival without an obstacle in the way, but these future stars will jump a hurdle or a fence before long, with winners such as Champagne Fever, Cue Card and Envoi Allen having brilliant careers after winning this race. We think Keep Him Company can round off a brilliant day for Gordon Elliott. He won with plenty of hand at Leopardstown on his final start in a decent race and can pick up the plaudits here. At longer odds, Elliott’s Broadway Ted could run a big race for English champion jockey, Sean Bowen. 

Selection – KEEP HIM COMPANY – 7/1

Each-way – Broadway Ted – 14/1

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