Bettors have their eye on three standout performers on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival.
Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival is here, and bettors have been busy backing their fancies for the second day of action.
According to the latest data from Oddschecker, Ballyburn, Final Demand, and Jonbon have emerged as the three most backed horses ahead of their respective races.
Here's a closer look at why punters are confident in their chances.
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Ballyburn – 68% of Bets in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (14:00)
Ballyburn is the standout favourite in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, attracting a massive 68% of total bets.
You can back Ballyburn at a best price of 4/6 here.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the seven-year-old has looked a class apart over fences this season. He was an impressive Festival winner last year over hurdles and has shown steady improvement since switching to chasing.
Ballyburn has two wins and a runner-up spot from three starts this season since switching to the larger obstacles.
Finishing 2nd to Sir Gino on his 2nd start over fences was by no means a disgrace but his best effort came in his last outing at the Dublin Racing Festival which saw him claim a convincing five-length win over Croke Park, with Grade 1 winner Impaire Et Passe well beaten.
The step up in trip to 24f is likely to suit him and barring accidents, his superior form and proven stamina should give Mullins another Festival success.
Ballyburn’s biggest threat comes from his stablemate Dancing City.
Final Demand – 36% of Bets in the Turners Novices' Chase (13:20)
Final Demand has also attracted strong market support, with 36% of bets placed on him in the Turners Novices' Chase.
You can back Final Demand at a best price of 6/4 here.
Another from the Willie Mullins yard, Final Demand has won both of his starts under rules by a combined 27 lengths, including a dominant 12-length victory in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month.
His ability to handle soft and yielding ground adds to his appeal, and he looks like a rising star in the novice chasing division.
While The New Lion offers a credible challenge after his last impressive win, Final Demand’s commanding form makes him the one to beat.
Mullins has a strong record in this race, and punters clearly expect him to add another win to his tally.
Tango Bet
Jonbon – 58% of Bets in the Champion Chase (16:00)
Jonbon is no stranger to Festival pressure, and despite a mixed record at Cheltenham, he has been well-backed for the Champion Chase, securing 58% of total bets.
You can back Jonbon at a best price of 10/11 here.
Twelve wins from 14 starts over fences, including two over today’s course and distance. Jonbon Looks the one to beat, having already beaten most of today’s rivals during a stellar career.
The Nicky Henderson-trained star is a multiple Grade 1 winner and was last seen delivering a seven-length defeat to Energumene in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
Although he has suffered three defeats at Cheltenham, they came against elite opposition, including Constitution Hill and El Fabiolo.
Nico de Boinville has a 100% record on him and is 8 from 8 and will look to make that 9 from 9 today.
Solness now a dual Grade 1 winner following his success in the Dublin Chase, can't be allowed an easy time of things in front and he's the main threat alongside 2023 Supreme winner, Marine Nationale.
