Gallagher Novices' Hurdle

Ballyburn

The most popular bet for Day 2 at Cheltenham is BALLYBURN, will be stepping back up in trip and is a hot favourite to get favourite backers off to a flyer in Wednesday’s opener.

The six-year-old, trained by Willie Mullins, has won four of his five starts; the only time he’s gone beyond two miles resulted in an emphatic 25-length success at Leopardstown. 

He reverted to the shorter trip to contest the Grade 1 Derby Sale Novice Hurdle when last seen and won by seven lengths from Slade Steel, winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Day 1.

Having plenty of speed, his handler must feel he will be seen to even better effect back over this distance and is the one to beat. He has been backed in more than 65% of the betslips for the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, previewed here by Architect Tips.

Champion Chase

El Fabiolo

With the exception of stablemate and two-time Champion Chase winner Energumene, this seven-year-old - trained by Willie Mullins - is quickly becoming one of the best two-mile chasers. 

Rated 175, last year’s Arkle winner is unbeaten in six starts over fences and outclassed his opponents when taking the Grade 1 Dublin Chase last time out. 

EL FABIOLO can make the odd mistake in his race, but he’s generally a fluent jumper who has so much raw ability. It will take something exceptional to see the colours lowered for El Fabiolo, the second most backed horse for Day 2 with 64% of the bets in the Champion Chase.

Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

Fact To File

Willie Mullins firmly believes FACT TO FILE is a Cheltenham Gold Cup horse in the making, and from what we have seen of him, it is hard to disagree.

He was turned over on his chase debut by American Mike but has since won his two starts impressively. This former Champion Bumper runner-up should be seen to even better effect over three miles at this course.

He has lots of scope and room for improvement and he is a brilliant jumper. I think he’s destined to become a seriously top-class staying chaser and is a worthy favourite.

Fact To File has edged Stay Away Fay as the most popular selection for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, taking 54% of the bets on the race post declarations on Monday.