Time: 14:50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Class 1)
Selection: SA FUREUR (25/1)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Davy Russell
Summary: Day 2 of the Festival isn’t my favourite to bet on; it’s more of a watching brief for me.
Saying that, after spending a great deal of time going through the form of this race, the one that stuck for me is SA FUREUR.
This Gordon Elliott trained 6 year old has won his last 3 races over in Ireland, the last one being a Class 1 at Thurles.
He has done all his running in Ireland, so I’m taking it in good faith he will handle the travel. He seems very progressive, and on a rating of 137, I think there is more to come.
Both trainer and jockey have form over course and distance, and you can bet Gordon Elliott won’t be sending him over for a run about.
Time: 15:30 – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Class 1)
Selection: ENERGUMENE
Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Paul Townend
Summary: Willie Mullins sends ENERGUMENE back to Cheltenham for another go at win number two in the Champion Chase.
This 9-year-old was well beaten last time out when finishing third to Editeur Du Gite and Edwardstone. He made an horrific mistake at the last fence, ending any chance of competing for the win.
Even though Editeur Du Gite beat both Energumene and Edwardstone at Cheltenham back in January, I believe this race will be between the two formers.
Edwardstone is clearly the danger in the race, however, I just feel Willie Mullins will have Energumene in peak condition for this encounter and hopefully ironing out any jumping issues.
I can see Editeur Du Gite taking up the running again, but I can see Paul Townend wanting to keep a tighter leash on the front runner, placing Energumene just behind him and producing him up the hill for the win.