Ginger Joe's Cheltenham 2023 Early Picks Day 2

Moving swiftly on to Day 2 of my Cheltenham Early Picks

I always find it odd that some people don’t enjoy Day 2, because there’s plenty of fantastic racing and some exceptional talent being showcased this year. I’m sure that by the time you’ve taken a look at my early selections for The Ballymore, The Brown Advisory, The Champion Chase and The Champion Bumper, you’ll think a little differently!

My bookie choice for Cheltenham Day 2

13.30: The Ballymore Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 5f

Today’s opener sees yet another exceptional horse trained by Barry Connell. This time, it’s the turn of Good Land who has shown immense improvement over this season. He bolted up in the Nathaniel Lacey, winning from the front in decisive fashion, which really does take some doing. That was a serious performance and probably the best individual piece of form on offer at this moment at a very backable price of 5/1.

I have already backed Good Land, but having seen a video of the Willie Mullins runner Impaire Et Passe working this week, I must say he is very eye-catching physically. The form he has shown so far is only fair, as he hasn’t beaten anything notable, but he goes about his business and wins well.

There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s open to much improvement and he certainly has the turn of foot needed for this race. Willie has already stated that he could have gone well in the Supreme, so he’s clearly fast enough. Anyway, I think he is likely to take a lot of beating with so, Impaire Et Passe is my early selection but I honestly think it’s going to be a great race between this pair of very good horses.

14.10: The Brown Advisory Novices Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1/2f

This 3 mile Novice Chase is fascinating again this year and also a tough nut to crack., But I have narrowed it down to two selections at this point and I have backed both already. Gerri Colombe is the current 2/1 Favourite and he has been a revelation since he was sent out Chasing.

He is a natural over fences and was very impressive when winning at Sandown last time out. He’s not the sort to go and win by any massive distance, but he stays all day long. He’s a particularly powerful horse and will take some stopping in optimum conditions, but there is the  question mark, as snow is expected to hit Cheltenham this week.

The other contender in my eyes has to be THYME HILL who is already a proven Grade 1 winner over Hurdles and clearly needs respecting. He has a fantastic turn of foot and he’s sure to be knocking at the door if he jumps round safely. He is already familiar with Cheltenham, but this will be his first time here over fences. Both are very classy animals and my final selection will depend on how the weather conditions pan out.

Cheltenham Bookies

Cheltenham finishing line

15.30: The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) 2m

The headline race today is the 2-mile Champion Chase. This one for the speedsters and there is no room for errors. The market is heading in a very certain direction, in the shape of the Willie Mullins-trained Energumene, but this year, there are two English runners who look set to give him a big run for his money and both finished ahead of the current Favourite last time out.

The race in question was here at Cheltenham at the end of January, when Cheltenham specialist Editeur De Gite beat Edwardstone in a head bob of a finish, so both are now firmly in the mix for the Champion Chase. I'm willing to give a chance to Editeur De Gite on the basis I think he can outjump the front pair in the market. It’s definitely a race where tactics are key and It’s fascinating to see how this will unfold.

17.30: The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) 2m

This year’s Champion Bumper has given me another puzzle to solve, as nothing has been overly outstanding. Even the current Favourite, It’s For Me, is easy enough to oppose. Although appearing impressive on paper when winning his Bumper debut by 10 lengths, there really was nothing in that race to trouble him. Personally, I prefer a few others ahead of him.

I do think CHAPEAU DE SOLEIL is one that has most likely come on a ton for his run last time out, but as it stands Western Diego is the Bumper winner in my eyes. He has been very impressive indeed in his two unbeaten starts to date and I think Cheltenham will suit him well enough. He’s a very exciting prospect both for Cheltenham and for the future.

Your next Early Picks fix is coming soon

I’ve got two more exciting days to look at for the 2023 Cheltenham Festival and I promise it won’t be long before you can get a handle on my early selections for Day 3 and Day 4. My main tips won’t be coming until the weekend, but between now and then, I’ve got plenty more great Cheltenham content in the pipeline, so watch this space!

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I think there’s plenty of winners to be found on Day 2 and I hope that this early look has inspired you. Don’t forget to check out all of the amazing signup offers available too – we love free bets!