IT'S the second day of the Cheltenham Festival and yesterday was a good day on the tipping front.

Our nap won the opening race, Honeysuckle defended her Champion Hurdle crown plus winners Marie's Rock (18-1) and Brazil (10-1) were both tipped as each-way selections.

Let's hope today is just as good...

1.30: Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

SIR GERHARD will likely be odds-on and it will be a huge shock if he cannot get the Irish off to a winning start.

The Willie Mullins-trained runner won last year's Champion Bumper and has looked impressive over hurdles, the second of which saw him win a Grade 1 affair.

Stage Star has also done nothing wrong and looked a class act when winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury.

Although he has plenty to find with the favourite, his 4,000 owners will bring the house down if he gets his head in front.

Journey With Me is unbeaten and has Rachael Blackmore on board so cannot be underestimated.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Sir Gerhard
  • 2 Stage Star
  • 3 Journey With Me

2.10: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

Britain's champion trainer Paul Nicholls had an opening day to forget, but BRAVEMANSGAME can put the smile back on his face.

He has done nothing but improve and impress this season, winning a Grade 1 event last time and is the one to beat.

L'Homme Presse is four from four over fences and may be the chief rival to our selection, while at bigger odds, Dysart is an intriguing, and big-priced, contender for Nicky Henderson.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Bravemansgame (nap)
  • 2 L'Homme Presse
  • 3 Dysart

2.50: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

A wide open contest with more than a dozen likely to fancy their chances.

We will take a chance on INDIGO BREEZE for Gordon Elliot.

Making his handicap debut, with jockey Jordan Gainford taking off an extra 3lbs, he is a bit of an unknown quantity, but stayed on well last time and could be the perfect type for this race.

Gowel Road can lead the British challenge for the Twiston-Davies family, with Saint Felicien - also from Elliott's yard - likely to produce a bold bid.

At bigger odds, Ashdale Bob has plenty of weight, but also a touch of class.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Indigo Breeze
  • 2 Gowel Road
  • 3 Saint Felicien
  • 4 Ashdale Bob

3.30: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

One of the most eagerly-anticipated races of the Festival.

SHISHKIN will start favourite and can once again show his class by beating Energumene.

The duo had an epic battle at Ascot and there's no reason why that result should be reversed here.

Chacun Pour Soi is electric in Ireland but has never impressed in Britain. He has the potential to get involved, but isn't certain to perform.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Shishkin
  • 2 Energumene
  • 3 Chacun Pour Soi

4.10: Glenfarcas Cross Country Chase

Tiger Roll can ensure there's hardly a dry eye in the house if he can bring his career to an end with a fourth win in the race.

He will start favourite and comes alive at Cheltenham, but his form is hardly inspiring.

As unpopular as it may be, we think MIDNIGHT MAESTRO can spring a surprise.

A winner over the cross-country fences in Ireland, Enda Bolger's charge can ruin the Tiger party.

Delta Work and Prengarde can complete the first four

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Midnight Maestro
  • 2 Tiger Roll
  • 3 Delta Work
  • 4 Prengarde

4.50: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase

EMBITTERED fell in this race last year when favourite, but a clear round here can see him land the spoils.

Although yet to regain his best form this term, he has a touch of class that could prove vital, provided he cleans up his jumping.

Andy Dufresne is another Gordon Elliott horse making his handicap debut.

He will be fresh and has produced a series of impressive runs and can give the selection the most to think about.

Before Midnight has won at the course and is shortlisted, while Sky Pirate won this 12 months ago but is 4lb higher. However, he is a consistent sort and can run into a place.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Embittered
  • 2 Andy Dufresne
  • 3 Before Midnight
  • 4 Sky Pirate

5.30: Weatherbys Champion Bumper

The Irish look to hold all the aces here with AMERICAN MIKE and Facile Vega the hotly-tipped pick of their runners.

Both made great impressions and it looks a straight shoot-out between the pair.

Houlanbatordechais and Redemption Day - both Irish - can complete the first four.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 American Mike
  • 2 Facile Vega
  • 3 Houlanbatordechais
  • 4 Redemption Day

COMPILED BY MARK EDWARDS.