Cheltenham tips: one key runner from each ITV race on day two of the festival
ITV will broadcast six live races from the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday. The action on day two features some high-class names, notably Monkfish, Chacun Pour Soi and the talented Easysland, and we've got you covered for the day's terrestrial TV coverage.
Cheltenham Festival Wednesday: ITV Racing tips
Our Spotlight experts select their best bets for day two of the Cheltenham Festival
1.20 Cheltenham
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, 2m5f, Grade 1
Bob Olinger has emerged as one of the top talents in Ireland this season and advertised that fact with a superb display in a Grade 1 Lawlor's Of Naas in January. This will be his biggest test to date as he faces two other superb novices who have also won at Grade 1 level, Gaillard Du Mesnil and Bravemansgame.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Bob Olinger
Impressed when winning 2m4f Grade 1 at Naas in January; leading contender here
1.55 Cheltenham
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 3m½f, Grade 1
This is all about Monkfish and whether anything can stop his irresistible march towards the top of the three-mile chasing tree. A festival winner last season and unbeaten in his last six starts, the seven-year-old will be many people's banker of the week. The Big Breakaway is talented but needs to produce more to match what the favourite has done, as do Sporting John and Eklat De Rire.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Monkfish
Produced a mighty figure (RPR 170) with his very easy Flogas success; hugely exciting
2.30 Cheltenham
Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, 2m5f, Grade 3
Grand Roi looks to have been laid out for this race for some time and has made steady improvement in Graded races in Ireland this season. Second to Bachasson in a Grade 3 at Naas last time, the five-year-old will prove tough to beat if getting a clear run in what is always a frenetic contest. Koshari and Craigneiche also have strong chances.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Monte Cristo
Only his second British handicap when motoring seven lengths clear at Kempton (2m5f), went up 12lb
Wednesday's free Cheltenham Festival tipping:
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3.05 Cheltenham
Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, 2m, Grade 1
Altior's late defection makes the task of Chacun Pour Soi look even easier. The nine-year-old has been untouchable over two miles in Ireland this season and looks in prime position to make up for lost time after his late withdrawal from this race last year. Defending champion Politilogue features among his rivals, all of whom will need a career best to get close to the favourite.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Nube Negra
Oozed class in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on sole start this term; exciting sort
Glenfarclas Chase (A Cross Country Chase), 3m6f
Easysland was arguably the most impressive winner of last year's festival when he slammed his rivals by seven lengths. He has not been seen since finishing a well-beaten fourth behind Kingswell Theatre over this course and distance in November, but trainer David Cottin will surely have him in perfect order for this. Eyes will also be on Tiger Roll, who will need to show some of his old spark to be a factor.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Hogan's Height
Pulled up on reappearance but he's a Grand Sefton winner who could relish this new discipline
One standout quote for all seven of the races at Cheltenham on Wednesday
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase, 2m, Grade 3
Zanza has been keeping some top-class company this season and looks to have been found a great chance of landing a big prize by connections. He was going effortlessly when falling three out at Cheltenham in December and on that evidence still has plenty of scope to improve off his current mark of 145. Entoucas has long been a fancy for this race, while Sky Pirate, Chosen Mate and Embittered also have leading chances.
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Embittered
Close third in County Hurdle in 2020 (2m1f, soft); stiff chase tasks since; this will suit
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ITV7 tips and predictions
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Race 1, 1.20 Cheltenham: BOB OLINGER
Race 2, 1.45 Huntingdon: MALIBOO
Race 3, 1.55 Cheltenham: MONKFISH
Race 4, 2.30 Cheltenham: MONTE CRISTO
Race 5, 3.05 Cheltenham: NUBE NEGRA
Race 6, 3.40 Cheltenham: HOGAN'S HEIGHT
Race 7, 4.15 Cheltenham: EMBITTERED
Check out the Racing Post for the latest tips and odds for every race at the festival. The best Cheltenham betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.
Wednesday's race previews:
1.20 Cheltenham: Gaillard Du Mesnil has right mix of speed and stamina to give Mullins victory
1.55 Cheltenham: can anything stop relentless Monkfish on his road to chasing superstardom?
2.30 Cheltenham: Gary Moore hoping for festival compensation with Botox Has after Goshen defeat
3.05 Cheltenham: first start in Britain for Chacun Pour Soi on biggest stage of all
3.40 Cheltenham: Tiger Roll 'as enthusiastic as ever' as he bids for fifth festival victory
4.15 Cheltenham: how the festival rejig will impact the Grand Annual
4.50 Cheltenham: 'A major player' – Kilcruit heads Mullins' Champion Bumper fabulous five
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- Crowds expected to flock to Windsor as jump racing returns to Thameside venue for the first time since 2005
- 12.45 Windsor: 'I did well there in the past' - Alan King optimistic with Helnwein as jump racing returns
- 2.55 Navan: Potters Party a big player with track, trip and ground all set to suit in competitive handicap chase
- The next Samcro or Sir Gerhard could be on show at Navan and trainers out to create history at Windsor
- 1.55 Windsor: How big a threat is this unexposed Venetia Williams chaser? Analysis and trainer quotes for staying handicap