The feature race on day 2 of the Cheltenham festival is the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham at 3.20. With three former champions in the field, this looks like producing the race of the week. Here is big race guide.
Sprinter Sacre (100-30 Betway)
Nicky Henderson’s Sprinter Sacre had the chasing world at his feet after winning here two years’ ago. He suffered his first defeat over fences when pulled up with a fibrillating heart at Kempton in the Desert Orchid Chase in December 2013. Every precaution was taken to make sure that he was fit to return to action in January when second to Dodging Bullets. If he is back to his best he will be crowned champion chaser for a second time.
Sire de Grugy (100-30 888Sport)
Gary Moore’s Sire de Grugy filled the void left by Sprinter Sacre last year and was a thoroughly deserving winner of this race. His season got off to a disappointing start when unseating his rider at Newbury but he bounced back with a comfortable victory at Chepstow last month. He is usually held up in his races and Jamie Moore will be keen to tuck in behind Sprinter Sacre before delivering a late run.
Dodging Bullets (11-2 Paddy Power)
Paul Nicholls has won this race four times already and Dodging Bullets has every chance of providing him with a fifth success. He has disappointed at this meeting in the past and does seem to finish his races better on flatter tracks like Ascot, although he came up Sandown’s testing finish well enough to win the Tingle Creek. He had a clear fitness advantage over Sprinter Sacre last time but deserves to take his chance.
Champagne Fever (6-1 Boylesports)
Champagne Fever was narrowly denied a festival hat-trick when beaten in the Arkle Chase last year. Willie Mullins has still not decided on the best distance for the grey but he is likely to be ridden aggressively here. His jumping has been questionable in the past but he put in a good round last time and has every chance.
Mr Mole (9-1 888Sport)
Paul Nicholls has a useful second string in Mr Mole, unbeaten in his last four races over fences. He enjoyed a facile success at Newbury following the departure of Sire de Grugy but is yet to prove that he is up to this class.
Simply Ned (20-1 Coral)
Nicky Richards runs Simply Ned who finished in front of Dodging Bullets at Cheltenham in November. The heavy ground was against him at Leopardstown last time but it would be a major surprise if he were good enough to win this.
Sizing Europe (50-1 Bet365)
Sizing Europe won this race in 2011 and has finished runner-up on two occasions since. He is now thirteen years of age and was no match for Champagne Fever at Clonmel in November.
It is difficult to see any of the remainder getting into this. Special Tiara beat Balder Succes at Kempton in December but has much more to beat here. Clarcam is stepping out of novice company while Somersby is past his best and Savello is a decent handicapper.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
