day2

Cheltenham Festival Day 2

As Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival 2025 approaches, excitement builds for another thrilling day of world-class racing at Prestbury Park. Known as Ladies’ Day, this eagerly anticipated fixture showcases a spectacular mix of elite competition, rising stars, and high-stakes betting opportunities.

The undisputed highlight of the day is the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a high-octane test of speed and jumping ability that crowns the finest two-mile chaser in the sport. This Grade 1 spectacle attracts the fastest and most talented horses, ensuring an electrifying contest that never fails to deliver drama.

Beyond the feature race, the Day 2 schedule is packed with a compelling blend of novice contests, competitive handicaps, and fiercely contested Grade 1 events, providing ample opportunities for punters to spot value bets. Whether you’re backing seasoned champions or seeking an underdog to cause an upset, Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival promises unmissable action.

Check out our expert tips and predictions for Cheltenham Festival Day 2.

Race Schedule and Analysis

13:20 – Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

Distance: 2m 5f

This opening race showcases emerging hurdling talent. Horses aged four and above compete over ten hurdles on the Old Course. The race often highlights future stars of the sport.

  • Cheltenham 13.20 NAP – Final Demand
  • Cheltenham 13.20 NB – The Yellow Clay
  • Cheltenham 13.20 Longshot – Potters Charm

Betting Insight: Horses with strong recent form and proven stamina perform well in this event. Novices who have demonstrated consistency in previous outings tend to be solid contenders.

14:00 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

Distance: 3m

This race is a major test for novice chasers, requiring them to navigate 20 fences. The three-mile trip ensures only the most well-conditioned horses prevail.

  • Cheltenham 14.00 NAP – Ballyburn
  • Cheltenham 14.00 NB – Dancing City
  • Cheltenham 14.00 Longshot – Croke Park

Betting Insight: Novices with a solid jumping record and the ability to stay the distance have a competitive edge. Horses transitioning smoothly from hurdles to fences should be considered.

14:40 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

Distance: 2m 5f

A highly competitive handicap hurdle featuring a large field. With tight margins often separating the runners, tactics play a crucial role.

  • Cheltenham 14.40 NAP – Be Aware
  • Cheltenham 14.40 NB – Supersundae
  • Cheltenham 14.40 Longshot – Bunting

Betting Insight: Each-way bets provide good value due to the unpredictable nature of the race. Horses with a favourable handicap mark and a record of solid performances in similar conditions should be prioritised.

15:20 – Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country Chase)

Distance: 3m 6f

This unique race navigates the cross-country course, incorporating a variety of obstacles that demand skill and adaptability. Stamina and experience in similar conditions are key factors.

  • Cheltenham 15.20 NAP – Stumptown
  • Cheltenham 15.20 NB – Galvin
  • Cheltenham 15.20 Long Shot – Vanillier

Betting Insight: Prior experience on cross-country courses is a significant advantage. Horses accustomed to unconventional obstacles often outperform their rivals.

16:00 – Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Distance: 2m

The feature race of the day attracts elite two-mile chasers, providing a thrilling contest of speed and jumping ability. Champions of this race cement their place in racing history.

  • Cheltenham 16.00 NAP – Jonbon
  • Cheltenham 16.00 NB – Marine Nationale
  • Cheltenham 16.00 Long Shot – Energumene

Betting Insight: Horses with impeccable jumping skills and proven speed over this distance dominate. Previous performances in Grade 1 chases are crucial indicators of success.

16:40 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3)

Distance: 2m ½f

A fast-paced handicap chase with a long-standing history. The intense nature of the race often results in close finishes and dramatic moments.

  • Cheltenham 16.40 NAP – Libberty Hunter
  • Cheltenham 16.40 NB – Unecpected Party
  • Cheltenham 16.40 Longshot – So Scottish

Betting Insight: Speed and agility are key. Horses that excel in high-tempo races and possess sharp jumping abilities tend to perform well.

17:20 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1)

Distance: 2m ½f

The sole flat race of the festival, providing a platform for future hurdling stars. This race is known for producing top-level talent in subsequent seasons.

  • Cheltenham 17.20 NAP – Gameofinches
  • Cheltenham 17.20 NB – Copacabana
  • Cheltenham 17.20 Long Shot – Aqua Force

Betting Insight: Horses with standout performances in previous bumpers should be considered. Trainer records in this specific race can provide valuable clues.

Expert Betting Tips for Day 2

  • Turners Novices’ Hurdle: Novices with strong recent form and proven stamina have an advantage.
  • Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase: Horses with consistent jumping records and the ability to handle longer distances are favoured.
  • Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle: Due to the race’s competitiveness, each-way bets on horses with favourable handicap marks offer good value.
  • Glenfarclas Chase: Experience on cross-country courses is crucial; horses familiar with such terrains often perform well.
  • Queen Mother Champion Chase: Elite chasers with impeccable jumping skills and proven speed over two miles should be prioritised.
  • Grand Annual Handicap Steeple Chase: Speed and agility are essential; horses that thrive in fast-paced races should be considered.
  • Weatherbys Champion Bumper: Evaluating horses with impressive performances in bumpers is essential, along with assessing trainer records in this race.

FAQs

Q: What is the feature race on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival 2025?
A: The Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00 is the highlight, featuring elite two-mile chasers.

Q: How many races are scheduled for Day 2?
A: Seven races are scheduled, starting at 13:20 and concluding at 17:20.

Q: What should bettors consider when placing bets on Day 2 races?
A: Factors such as recent form, course experience, trainer and jockey records, and ground conditions are crucial.

Summary

Cheltenham Festival Day 2 delivers a thrilling mix of top-class races, including the prestigious Queen Mother Champion Chase. The schedule features a blend of novice, handicap, and cross-country races, offering diverse betting opportunities. Novices with strong recent form, chasers with solid jumping records, and handicappers with favourable marks should be key considerations. Cross-country experience is vital for the Glenfarclas Chase, while speed and agility dominate the Grand Annual. The Champion Bumper provides insight into future hurdling stars. Bettors should focus on form, trainer and jockey performance, and race conditions to make informed betting decisions. Stay connected with Sports Betting Tipsters for the best insights throughout the festival.