Templegate’s 9-1 NAP for Day Two of the Festival in Cheltenham poised for success

TEMPLEGATE is preparing for an exciting second day at the Cheltenham Festival, looking to score some winners.

He provides insights into his picks for a thrilling afternoon at Prestbury Park, highlighting the Champion Chase, which is scheduled for 4pm.

To place your bets, simply click on the odds below. Best of luck!

Cheltenham 2025 – all you need to know

COMFORT ZONE (2.40 Cheltenham, nap)

This remarkable six-year-old, under the expert guidance of Joseph O’Brien, is set to shine in this challenging handicap. He had a stellar flat season last year, finishing with a memorable victory at Naas in October. Despite an unfortunate hurdle run at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, where he struggled for space, he crossed the finish line with plenty left in the tank.

FINAL DEMAND (1.20 Cheltenham, nb)

The Willies Mullins-trained horse showcased his potential with a dazzling performance at Leopardstown, clocking a notably impressive time. He exhibits considerable stamina and is poised for marked improvement on his fourth outing at the racecourse.

UNEXPECTED PARTY (4.40 Cheltenham, treble)

Ready to defend his Grand Annual title, the Skeltons have meticulously prepared him for today’s contest. The brothers are adept at honing in on Festival handicaps, and he recently showed promise by finishing second at Windsor. Despite drifting in the betting market, he received a composed ride, rallying to finish strongly with the winner already far ahead. His jumping remains dependable, and the 6lb increase from last year shouldn’t hinder his chances.

Templegate’s In-Depth Analysis for Day Two at Cheltenham

1.20 Turners Novices’ Hurdle

FINAL DEMAND is favored to win the Turners.

The horse trained by Willie Mullins has made a strong impression with his recent victory at Leopardstown and is expected to triumph against the Skeltons’ The New Lion in what promises to be an exhilarating race.

Here’s my assessment of the competitors rated out of five stars:

FINAL DEMAND 5 stars

A fantastic winner at Leopardstown with a quick time. Good stamina with much more potential ahead.

FORTY COATS 1

Desperately needs improvement. Struggled across three lower-tier races.

KAID D’AUTHIE 1

Outclassed in previous Grade 1 events and appears unprepared.

KAPPA JY PYKE 2

Not quite at the required level. Performed decently in muddy conditions at a lower profile but needs considerable improvement.

KEL HISTOIRE 3

Unlucky last outing; an increased distance should suit. Might be the best of the long shots.

KISS WILL 2

Showing gradual improvement; exhibited stamina at Fairyhouse. Could secure a place as an outsider.

POTTERS CHARM 3

A winner at Gr1 Formby on soft ground and demonstrated good form here previously, but needs to improve on Sixmilebridge.

SIXMILEBRIDGE 4

Conquered Gr2 here in last outing and has ample stamina, making him a strong option if ground conditions favor.

SUPERSUNDAE 2

Best performances were on heavy ground; has faced challenges in Gr1s of late and needs significant rainfall for improvement.

THE NEW LION 4

A strong competitor, showing earlier brilliance in the Challow at Newbury. Brings strong staying capabilities and room for growth.

THE YELLOW CLAY 4

Completely solid; secured a Gr1 at Naas and excels at this distance. Adaptable on various ground conditions and in contention.

2.00 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

GORGEOUS TOM is poised to make significant strides as he tackles three miles for the first time.

After a novice-like fall at Tipperary upon returning, he gathered pace for Henry De Bromhead, winning a Cork Grade 3 by six lengths in November.

This victory qualified him for the prestigious Drinmore at Fairyhouse, where he narrowly missed out by less than a length.

That race was over 2m4f, and his strong finish suggests this extended trip will suit him ideally.

Ballyburn has elevated his game, crowned with a decisive five-length win at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Though he appears to handle the longer distance well, he must validate his performance here. He can be prone to minor mishaps, but his class keeps him in the mix.

Dancing City has excelled on firm ground yet thrived in muddy conditions at Naas last time out. A seasoned Grade 1 veteran over hurdles, he might find the faster pace challenging.

Stellar Story, the previous Albert Bartlett winner over hurdles last season, claims potential if he improves his jumping.

Better Days Ahead is a proven performer over long distances, having claimed last year’s Martin Pipe. Rain would be an additional boon to his chances.

2.40 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

COMFORT ZONE is the favored entry in this fiercely competitive handicap, under the watchful eye of Joseph O’Brien.

This six-year-old demonstrated a strong season on the flat, culminating in a notable victory at Naas last October.

His only hurdle attempt since was at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, where he experienced some misfortune yet still finished respectably, signifying his retained potential.

Stepping up the distance suggests strategic planning, and he appears well-placed under Mark Walsh.

Owner JP McManus likely holds another strong competitor with Impose Toi, from Nicky Henderson’s yard.

His performance at Newbury was remarkable, and he also secured victory in a large field here in November.

First-time cheekpieces may enhance his performance for this challenge.

Be Aware is a classic entry from Dan Skelton; he achieved a solid second place in the Greatwood here before finishing third in a large field at Ascot.

Having shown stamina when finishing second at Kempton last year, he stands to improve further.

Jimmy De Seuil boasts strong credentials with a second-place finish last year in the Turners Novice Hurdle.

After a lengthy break, Willie Mullins will ensure he’s prepped for an impressive performance.

Lossiemouth (not the mare from yesterday!) is a Grade 2 winner returning from a significant absence.

Encouraging signs were seen in his recent outing at Chepstow, placing him in each-way discussions.

Betting has favored Bunting, owned by Brighton Chairman Tony Bloom.

He rarely misses his targets, following decent performances in last year’s Triumph Hurdle.

After a substantial layoff, he returned with a rusty second at Clonmel in January and could prove to be a threat.

Ballyadam finished second last year, benefitting from a 4lb drop, suggesting he could repeat that performance.

3.20 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

BUSSELTON caught attention during an impressive outing at December’s meeting held on this course.

He maneuvered through the obstacles smoothly without a hitch and concluded in sixth place.

Improving from his initial run, connections have preserved his rating by having him run over hurdles last time.

He performed admirably in a Grade 2 at Navan in February and should now be in optimal condition. His stamina is a plus for this race format and is enhanced by softer ground.

This challenge is a handicap, making it somewhat tough for Stumptown, who must concede weight to all opponents.

He received an 8lb rise after his win in the December meeting, and cheekpieces have been applied following a somewhat subdued performance.

He is a strong contender. The horse who finished close behind him last time, Mister Coffey, may again secure a podium finish.

Despite several strong showings, it remains baffling why he has not yet secured a victory in chase events, yet he seemed to favor this task previously; while he could find a unique way to falter, he must be included in your Placepot.

Galvin may be showing signs of decline at 11 years but brings a wealth of experience over this course and came close to winning the American Grand National last October.

Although that was in a hurdles race, his adaptability positions him well here.

Vanillier didn’t impress with a ninth-place finish on this course in December but put an end to a three-year losing streak with a victory in April over the banks course at Punchestown.

A repeat performance would put him in competitive range.

4.00 Queen Mother Champion Chase

SOLNESS has been somewhat underestimated following his excellent win at Leopardstown last month.

His dominant victory established him as a leading contender, showcasing remarkable speed.

He displayed exceptional jumping skills and showed no signs of tiring during the final push.

Slightly reducing the distance may assist in the stamina demands of the hill, favoring his performance prospects.

Jonbon looks to be a formidable adversary and is enjoying a stellar season.

Remaining unbeaten with Nico De Boinville aboard, he demonstrated his capabilities at Ascot recently.

As a supporter of Solness, I must note that all three of his career defeats occurred at Cheltenham, two of which were at the Festival.

Marine Nationale finished two lengths behind Solness on his last showing; however, his previous Cheltenham outing yielded a win in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, making him a contender worth noting.

If the ground isn’t soft enough, Energumene may encounter challenges, compounded by age, which might make a placement more realistic.

4.40 Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

UNEXPECTED PARTY is set to defend his Grand Annual title for the Skeltons, who have adeptly campaigned him for today’s race.

The Skelton brothers have a history of effectively targeting Festival handicaps, as seen when he finished second at Windsor last time out.

He faced some market fluctuations before being ridden conservatively, finishing well behind the winner who had already crossed the line.

His excellent jumping skills place him in a favorable position, even with a 6lb increase from last year.