Cheltenham Festival day two: Video highlights, results and reaction featuring Altior's Queen Mother Champion Chase win

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Cheltenham Festival: Day Two

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1740: Willie Mullins one, two three! Amazing effort and it's Katie Walsh who steers 25/1 outsider to victory, with Acey Milan the pick of the Brits back in fourth.

On the subject of Walsh, Ruby is said to have "aggravated his previous leg injury" and will see a consultant for further assessment.

RESULT: 5.30 Cheltenham – Champion Bumper

1st RELEGATE (25/1)
2nd Carefully Selected
3rd Tornado Flyer

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1700: What a difference a day makes. Yesterday there were questions raised over Gordon Elliott's form after Apple's Jade was turned over, today's it's a Festival treble courtesy of Samcro, Tiger Roll and now this four-year-old. And he's come into this very much under the radar after a Punchestown maiden hurdle win at the start of the year was followed by two much quieter runs.

RESULT: 4.50 Cheltenham – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

1st VENEER OF CHARM (33/1)
2nd Style De Garde
3rd Nube Negra
4th Padleyourowncanoe

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1640: Mullins has reflected on his pair in the Champion.

Of Douvan he said: "I thought he had done enough to show that he was back to himself. He was absolutely cantering, jumping great and I thought he was jumping so well and then he over-jumped and just caught the top of it."

He added that he was "delighted" with Min and that Altior winning as he did "was a huge performance."

1635: Fair play to The Lads in the office, who have turned around a quick video for your consumption.

1630: 'A big run' almost strikes me as something of an understatement. He was keen through the early stages again, too.

1625: Despite drifting like a barge on the assumption he wouldn't appreciate the soft ground, Tiger Roll does the business yet again here at the Festival, following on from previous wins in the Triumph Hurdle as a juvenile and the National Hunt Chase 12 months ago. A remarkable little horse.

RESULT: 4.10 Cheltenham – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

1st TIGER ROLL (7/1)
2nd Urgent De Gregaine
3rd The Last Samuri

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1605: Check out our selections for the Cross Country right here...

1600: Henderson has now nailed the Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase, and could become the first trainer to win the three major championship races in the same Festival, with Might Bite all set to complete the treble in Friday's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

1554: De Boinville confirmed the ground was to blame for the manner in which Altior seemed to struggle through the early stages.

The winning rider said: "I was in serious trouble the whole way round. It's not his ground at all. His jumping just kept him in the race. He's some horse.

"He's had a hard race there. He's some horse to get me out of trouble."

He added: "He's exceptional. He's the best of the best. That was just sensational. Boy, am I lucky to ride him. Everyone loves an Irish banker, but how about an English one?"

The rider reserved special praise for Henderson, saying: "That was a great training performance. To come back from a scare on Monday, that was a great training performance."

1542: Breathing operation? Pus in a frog? Not to worry, you can always count on Altior at the Cheltenham Festival and despite looking under the pump with four horses in front of him turning into the straight, he motored home under an all-action Nico de Boinville to land his third straight Festival success.

A truly great chaser and what a story for him to come along so swiftly on the back of the same stable's Sprinter Sacre.

1536: Another big race at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival and another almighty roar from the packed crowds as favourite Altior storms home to maintain his unbeaten record over fences.

Douvan fell just after halfway when going well at the head of affairs but thankfully he's up and being walked back by Patrick Mullins.

RESULT: 3.30 Cheltenham – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

1st ALTIOR (evens favourite)
2nd Min
3rd God's Own

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1524: Amazing drift with Douvan ahead of the Champion Chase. He's out to 5/1 and bigger and we might now be looking at the long-awaited second instalment of Altior v Min. There was seven lengths between them in the 2016 Sky Bet Supreme, but has Min really developed into a classier chaser?

Without the last minute setback on Monday, I have a feeling Altior might now be trading somewhere close to 4/6. But we have a race on our hands, and punters are also delving a little deeper too, with each-way money for Politologue, God's Own and Charbel.

I put God's Own forward as my charity bet selection at a recent preview night but the ground just hasn't come for him at all and I'd be amazed if he could figure. Tom George's horses are running well though.

"Stranger things have happened," offers Ben Linfoot next to me. Before adding: "...actually, they haven't."

1514: Describe Cheltenham in one word...

"Everything."

I love Nicky Henderson.

1505: Not long until the feature Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, due off at 3.30.

1500: One door closes, another one opens. Paul Townend was meant to be riding Coral Cup winner Bleu Berry, but with Ruby Walsh injured he jumped onto Max Dynamite, leaving Mark Walsh to take control and claim his first Cheltenham Festival winner.

Poor old Topofthegame, just beaten a neck but he's lost nothing in defeat. The Organist has rune a huge race and produced some each-way profits for the Value Bet column, while I'm left wondering how far William Henry might have won by had he been able to jump straight.

RESULT: 2.50 Cheltenham - Coral Cup

1st BLEU BERRY (20/1)
2nd Topofthegame
3rd Barra
4th William Henry
5th The Organist

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1445: Walsh out, but show must go on. Lots of money around for Topofthegame and Barra in the latest betting.

1437: Confirmation that Walsh has been stood down. Patrick Mullins rides Douvan in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Doesn't sound good regarding Walsh's leg (suspected broken).

1432: So we know Ruby's out of race three...

1428: What an incredible operation the Pat Kelly operation is. He only has a handful of horses to deal with and yet he's now had a winner at the last three Cheltennham Festivals.

What about 2019? Sky Bet make Presenting Percy 8/1 (from 16s) for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

1426: Walsh helped into an ambulance - never a good sight, but especially not just before he was about to get the leg up on Douvan.

1424: Ruby Walsh fell from Al Boum Photo at the last and looks to have picked up an injury of some sort. Stay tuned, but he's obviously just come back from that leg-break, so fingers crossed.

1422: No respite for the bookmakers at Presenting Percy routs the opposition with a performance that screams 'Gold Cup!' at you.

A terrific display from a rapidly improving horse who was prepared to the minute for last year's Pertemps Final and has continued on an upward curve over fences.

A brilliant boost for the form of Gold Cup hope Our Duke, who gave him weight and a beating in the Red Mills Chase recently.

RESULT: 2.10 Cheltenham – RSA Chase

1st PRESENTING PERCY (5/2 favourite)
2nd Monalee
3rd Elegant Escape

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1406: Some interesting live developments in the RSA Chase betting and while Presenting Percy and Monalee are both fairly solid, it's the British-trained runners Black Corton (5/1) Elegant Escape (9/1) and Ballyoptic (10/1) who are the three for money.

Surely not on account of Elegant Escape's point-to-point second to Samcro? I mean, surely?

Here's Colin Tizzard on Elegant Escape.

1402: Oli Bell has developed into a surprisingly good tipster on these pages in the past few months and his Yankee for today, like many others' I'm sure, is off to the perfect start.

He's now waiting on Elegant Escape, Altior and The King Of May for a big payday. Click on the image below to get stuck into his preview.

1356: Punchestown next, but what next for Samcro do we reckon? Champion Hurdle? RSA Chase?

Michael O'Leary says: "He was terrific - very good - and was given a great ride by Jack Kennedy. He's done everything that Gordon's asked him to do. It was great.

"Now the worry is for him to keep fit and well. We'll see how he gets on. Hopefully he'll be fit and well and head to Punchestown, and then Gordon will make a plan next year for him.

"At least he's won at Cheltenham so he's going the right way."

Winning jockey Jack Kennedy is just 18 years old.

He said: "That was unreal. He's just a class horse. I was there way too soon on him, but he kept going. The horse is very good. I wasn't happy with the position I had during the race, but he's such a good horse that he got me through."

For those that way inclined, Sky Bet have introduced Samcro into the following races for next year's Festival:

Arkle 7/1
JLT 4/1
RSA Chase 6/1

1350: The fun doesn't stop there, oh no. RSA time in 20 minutes. Dounikos my own selection, but admittedly Presenting Percy will be tough to beat.

I love Monalee in truth, but I'm torn slightly as I just felt the JLT might have been the better option for him.

1345: I thought yesterday had it all but that's a brilliant start to day two. And a brilliant start for punters, who've not had it bad so far at the Festival.

1340: Simply stunning. Super Samcro - what a monster of a novice. After absolutely tanking through the race for Jack Kennedy, he's picked up the running very easily turning in and stayed on well up the stands rail. He wandered slightly when straightened up, but was much the best.

Black Op has run a stormer, boosting the aforementioned Santini form in the process, while Next Destination came off the bridle early but flew home for Ruby Walsh. Maybe the Albert Bartlett was the best option for him, after all.

RESULT: 1.30 Cheltenham – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

1st SAMCRO (8/11 favourite)
2nd Black Op
3rd Next Destination

Click here for full result and FREE video replay

1329: There are going to be some long (and red) faces if Samcro gets beaten here...

1322: There's a few nibbles of cash for Vision Des Flos in the opener and it looks justified on that devastating victory on his first start since a wind op at Exeter last time.

We caught up with trainer Colin Tizzard recently to get the latest on his promising novice.

1308: Oh, had I mentioned that I quite like Next Destination at the prices? It's interesting that despite all the hype over the Irish novices, it was a British-trained one-two in yesterday's Sky Bet Supreme.

Any yet, on a line through Paloma Blue (fourth in Supreme and third in Deloitte), Samcro and some of the very best Irish novices look a cut above the Brits on form.

And in truth I'm not much of an odds-on punter. I get the case for Samcro but Next Destination is the best of the Mullins novices this season and with Samcro around we're now getting 4/1, rather than 6/4.

He's also a Grade One winner already, so at the prices Next Destination will do for me.

1306: This graphic does exactly what it says on the tin. And if you click on it you'll be taken to Sky Bet's Money Back offer on the race - what could be simpler?

1258: Just nipped out for a gulp of fresh air and I realise I'm a bit late here but BRING A SCARF. There's a freezing cold wind blowing about and it's not too pleasant. But no sign of rain so that's a relief.

There was a sign of Paul Nicholls, and my dad and Ralph Beckett, but I only spoke to one of them.

1248: Here's here, everyone. And there's a buzz about this horse like I've not known for a long time.

1230: One hour to go before the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle and the crowd is already absolutely massive. Numbers were up yesterday (over 66,000, the second biggest ever for the opening day) despite the weather/ground and they were treated to some unbelievable action.

1225: Email from Simon Adams which reads: "Matt, bBailed out by Mister Whitaker yesterday but Coo Star Sivola also helped.

Today is all about Samcro if he turns it on we will all be chirping! The RSA looks a belter and I hope Presenting Percy wins more for the unconventional route and it might just get a few more running in the future. Altior should be winning but it’ll be a cracker if the 3 turn in together!

The cross country I love Auvergnat and think he’s far too big and will love the ground and has the younger legs than a few.

Then the two best bets of the day for me! Nube Negra in the Fred Winter looks a nice horse and gave Apple's Shakira a bit of a race before ACEY MILAN wins the bumper. A real monster this horse!

Enjoy today!"

Thanks Simon, some good stuff here. Must admit, Auvergnat does appeal to me at the prices and Harry Skelton has suggested Nube Negra is his best chance of the week. So lots to look forward to!

1216: Quick glance at the RSA Chase today and it's clear the Irish are expected to dominate.

The likes of Elegant Escape and Ballyoptic would be right on the scene in a normal year but the best of the British look just shy of what's required in this field, including Black Corton. What an amazing little horse he's turned out to be for Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost.

The vibes in the Press Room though are all for Presenting Percy. He's a formidable talent and gave Gold Cup Our Duke a bit of a scare in his prep run, for which he was favourite. It'll take an almighty effort to beat him, I suspect.

1208: Decs are through for Friday and the headlines are that 18 horses go to post for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Ruby Walsh on Kilultagh Vic and Paul Townend riding Total Recall. Anibale Fly stands his ground and Derek O'Connor is on Edwulf. Shantou Flyer, who was second in Tuesday's Ultima Handicap Chase, has been declared under James Bowen. Fascinating stuff.

Elsewhere, there's too much 'balloted out' news for me to round up here - but Ben Linfoot has kindly done it all for us right here.

Only nine run in the Triumph, but is a strong nine.

In the Albert Bartlett, earlier rumours suggesting Santini may be out have proved unfounded, though it is thought deep ground could ultimately see him sidestep the race.

The last horse to get into the Martin Pipe is Brave Eagle for Nicky Henderson and Charlie Deutsch, with Arthur's Gift and Kildisart just missing out.

1200: "...the fact Walsh has chosen Douvan over stablemate Min despite all these problems is a stark display of the stable’s pecking order. It cannot be construed as anything but a negative for this column’s ante-post selection.

"Yet happily, races must actually be run rather than their trophies decided beforehand by committee and even those closest to the principals can be mistaken or overtaken by events."

Lydia Hislop, take a bow. Click on the below tweet to check out the day two Road to Cheltenham preview in full. It is well worth doing, I assure you.

1140: Here's a thing. They've omitted the fourth fence in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (4.10) - the race known as the Aintree fence. It's it waterlogged.

Interesting line from Clerk of the Course Simon Claisse: "We got our assessments wrong yesterday as we thought it would be a slog in the ground, but they seemed to get through it pretty well."

I can only imagine it's pretty gluey and holding now as we've had no more rain - that is forecast to arrive all day Thursday and into Gold Cup day too.

1130: Forgot to make my excuses for the tardy start again today, but once again I've been chatting with the Sky Bet boys on an uncomfortably low sofa at a strangely large house on the outskirts of town.

Ed Chamberlin joined us and was in great form, waxing lyrical over Samcro who he's backed at massive prices right at the start of the season. What. A. Pro.

Here's the link if you're interested in watching it back.

1122: Housey has been back on. Good old Housey.

He writes: "Morning Matt. Apple’s Jade scuppered my 6 leg accumulator yesterday. Gutted.! Back today though with a 4 horse accumulator of Samcro, Presenting Percy, Altior and Cause of Causes.

Housey."

You make the great game look simple Housey, and I applaud you for that. There are negatives with all those selection, but some are greater than others, namely 'never been to Cheltenham' (Samcro), 'had a brutal prep race' (PP), 'had pus in a frog' (Altior) and 'he wants proper spring ground' (Cause Of Causes.)

And on the whole I suspect you'll get several pretty exciting runs for your money. Unlike myself yesterday with Jury Duty and Any Second Now... But I did manage to find Melon without the fav and Benie Des Dieux wasd a high point, too, so we're in reasonable shape.

1114: No wonder Politologue is such a good price when you hear Nicky Henderson talk about how much he expected Altior to improve for his Newbury comeback.

But was he really tested? I'm not totally convinced we fully discovered whether the breathing problem was completely fixed. And perhaps today is the day we'll really find out.

1108: Below you can see a lovely selection of tips from our bulging team of experts, but where is the money going this morning?

Well, here are Sky Bet's best-backed Cheltenham Festival runners this afternoon:

1.30 – Brahma Bull 25/1 from 33/1

2.10 – Al Boum Photo – 13/2 from 7/1

2.50 – Mischievous Max 20/1 from 33/1

3.30 – Politologue 12/1 from 16/1

4.10 – Urgent De Gregaine 14/1 from 16/1

4.50 – Turning Gold 20/1 from 33/1

5.30 – Acey Milan 13/2 from 8/1

1056: More good news this morning is that Altior has been given the nod by the vet to take part in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. He's had a strange season and his prep has hardly been ideal with a wind operation and now an 11th hour foot problem, but he's oh so classy.

What a fantastic race it promises to be if Douvan is able to get back to his best. He spent the best part of his early career beating up subsequent Gold Cup winner Sizing John before injury struck on this day last year.

If he's back and Altior is able to show his best then it's a meeting not of two 'machines', but two Sherman tanks.

I'm honestly doubtful Min or Politologue are good enough to beat the big two.

1042: So who floats your boat on day two? Hard to believe we’re only a quarter of the way through, isn't it? With any luck punters will have something to play with after a bunch of favourites did the business yesterday.

But Apple’s Jade was the standout beaten favourite, so is that – together with one or two other Gordon Elliott horses not quite performing – putting anyone off Samcro in the Ballymore?

Get in touch via @MattBrocklebank on Twitter or email matthew.brocklebank@sportinglife.com and I'll share our thoughts.

1030: Welcome back to Cheltenham where thankfully the weather is playing ball, as forecast, and the going is now marginally ‘better’ (depending on your preference, of course) than yesterday at Soft, Heavy in places.

And despite the gruelling conditions, day one served up a stunning array of close finishes, titanic tussles and all-round high drama.

More of the same? I see no reason why that should not be the case on Ladies’ Day, also known as Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase day. Samcro day? We shall see.

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