Cheltenham Pageant 2023 suggestions: Nube Negra can provide Energumene a great run on day two

The Betway Queen Mom Champion Chase (3.30) will divide opinion. With Shishkin having left the two-mile division, Energumene picked up the items and, having been so spectacular on this race final 12 months, he stays the horse to beat.

The priority is how laboured he was right here in January behind Editeur Du Gite, and it’s a concern for backers of Edwardstone that Alan King’s cost nonetheless did not win, so an alternate is feasible and, maybe, Nube Negra is the one.

A lot better contemporary, he has thus been saved all 12 months by Dan Skelton, and he has a wonderful file at Cheltenham. Furthermore, he’s a backable worth in a difficult renewal.

Willie Mullins ought to get punters off to a profitable begin within the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (1.30) with Impaire Et Passe. With two wins from two outings, it’s arduous to understand how good he’s, however he appears sure to enhance now up in distance.

Paul Nicholls (left) has change into a peripheral determine at Cheltenham lately, and he’ll not often get pleasure from a win as a lot if Hermes Allen scores. Extremely-impressive in his three races up to now, he’s harmful to low cost, with Barry Connell additionally bullish about Good Land.

The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (2.10) sees one of many bankers of the week for the Irish within the form of Gerri Colombe, skilled by Gordon Elliott.

Jockey Jordan Gainford spoke favourably of his likelihood yesterday, and Elliott has by no means hidden his regard for this horse, who has received each race he has contested.

The latest rain will assist his possibilities and he at all times appears to do what’s merely sufficient on the day. At large odds, I Am Maximus might reward each-way gamers, for all that he has change into somewhat disappointing.

Elliott runs 5 within the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2.50), and it might be no shock if Fil Dor was as much as defying high weight, regardless of being solely a five-year-old. An opportunity is taken on An Epic Track, who will very a lot welcome the rain and was fairly eye-catching at Leopardstown.

Tiger Roll was denied by Delta Work within the Glenfarclas Chase (4.10) final 12 months, and the latter regarded the brand new child on the block. He faces an up-and-comer from his personal yard, Galvin, and the betting can be fascinating.

Coeur Chic isn’t one to belief, however could have the category within the Grand Annual (4.50) underneath Ben Harvey.

The ultimate race of the day, the Weatherbys Champion Bumper (5.30) sees Mullins declare a staggering 10 runners, however Elliott’s Higher Days Forward is admittedly promising.