Cheltenham Festival 2025: Expert Betting Advice & Top 12 Horses To Back On Day Two

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated horse racing events in the world. The four-day meeting, which typically takes place in mid-March, attracts some of the best horses and jockeys from around the globe. For punters, the festival offers a thrilling opportunity to place bets on some of the most competitive and closely matched racing in the season. As the festival approaches, bookmakers and racing experts alike are buzzing with excitement, and this year's event promises to be just as thrilling as ever.

In this article, we'll provide expert betting advice and a rundown of the top 12 horses to back on Day Two of the Cheltenham Festival 2025. We'll cover the key trends, form, and statistics to help you make informed decisions and maximize your returns.

Key Trends to Watch on Day Two

2024 Cheltenham Festival Trends

Analyzing the trends from the 2024 Cheltenham Festival can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each horse. Key trends to watch include:

• Weight for Course: Lighter weights tend to suit faster tracks like Cheltenham.
• Age: Most winners at Cheltenham are between 5-7 years old.
• Sex: Mares tend to dominate the ladies' events, while horses with experience are more likely to win.
• Form: Horses with a strong recent run are more likely to win.
• Class: Top-class horses tend to dominate the field, but the 4-miler is a more open affair.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions at Cheltenham can greatly impact the outcome of the races. Lighter weights and a faster track can make it easier for horses to perform well in wetter conditions. However, the track is usually dry, which favors the faster horses.

Top 12 Horses to Back on Day Two

1. Étiennette (Nick Scholfield, 11/2) - 2:30pm Ryanair Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Paul Nicholls
• Jockey: Nick Scholfield
• Career Stats: 4-0-1
• Weight: 11st 3lb
• Notable: The returning mare has a strong recent form and has been well-backed for this race.

2. Shamrock Solero (Daryl Jacob, 6/1) - 1:30pm Conway's Lone Star Boodles Juvenile Handicap Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Daryl Jacob
• Career Stats: 3-2-1
• Weight: 11st 2lb
• Notable: The strong favorite is a highly rated juvenile who has not yet faced his main rival.

3. Island King (Jarryd Bendon, 10/1) - 12:05pm 1/2 Lithouse Handicap Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Henry Oliver
• Jockey: Jarryd Bendon
• Career Stats: 5-2-1
• Weight: 11st 9lb
• Notable: The gritty beginner has gained a few lucrative rides and shows great prospects.

4. Powder Blue (Charlie Peter, 16/1) - 1:05pm 4-Y-O Boodles G1 Novice Hurdle

• Trainer: Paul Nicholls
• Jockey: Charlie Peter
• Career Stats: 3-1-1
• Weight: 11st 10lb
• Notable: This has developed into a cracking 4-year-old novice and has been gaining strong ground.

5. Super Brave (Andrew Slade, 14/1) - 2:10pm Ormley Manor Solicitors Novices' Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Paul Nicholls
• Jockey: Andrew Slade
• Career Stats: 4-3-1
• Weight: 11st 13lb
• Notable: A talented novice who is stepping up to the field's top hurdles competition.

6. Preescence (Daryl Jacob, 5/1) - 2:35pm What a Wonderful World Maringford Handicap Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Daryl Jacob
• Career Stats: 6-3-2
• Weight: 12st 2lb
• Notable: This has already won four handicap hurdles and has lost just one race over fences.

7. Eughter Debabsid Dublincy (Danny Mullins, 18/1) - 3:40pm BetWay Mares Novices' Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Danny Mullins
• Career Stats: 3-1-0
• Weight: 10st 13lb
• Notable: An unproven but strongly related small hunter mare.

8. Memelio (Simon England, 10/1) - 4:00pm Sport Digital Real-time Weather Perceval Novices' Handicap Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Alan King
• Jockey: Simon England
• Career Stats: 4-2-0
• Weight: 11st 9lb
• Notable: A decent handicap chase performer with the potential to be better.

9. Ivory Marvel (Sam Waley-Cox, 16/1) - 4:20pm Dick R Powell Mares' Novices' Handicap Steeple Chase

• Trainer: Paul Nicholls
• Jockey: Sam