IT'S the second day of the Cheltenham Festival and yesterday was certainly one for favourites.

But while there are a couple of short-price selections today, we have picked out some big-priced tips.

1.20: Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

There are a few highly-regarded types in here, but BOB OLINGER has been talked up in recent weeks and looks to have all the right credentials.

He has been getting better all season and can continue his progression, although fellow hat-trick seeker Gaillard Du Mesnil should be feared, along with Paul Nicholls’ Bravemansgam.

That trio look the ones to concentrate on.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Bob Olinger
  • 2 Bravesmangame
  • 3 Gaillard Du Mesnil

1.55: Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

MONKFISH is one of the bankers of the meeting and looks hard to oppose here – and the odds reflect that.

Eklate De Rire is probably the most likely runner-up, but the race is not a big betting proposition.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Monkfish
  • 2 Eklate De Rire

2.30: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

We go from a small field with a hot favourite to a wide open contest with more than a dozen likely to fancy their chances.

We are going big with DYSART DIAMOND, who looks unexposed.

While clearly not the Willie Mullins first string with Paul Townend riding Koshari, there are plenty of reasons why he shouldn’t run a big price at around 25-1.

He won well on his handicap debut and while unproven over this trip, will creep into the race.

Grand Roi looks to be on a decent handicap mark and will be a danger.

Nicky Henderson has a great record in this race and of his four runners Monte Cristo appeals the most, with Tea Clipper another lively outsider.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Dysart Diamond
  • 2 Grand Roi
  • 3 Monte Cristo
  • 4 Tea Clipper

3.05: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

Chacun Pour Soi is likely to go off a hot favourite, but has never run at Cheltenham before and so we will take a chance on PUT THE KETTLE ON.

Henry De Bromhead’s charge has won all three starts at Cheltenham, including at this meeting last year and his proven form at the course could prove crucial.

Nube Negra was impressive at Kempton and has the potential to challenge for honours.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Put The Kettle On
  • 2 Chacun Pour Soi
  • 3 Nube Negra

3.40: Glenfarcas Cross Country Chase

Easysland lived up to his name with a facile victory in this race last year and is sure to go close.

But with him at short odds, a chance is taken on SOME NECK, who triumphed in December and looks a solid each-way bet, who can take advantage if the favourite under-performs.

Tiger Roll has looked a shadow of his former self, and Le Breuil can fill third.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Some Neck
  • 2 Easysland
  • 3 Le Breuil

4.15: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase

SKY PIRATE was going to tackle the Arkle yesterday and would have picked up decent prize money for just completing there.

So the fact that connections chose to go for this lesser race must mean they are confident of a big run.

While he was well beaten last time, he is unexposed in handicaps and looks to have a great chance.

Embittered was third over hurdles here last year and can chase home the selection.

Zanza had been in fine form until falling last time, but if that has not had an impact looks a good each-way selection, with Glen Forsa one of the more likely types at bigger odds.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Sky Pirate
  • 2 Embittered
  • 3 Zanza
  • 4 Glen Forsa

4.50: Weatherbys Champion Bumper

The Irish look to hold all the aces here with KILCRUIT hugely impressive last time and a deserved favourite.

Sir Gerhard has huge potential with Three Stripe Life another boasting a 100 per cent record.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Kilcruit
  • 2 Sir Gerhard
  • 3 Three Stripe Life

COMPILED BY MARK EDWARDS.