Horse Racing: Cheltenham Festival Day 2 Picks (Mar 12)

The exciting action at the Cheltenham Festival continues on day two on March 12, 2025, as the Champion Chase headlines the card. The second day of the Festival includes further graded races such as the G1 Turners Novices Hurdle and the G1 Brown Advisory Chase. You can find our picks here.

Cheltenham Festival Day 2 Picks

Champion Chase (R5- 11:00 AM ET)

Latest Odds taken from Bet365. Correct as one 10:55 AM 02/27/25

The G1 Champion Chase headlines the second day of the Festival, and it is the most prestigious middle-distance chase on the National Hunt calendar. The field will compete over a distance of a mile and seven furlongs, and legendary winners include Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre, and Altior.

Nicky Henderson stands an excellent chance of becoming the most successful trainer in the race. He saddles Jonbon, who has won 12 from 14 starts over fences. However, the fact that his three career defeats have been suffered at Cheltenham, as well as a poor record of favorites in the race, means there could be value in taking him on.

Marine Nationale could be a poignant winner of the Champion Chase. Michael O’Sullivan rode the runner to Supreme glory in 2023, and it would be extremely special should the eight-year-old claim success just weeks after O’Sullivan’s tragic passing.

The Barry Connell runner has been on a recovery mission since failing to win on his last four starts over fences following a maiden win. However, there was plenty to like about his effort in the final mile in the G1 Dublin Chase, and that could spark a renewed effort back at Cheltenham.

Turners Novices’ Hurdle (R1- 8:20 AM ET)

Latest Odds taken from Bet365. Correct as one 10:55 AM 02/27/25

The opening race on the second day of the Festival is the G1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle. This race is run over two miles and five furlongs, and ten hurdles will be navigated by the field. Willie Mullins has dominated the previous three editions of the race, meaning it is no surprise to see the impression Dublin Racing Festival winner Final Demand at the top of the market.

However, the Brits could hold the most appealing angle. The New Lion was a big-money purchase for J P McManus following a dominant win in the G1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December, finishing an easy four lengths clear of Wendigo without Harry Skelton asking the Dan Skelton-trained runner a question.

The six-year-old has now won three from three over hurdles, and has easily moved clear of the field on his last two starts over an extended two miles and four. There looks more to come, and his jumping looks far more tailored to this test than Final Demand, who could be set for a career over staying trips.

Cheltenham Festival Day 2 Picks