The 2025 Cheltenham Festival continues with Day Two on Wednesday, 12 March, affectionately known as “Ladies’ Day”—a celebration of high fashion, thrilling races, and the occasional extravagant hat that could double as a satellite dish. Check out our Day Two betting preview with the best betting odds from featured bookmaker BetVictor.
This day promises a blend of elegance and exhilarating equine action, with seven races lined up to keep punters and fashionistas alike on their toes. Let’s delve into the day’s offerings, complete with a sprinkle of British wit and the latest betting odds.
1. Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – 1:20 PM
Kicking off the day’s proceedings is the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, a 2m5f contest that often serves as a springboard for future stars. The current favourite is Final Demand, trained by the maestro Willie Mullins, with odds hovering around 7/4. This gelding has been making quite the racket on the Irish circuit, and many believe he’s ready to orchestrate a symphony at Cheltenham. Hot on his heels is Dan Skelton’s The New Lion, priced at 9/4, who has been roaring his way through the novice ranks this season.
2. Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – 2:00 PM
Next up is the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, a 3m½f test of stamina and jumping prowess. The bookmakers’ darling is Ballyburn, with odds at 13/8, who has been sizzling like a well-done steak this season. Close contenders include Dancing City (7/2), whose footwork over fences has left many tapping their toes in admiration, and Better Days Ahead (8/1), a Gordon Elliott inmate with a penchant for turning rivals into also-rans.
3. Coral Cup Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – 2:40 PM
The Coral Cup is a 2m5f handicap hurdle that often leaves punters scratching their heads and tearing up their betting slips. This year’s puzzle features Kopeck De Mee as the 8/1 joint-favourite, whose recent form suggests he might just be worth his weight in gold coins. Other notable runners include Be Aware (8/1 JF), hoping to charge his way to victory, and Altobelli (12/1), who aims to gallop into the limelight.
4. Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase – 3:20 PM
The Cross Country Chase is the festival’s answer to an equine obstacle course, spanning 3m6f and featuring more twists and turns than a mystery novel. Leading the market is Stumptown at 5/2, whose sure-footedness has left many a rival floundering. Not far behind is Galvin (5/1), a seasoned campaigner with a CV that includes top-class performances. For those seeking a dash of caffeine, Mister Coffey (8/1) might just wake you up with a fairy-tale finish.
5. Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) – 4:00 PM
The feature race of the day, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, is a 2m dash that often determines the king—or queen—of the speedsters. Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson, is the current favourite at 10/11, aiming to electrify the course with his blistering pace. Close on his heels is Gaelic Warrior (8/1), whose performances have been as stirring as a Celtic ballad. Not to be overlooked is Il Est Francais (10/1), bringing a touch of continental flair to the proceedings.
6. Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 4:40 PM
The penultimate race, the Grand Annual, is a 2m½f handicap chase that often leaves punters reaching for the aspirin. This year’s conundrum includes Libberty Hunter at 10/1, who hopes to get the better of his prey, and Unexpected Party (11/1), aiming to plunder the spoils with a champagne performance. For those feeling adventurous, Jazzy Matty (12/1) might manage to hit the high notes.
7. Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) – 5:20 PM
Closing the day is the Champion Bumper, a 2m½f flat race that often showcases future jumping stars. The market leader is Gameofinches at 4/1, whose form reads like a best-selling thriller. Challenging the favourite is Copacabana (4/1), whose performances have sometimes been as pleasing as finding an extra biscuit in your tea tin.
Viewing Information
For those not gracing the hallowed turf of Cheltenham with their presence, fear not. The first six races of the day will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX, ensuring you can enjoy the action from the comfort of your own sofa—tweed jacket optional. For the purists, Racing TV will air all seven races, providing comprehensive coverage for subscribers.
Conclusion
Day Two of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival promises a delightful blend of top-class racing, sartorial elegance, and the kind of betting dilemmas that make you question your life choices. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a once-a-year enthusiast, the day’s events are set to provide thrills, spills, and perhaps the occasional windfall. So don your finest attire, study those form guides
