Of all the hot Cheltenham favourites to confuse the masses this week, Jonbon could be the most divisive of them all – which may seem surprising given his consistency and excellent win record.
The brother to the brilliant Douvan has proven far more robust than his much-adored sibling. JP McManus forked out a relative fortune for Jonbon but he has been a cash machine and he deserves his big day in the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (4.00).
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I am in the camp of those who argue he is not at his best at Cheltenham, though, and it might be worth chancing Found A Fifty. Last year's Arkle runner-up had a genuine excuse for his Leopardstown flop last time and he won his previous three, showing a fine attitude.
Cheltenham is many things to many people and if Marine Nationale were to prevail mere weeks after the death of his former jockey, Michael O'Sullivan, emotions will be running up to the sky. It is a race to savour.
The lock of the day goes in the opening Turners Novices' Hurdle (1.20). Final Demand reminds this writer a little of Denman – who was beaten as a novice hurdler at the Festival – and he was breathtaking at Leopardstown. He is readily preferred to the Last Lion, now running in the McManus colours, for all he is a major threat.
Read more: Cheltenham 2025 day two preview and schedule
Keep an eye out too for Gorgeous Tom, especially with conditions drying; there is confidence in the Henry de Bromhead barn.
Like Jonbon, the Willie Mullins-trained Ballyburn is roughly 50-50 according to bookmakers to land the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (2.00). One can see why he might be opposed, stamina in particular a concern, but it is hard to think there is a horse in the race with his class.
Betterdaysahead can run a big race at longer odds, having won the Martin Pipe last year, and there is ample stable confidence behind him.
The Coral Cup (2.40) is a bit of a nightmare for punters, even those backing with extra each-way places (one bookmaker is giving you eight stabs at it!). At around 10-1, Comfort Zone looks solid and relatively unexposed at this trip for McManus. His premier handicap win over two miles on the Flat really sticks out here on ground that will suit.
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3.20) becomes a handicap this year and that will not help top weight Stumptown. The Nicky Henderson-handled Mister Coffey is reportedly working very nicely but the caveat is that he finds winning exceptionally difficult.
Cian Collins is a young Irish trainer on the up. In the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (4.40), he can strike with Jazzy Matty, who was bought relatively cheaply last year considering he won the Fred Winter when trained by Gordon Elliott.
With the Weatherbys Champion Bumper (5.20) attracing 18 runners, nearly all the main contenders trained across the Irish Sea, punters need to be conscious that the race can throw up strange results and that these horses are not designed to run on the Flat.
Still, Kalypso'chance, who has been pretty spectacular in both his starts, is a fairly confident each-way selection for Michael O'Leary, Gordon Elliott and the returning Jack Kennedy.
Selections for day two:
1:20 Final Demand (nap)
2:00 Ballyburn
2:40 Comfort Zone
3:20 Mister Coffey
4:00 Found A Fifty
4:40 Jazzy Matty
5:20 Kalypso'chance
Best accumulator bet:
Final Demand (1:20) and Ballyburn (2:00) double
