TIME FOR RUPERT could be a future Gold Cup winner. And he can go a long way to proving it with victory in the RSA Chase (2.40pm).
Second to Big Buck’s in last year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle, Paul Webber’s seven-year-old has been hugely impressive since switching to the bigger obstacles this term.
Two runs, both at Cheltenham, have produced superb two eight-length successes.
Despite the poor record of favourites in the 3m2f Grade One contest recently, Time For Rupert looks to have all the attributes to defy those stats.
If he is to be upset Donald McCain’s Wymott – also unbeaten in three runs over fences – looks the most likely and rates a decent each-way option.
Another rising star WOOLCOMBE FOLLY can also come of age in today’s Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champions Chase (3.20pm).
An intriguing clash of past winners and up-and coming stars can go to the new kid on the block. The winners of the last three renewals - dual hero Master Minded and last year’s scorer Big Zeb – both hold all the attributes to win again.
But although Paul Nicholls’ Master Minded has won all three starts since losing his crown to Big Zeb last year, he has not looked back to his imperious best.
Last year’s winner has only lost once since winning the race, last time out when going down by half-a-length to Golden Silver at Punchestown.
He is now a 10-year-old and may also be vulnerable to the younger Woolcombe Folly. Master Minded’s stable-mate has always been well regarded by Nicholls.
He has had his problems, but this season he has been impressive in his two wins in handicaps. He has to prove he can mix it at the top level, after flopping in the Arkle Chase last year. Despite being the same age as his stable-mate, he is progressive and there is more to come, starting this afternoon.
Willie Mullins’ SO YOUNG can land the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2.05pm).
The French import has been backed into favouritism and has hardly broke sweat in his two wins so far. He looks very talented and can land the odds this afternoon.
The Irish trainer could have a big day with CALL THE POLICE in the Coral Cup (4pm) bringing up a double.
Described by many as ‘the best handicapped Irish horse at the Festival‘, the seven-year-old has also been backed into favouritism following his win at Punchestown last month and some positive reports. Off his handy mark he looks well up to justifying that faith.
Knight Pass has been the talking horse in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper (5.15pm) but his price reflects that as he is likely to go off favourite.
An each-way option is Donald McCain’s CINDER AND ASHES, who has looked progressive in his two wins and second-placed finish this season.
There are plenty in with a chance in the competitive Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle (4.40pm) but Venetia Williams‘ TENOR NIVERNAIS looks to hold solid credentials. Both Jonjo O’Neill’s Aderdale and Donald McCain’s CHAMIREY look to hold decent each-way chances at double figure odds in the 141st Year Of The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase) (1.30pm), with slight preference for the former.
CHELTENHAM (Day Two): 1.30pm Chamirey, 2.05pm So Young, 2.40pm Time For Rupert (NAP), 3.20pm Woolcombe Folly, 4pm Call The Police, 4.40pm Tenor Nivernais, 5.15pm Cinder And Ashes.
