Huge Cork interest on day two with Marine Nationale hoping to win the Champion Chase

The Champion Chase is the feature on day two of Cheltenham and Jonbon is an odds favourite to break his festival hoodoo. 

A prolific Grade 1 winner over the last couple of seasons Nicky Henderson’s star chaser finished runner up to Constitution Hill in the Supreme and runner up to El Fabiola in the Arkle novice chase under Aidan Coleman. 

But this brilliant chaser been unbeaten this season with four smooth victories.

The opposition is led by Marine Nationale, who would be an emotional winner for owner Barry Connell and was a brilliant winner of the Supreme novice hurdle under a brilliant ride from the late Michael O’Sullivan. 

He was runner-up to Solness at the Dublin Racing Festival and will appreciate the better ground over here. 

Paul Townend will ride Energume who has won this race twice already and was very impressive in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork. 

But he is now an 11-year-old who definitely would prefer heavier ground. 

Obviously, it would great to see Marine Nationale win it for Barry Connell but preference is for Jonbon who has been imperious all season.

Former jockey and leading bloodstock agent Jerry McGrath is looking forward to the week. 

McGrath has purchased some high profile horses including Sir Gino and Lulamba who is the favourite for the Triumph Hurdle on Friday. 

The Ballinora native is closely linked to the Henderson camp and regularly rides out there. 

He is keen on the favourite for the big race today. 

“Jonbon is the class horse in the field and he is in brilliant form at home. Nicky’s ( Henderson) team are absolutely delighted with his homework so hopefully we can get the job done today," McGrath said.

"His jumping has been super all season so I expect him to do the business for the McManus team.

”The Coral Cup is one of the most competitive handicaps of the week but I like the chances of Impose Toi who is another for the McManus team. "Nico De Bonville has decided to ride him and the trip looks ideal. 

"Everyone remembers all the Henderson’s horses were sick last year and most of them were withdrawn including Sir Gino. 

"Another horse of ours I like is Lucky Place who runs in the Stayers Hurdle on Thursday. 

"He was fourth in the Coral Cup last season and has been brought along nice and steady all year by the Henderson team. 

"Obviously, the Irish horses have really taken Cheltenham by storm in recent years but I think there is definitely more confidence behind the home team this season.” 

The Turners Novice Hurdle is a classic Anglo-Irish clash with Final Demand representing the all-conquering Mullins team while the home team is represented by The New Lion for the Skeltons and JP McManus. 

The Yellow Clay is another Irish challenger for Gordon Elliot and will have his each way supporters. 

But the New Lion looked a superstar when taking the Challow Hurdle and can edge this one.

Cork's Joe Donnelly has plenty of runners during the week and Dancing City has a sporting chance of landing the Brown Advisory novice chase. The Mullins team are also represented by Ballyburn who won the Turners Novice Hurdle last season. 

There has also been plenty of each/way support for Betterdaysahead and he was an impressive winner of the Martin Pipe handicap hurdle at last year's festival. 

The Cross Country Chase is now a handicap which makes it another tricky puzzle. Stumpton carries plenty of weight and has been laid out for this. Galvin, Busselton and Mister Coffey all feature in the betting.

The Champion Bumper brings the curtain down on day two and is always a fascinating betting contest. 

Champion trainer Willie Mullins is king of bumpers and three of his horses are near the top of the betting, Gameofinches, Bambino Fever. Copocabana. 

Jody Townend is likely to ride Bambino Fever and it would be terrific to see her ride a first ever Cheltenham winner.

Cheltenham Tips:

Turners Novice Hurdle, 1.20pm, The New Lion 

Brown Advisory Chase, 2pm, Ballyburn 

Coral Cup, 2.40pm, Imposte Toi 

Champion Chase, 3.20pm, Jonbon 

Cross Country Race, 4pm, Galvin 

Grand Annual, 4.40pm, Unexpected Party 

Champion Bumper, 5.20pm, Copacabana.