Cheltenham Festival tips: Ruby Walsh best bets

He was speaking alongside host Patrick Kennelly and Rory Delargy and you watch the full episode and read Ruby's thoughts below.

Wednesday

Race 1 – 1.30pm Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle

[Rory: “I want to make it clear that I’m all over Ballyburn here – if I was he might be part of a multiple but I don’t tend to get stuck into these but I think he should have it very easily.”]

Look Rory has pretty much summed up Ballyburn and I’d be of the same opinion so I’m not going to bore you with that one.

Ile Atlantique I’d imagine they might ride him a bit differently to how they did at Naas. I can’t see Paul or Patrick going on with him, I’d say they will try and change tactics in the hope that he gets home a bit stronger than he has.

Predators Gold I’m kind of taking the hint from Patrick Mullins here, Patrick rode him at Leopardstown at Christmas and he’s gone for Ile Atlantique so I’d be taking that little sign that Patrick maybe thinks Ile Atlantique will cope with Predators Gold, but I was impressed with Handstands at Huntingdon and I think of the ones of Willie’s that are big priced Jimmy Du Seuil and Mercurey.

They’re both going well – I just heard David Casey has mentioned Jimmy Du Seuil once or twice as maybe as one for the each-way angle with the dead eight going to post. He’s a 20-1 shot so maybe Jimmy Du Seuil to be placed.

Selection - Ballyburn, Jimmy Du Seuil each-way

Race 2 – 2.10pm Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

I wouldn’t say it’s quite Fact To File’s to lose, but I would agree with you Broadway Boy not running makes it a bit harder for Stay Away Fay. He has cheekpieces on him, he can make the running, but he would have loved something dragging him and giving him a hand to take the sting out of Fact To File.

He’s going to have to do it himself now and it’s very hard to judge pace when you are riding a horse that’s not carrying you. So it will be a tricky ride for Harry Cobden and I think it enhances Fact To File’s chance as it doesn’t look the same slog that it was going to be even though Harry Cobden will still try the same tactics and I just think Fact To File will be too quick for him.

I’d say he’s a fairly solid second leg in the double – I was thinking with Broadway Boy in there that himself and Stay Away Fay would nearly tag team it and draw the sting out of Fact To File and he’s gone, but I think Fact To File definitely comes into the reckoning now and I think it’s pretty strong form.

American Mike I think arguably he has better form than Monty’s Star. Plenty of people have put up Monty’s Star as a solid jumper but I think both Monty’s Star and American Mike have to improve to get to where Fact To File is right now.

Selection - Fact To File

Race 3 – 2.50pm Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

Selection - First Street each-way

Race 4 – 3.30pm Queen Mother Champion Chase

I wouldn’t be doing it until watching Nicky’s horses on Tuesday, but I still think 7-2 each-way Jonbon. I think he’s the only horse that can win the race other than El Fabiolo.

I’d just prefer to be on him at 7-2 each-way – you get 70% of your money back if he doesn’t win, but if he does win you get a good chunk so that’s where I’d be.

El Fabiolo is in great form and I think he’s the best horse. Edwardstone will rock along and I think it will be a great race to watch and I’m looking forward to it.

Selection - Jonbon each-way

Race 5 – 4.10pm Glenfarclas Chase

Selection - Coko Beach

Race 6 – 4.50pm Grand Annual Handicap Chase

Selection - Saint Roi and Libberty Hunter two against the field

Race 7 – 5.30pm Champion Bumper

Selection - Argento Boy each-way

Day 2 Bet Of The Day

Argento Boy each-way in the bumper

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