Dean Ryan's Tips For Every Day At Cheltenham 2026: Day 2
Day one of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival is in the record books, and it certainly lived up to expectations.
The standout, of course, was Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle, another special performance from a special mare.
Some of our selections ran with credit, but it was ultimately a disappointing day.
On to day two then, and the search for a nice winner to get the week up and running.
The Turners Novices’ Hurdle – 13.20
Looks like a first-class renewal of the Turners with a full field and loads of unlocked potential, but these are easier to split than yesterday's Supreme, perhaps.
Ballyfad and No Drama This End are the two standouts on form, whilst Sober could be absolutely anything yet over hurdles and is the hardest to get a handle on.
No Drama This End is a fair price, having been shorter for plenty of time in the run-up to the race.
This has always been the plan, and Paul Nicholls has a top table contender again.
I’m splitting stakes with the front pair, but it’s very hard to call.
Dean’s Daily Selection 1: 13:20 Cheltenham - No Drama This End - 0.5pt Win – 5/1
Dean’s Daily Selection 2: 13:20 Cheltenham - Ballyfad 0.5pt Win – 12/1
The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – 14.00
I think they have made the right call with Romeo Coolio going for the longer option of the novice chases, and I expect he will win.
Winning over shorter through class and properly tested over fences already, this will be easier for the seven-year-old to relax, and he should be adding a fourth Grade 1 to his CV over fences.
A Gold Cup horse next year, and seemingly the sky is the limit for Gordon Elliott’s charge.
At bigger prices, the Henry De Bromhead pair are interesting, but Romeo Coolio can prove much the best.
Dean’s Daily Selection 3: 14:00 Cheltenham - Romeo Coolio 1pt Win – 4/1
The BetMGM Cup Hurdle – 14.40
This race looks set up for a huge run from The Yellow Clay, and his chances are boosted by the booking of a rising star in Michael Kenneally.
Ran well in two big Festival races previously, prepped perfectly for a tilt at this against hot company and despite top weight, is a strong hope for the week.
I also fancy Gordon Elliott’s Farren Glory to go well. Jack Kennedy is aboard and first time pieces go on, saver material at much bigger prices on a very belated handicap debut for the Grade 1 winner at the ripe old age of nine!
Dean’s Daily Selection 4: 14:40 Cheltenham - The Yellow Clay 0.75pt Each-Way – 9/1 (6 Places)
Dean’s Daily Selection 5: 14:40 Cheltenham - Farren Glory 0.5pt Each-Way – 25/1 (6 Places)
The Cross Country Chase – 15.20
I’ll be chancing Elliott again here with Pied Piper, but I won’t be taking on Stumptown and Favori De Champdou, who will surely be fighting it out.
The w/o markets available can let you take a view without them involved, and double-figure odds appeal.
He is a bit younger than this crowd, travels so well in good races, and there’s a chance he takes to it for Sam Ewing.
The Champion Chase – 4.00pm
Majborough should be winning the Champion Chase, but at odds-on, I’m happy to watch rather than bet on it.
A clear round and it will be an impressive win; a slight mistake or two and he can probably still get away with it.
No Bet
The Grand Annual - 16.40
I’ll give a small chance to Boothill at huge prices in the Grand Annual.
This race can throw up shocks, and although at the back end of a decent career, the 11-year-old isn’t a 40/1 shot.
Off a very fair mark if a recent wind op has revived him in any way, and his only ever visit to Cheltenham was second to Jonbon in a Grade 2 Chase.
It’s a very hard race to solve, so we are taking a swing here at rag odds.
Dean’s Daily Selection 7: 16:40 Cheltenham - Boothill 0.5pt Each-Way – 40/1 (5 places)
The Champion Bumper – 17.20
I’d normally skip the Bumper, but a small bet on Keep Him Company looks worthwhile and could cap a good day for Kennedy and Elliott again.
Hugely smart at Leopardstown and Fairyhouse, and the form looks strong.
Fairyhouse winners have to climb a deceptive hill, and Jack is surely looking at testing this field with a strong staying type here.
The Cheltenham Brain agrees, and if you aren’t following me this week, it's well worth checking out the analysis there!
Dean’s Daily Selection 8: 17:20 Cheltenham - Keep Him Company 0.5pt Win – 8/1
* Odds correct at time of publish.
