Skelton to have the Jockeys’ Cup edge on day two 

We take a quick look at the main rides for the leading David Power Jockeys’ Cup jockeys on day two of the Cheltenham Festival following the six-day entry stage.   

Harry Skelton 

Best ride: The New Lion in the Turners’ Novices Hurdle  

The unbeaten Turners Novices’ Hurdle favourite The New Lion is the pick of the bunch for Harry Skelton, for all that Challow Hurdle winners don’t have a good record in this race. Skelton also has leading handicap chances on Be Aware (Coral Cup) and last year’s winner Unexpected Party (Grand Annual). 

Harry Cobden 

Best ride: No Drama This End 

With Paul Nicholls runners thin on the ground, this doesn’t look a great day for Cobden. No Drama This End looks the pick of the British runners in the Champion Bumper having made a big impression when winning on her Rules debut at Warwick in December, though she might need some ‘soft’ in the going description to take part. 

Sam Twiston-Davies 

Best ride: Potters Charm in the Turners’ Novices Hurdle 

Like Skelton, Sam Twiston-Davies’ best chance looks to come in the opening race on Wednesday. The stable think the world of Potters Charm who was rushed into an appearance at the course last time and remains the forgotten horse in the race. Other horses with a chance of minor points include Uncle Bert (Coral Cup) and Master Chewy if the latter runs in the Champion Chase rather than the Ryanair Chase 24 hours later. 

Nico De Boinville 

Best ride: Jonbon in the Champion Chase 

There’s no doubt about Nico De Boinville’s best ride on Wednesday, with multiple Grade 1 winner Jonbon not facing a great deal of opposition in the feature Champion Chase. However, De Boinville has solid claims of further Jockeys’ Cup points with Impose Toi appearing to be the pick of the Nicky Henderson runners in the Coral Cup and Mister Coffey not out of things in the Cross Country Chase. 

Conclusion 

The plum ride on Turners Novices’ Hurdle favourite The New Lion could give current David Power Jockeys’ Cup leader Harry Skelton the edge over Nico De Boinville on a day where both have high hopes of big-race success.