Victor Chandler's tips for Day Two of Cheltenham Festival (From The Northern Echo)

Victor Chandler's tips for Day Two of Cheltenham Festival

6:56pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Sport

Cheltenham Festival day two begins with the four-mile John Oaksey National Hunt Chase named after the former amateur jockey, Channel 4 presenter and Injured Jockeys Fund President who passed away last year.

The ground is right for Back In Focus (1.30) and he always gave the impression he would come into his own over extreme distances when trained in County Durham by Howard Johnson.

Buddy Bolero is a big danger for the Pipe yard, although he needs to improve again to chase up the Irish raider who has the best form going into the race.

Emperor's Choice at 20/1 with betvictor.com looks a tad big although this is a step up following a Lingfield win last time.

Ruby Walsh insists his best chance of a winner comes courtesy of the unbeaten Pont Alexandre (2.05) and he cannot be opposed.

The English challenge is headed by Taquin Du Seuil, an impressive winner of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury last time.

Danger could also come from across the Irish Sea with Rule The World and not only Take That fans will be expecting a big run from the Mouse Morris trained six-year-old.

I have been a big fan of Boston Bob all year, but why has Ruby Walsh jumped ship to the five-year-old Unioniste who has little in hand of Hadrian's Approach (2.40) on their last start at Newbury?

This is a race that is won by dour stayers and, I think he can cause a bit of a shock.

The selection was no match for Dynaste (runs Thursday in the Jewson) in the Feltham but I am convinced Hadrian's Approach would have picked up Unioniste at Newbury last time but for clouting two out and he should not be double the price (6/1 at BetVictor) of the Paul Nicholls-trained runner.

Sprinter Sacre (3.20) is one of the most outstanding horses I have seen and cannot be opposed in the Champion Chase. Mail De Bievre is likely to give the favourite a good tow into the race.

I was delighted with the two winners for trainer Charlie Longsdon at Market Rasen at the weekend as Pendra (4.00) has long been my fancy for the Coral Cup although the yard had been having an indifferent run.

I know Paul Nicholls believes Saphir Du Rheu (4.40) is fairly-handicapped but you fast forward this race another 12 months and half the field are going to look extremely well treated.

Nicky Henderson's Megalypos has had a wind operation to help his breathing since his last run and must enter calculations.

I fancied Golantilla for the concluding Bumper, but the unbeaten gelding is reported to have worked poorly and I like the look of Blackmail (9/1) with the booking of Barry Geraghty a positive.

Sgt Reckless is not sure to be suited by a slog on soft ground.

Victor gave four winners and two placed horses at 33/1 and 6/1 from yesterday's six selections.