Cheltenham Festival Day Two tips as Monty's Star napped and Edwardstone looks solid for Champion Chase

MONTY'S STAR (2:10) can take command in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival. Henry de Bromhead’s raider looks tailor-made for the demands of this tough three-mile Grade 1. The gelding was a quality novice hurdler who showed class and grit to land a Grade 3 at Clonmel. He was clearly feeling the effects of that run when pulled-up in the Albert Bartlett here next time. Despite those efforts, the strapping seven-year-old’s future always lay over the larger obstacles. He was certainly an eye-catcher when third to Corbetts Cross over 2m 5f on debut at Fairyhouse. The bay delivered on that promise when caning Three Card Brag over three miles at Punchestown. The chaser jumped and travelled very professionally once again so he can deny some exciting foes.

BALLYBURN (1:30) can justify cramped odds for Willie Mullins in the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle. Expectations were high for the six-year-old over timber after some impressive efforts in bumpers. The gelding didn’t please everyone when beaten by Firefox on debut over two miles at Fairyhouse. However, he silenced his critics by showing Cleatus Poolaw no mercy up in trip at Leopardstown. The bay then defied a drop in trip by crushing Slade Steel in Grade 1 company at the same venue. That was a polished performance so the rising star can triumph for Scottish owner Ronnie Bartlett.

The Closutton Ace can strike again with YOU OUGHTA KNOW (5:30) in the Champion Bumper. The six-year-old was a well-backed 3-1 shot ahead of his racecourse debut at Killarney in May. He duly delivered the goods for his supporters when absolutely bolting-up from Croke Park. The gelding raised his game again when cosily denying Toto Too after a break at the Galway Festival.