Cheltenham Festival 2025: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase Preview

The Cheltenham Festival’s Day Two features the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at 2:00 PM—a race where novice chasers tackle 3 miles and 110 yards, navigating 19 fences. This Grade 1 event has historically been a springboard for future Gold Cup contenders, with past winners like Denman and Bobs Worth ascending to racing glory.  For the best betting odds and offers for Day Two of the Cheltenham Festival, check out featured bookmaker William Hill. 

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase Preview – 2pm

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The Contenders:

• Ballyburn (4/6): Trained by Willie Mullins, Ballyburn has been the subject of much discussion, not all of it flattering. Despite his impressive victories, including a 13-length win in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, his jumping technique has raised eyebrows. Some critics suggest he approaches fences with the enthusiasm of a cat facing a puddle, leading to concerns about his suitability for Cheltenham’s demanding course.  
• Dancing City (7/1): This contender has shown consistent form, with a notable victory over 3 miles on soft ground at Newbury. His ability to maintain composure and rhythm over fences has earned him accolades, making him a strong candidate to challenge the favourite.  
• Better Days Ahead (10/1): Gordon Elliott’s entrant has been steadily improving, with a recent win in a Grade 2 chase at Leopardstown. His stamina and jumping accuracy make him a dark horse in this race, potentially offering value to discerning punters.  
• Gorgeous Tom (11/1): A consistent performer in novice chases, Gorgeous Tom has displayed resilience and adaptability across various courses. While he lacks a standout victory, his steady form suggests he could be a reliable each-way bet.
• Stellar Story (18/1): Another of Gordon Elliott’s trainees, Stellar Story has shown promise but remains untested at this level. His participation adds depth to the field, though he may require further experience to compete with the leading contenders.
• Quai De Bourbon (20/1): Another Willie Mullins hopeful who may well spring a surprise here, although the best option with this contender lies with each-way.
• Lecky Watson (22/1): Willie Mullins has aimed four runners towards this race and Lecky Watson is being seen as his least likely route to success at 22/1, however this could prove to be a wide open contest and this runner may spring an upset.

Race Dynamics:

The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase is renowned for testing the mettle of emerging chasers. Ballyburn’s front-running style could set a brisk pace, but his jumping frailties might invite pressure from more assured jumpers like Dancing City.Better Days Ahead’s proven stamina suggests he could capitalize if the leaders falter in the latter stages.

Betting Insights:

The current odds for the leading contenders are:

• Ballyburn: 4/6
• Dancing City: 7/1
• Better Days Ahead: 10/1
• Gorgeous Tom: 11/1
• Stellar Story: 18/1

These odds reflect the competitive nature of the field, with Ballyburn’s favouritism tempered by concerns over his jumping reliability.  

Conclusion:

The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase promises to be a captivating contest, blending youthful exuberance with the stern test of Cheltenham’s fences. Whether Ballyburn can silence his critics or if a challenger like Dancing City will seize the spotlight remains to be seen. As always, the Festival’s charm lies in its unpredictability, offering both seasoned punters and casual observers a spectacle of equine athleticism and strategy.