Cheltenham day two: North Yorkshire trainer Ferdy Murphy gives his verdict on today at Cheltenham.

RUBY Walsh made his three winners yesterday look easy, didn’t he? What a rider. The best. And Divers. Just grand. I can’t tell you how good it is to have a Festival winner on day one. Well done to the team back at the yard.

Where do you go after tipping four winners? It’s not easy and Ruby will have his work cut out today; I think Golden Silver will spring a surprise in the Queen Mum – the day two highlight. Why? Master Minded, Ruby’s mount, was brilliant when he won as a five-year-old in 2008, but it has been downhill ever since. I don’t think the track alterations will suit Big Zeb. Brilliant last year, I’m not sure if his jumping will hold up.

I was very impressed when Golden Silver beat Big Zeb at Punchestown; Paul Townend is probably the best up-and-coming rider and I think the hold-up tactics will pay off.

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In the RSA Chase, I really like Time For Rupert. I know that he’s only had two runs over fences, and that is not ideal, but he is a class horse who can get himself out of trouble. They were right not to have a prep race on bottomless ground and have a racecourse gallop. It will be great for Will Kennedy who has struggled a bit since he was champion conditional a few years back.

I’m very pleased Richard Johnson is on the aptly-named Cheltenian in the Bumper. The horse he beat at Kempton, Montbazon, won handily at Doncaster 10 days ago and connections are determined to win this race after the Hobbs stable let Cue Card slip through the net 12 months ago.

Ferdy’s tips

1.30: Some Target.

2.05: So Young.

2.40: Time For Rupert.

3.20: Golden Silver.

4.00: Aegean Dawn.

4.40: Tenor Nivernais.

5.15: Cheltenian.

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