'He couldn't be in better form' - key quotes for the Cheltenham Festival today

The second day of the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with Sir Gerhard odds-on to win the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (1.30). The Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30) could be the race of the festival as Shishkin, Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi clash, while Tiger Roll could bow out with a farewell victory – his sixth at the festival – in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (4.10).

Read on for the day's most revealing quotes from all seven of today's Cheltenham races.

Day two racecards | Big-race tips | Watch In The Know

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m5f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sir Gerhard:

"It was always my choice to go to the Ballymore with Sir Gerhard. He's won a point and we know he'll stay, he settles well. He jumped very well the first day, he didn't jump very well last time. I just thought he was made for the Ballymore, so I hope I'm right. He's in great form at home."

Overnight price: 4-6 (generally)

2.10 CheltenhamBrown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) | 3m½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Dusart:

"He's run very well in his two races when he's shown a tendency to jump left. This track is obviously going to suit him a lot better and he's definitely got the hang of it now. The time has come to give a race like this a go but it is a very competitive race. He is in excellent form."

Overnight price: 25-1

2.50 CheltenhamCoral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) | 2m5f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Emmet Mullins, trainer of The Shunter:

"He seems in great form. He has good track form as the winner of the Greatwood Hurdle and he has a better mark over hurdles than he has over fences, so hopefully we have picked the right race."

Overnight price: 12-1

3.30 CheltenhamBetway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) | 2m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Willie Mullins, trainer of Energumene:

"There's a lot of rain forecast and that could bring Energumene really into the race. If the 11mm I saw in one forecast arrives, I think that would be a big thing in Energumene's favour."

Overnight price: 7-2

4.10 Cheltenham
Glenfarclas Chase (A Cross Country Chase) | 3m6f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Tiger Roll:

"What can I say about Tiger Roll that hasn't been said already? He's just an absolute star. He seems to be in great form and having the sun on his back over here for the last couple of days and put a real pep in his step. It would be unbelievable if the fairytale comes true. He couldn't be in any better form anyway."

Overnight price: 7-4

4.50 CheltenhamJohnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 2m | 5yo+ | RTV

Joe Tizzard, son of Colin Tizzard, trainer of Amarillo Sky

"Amarillo Sky is an improving young horse who was unlucky to fall two runs ago at Newbury. He was impressive when winning there last time and has gone up 8lb, but novices have a good record in this. He travels and jumps well and I think the race will really suit him. I like him a lot."

Overnight price: 8-1

5.30 CheltenhamWeatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) | 2m½f | 4-6yo | RTV

Milton Harris, trainer of Rosy Redrum:

"She worked well with Knight Salute the other day. She's a good filly out of a Dubawi mare. She's only four but she'll be one of the biggest in the paddock. I hope the rain stays away and she'll be a strong traveller. She gets 17lb but will need a bit of luck in running. We're having a go and she should be on the bridle at the bottom of the hill."

Overnight price: 33-1

Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: 'It is ours to lose' – can anything stop the might of Sir Gerhard in Ballymore?

2.10 Cheltenham: star novices Bravemansgame, L'Homme Presse and Ahoy Senor clash in thriller

2.50 Cheltenham: can The Shunter land the Coral Cup after switching back to hurdles?

3.30 Cheltenham: 'This is going to be the biggest test of Shishkin's life' says Nicky Henderson

4.10 Cheltenham: Tiger Roll bids to bow out on a high back where it all began

4.50 Cheltenham: can Andy Dufresne unlock sky-high potential for Gordon Elliott in Grand Annual?

5.30 Cheltenham: who will be crowned the bumper king? Facile Vega and American Mike face off

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