Thursday 14th March 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Preview
1.30: Turners Novices’ Chase: Kicking things off on Thursday we have the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase over two miles and four furlongs. This is a fascinating contest where a case can be made for most of them. I’m with Grey Dawning though for the team of Dan & Harry Skelton. He was very impressive in the Hampton at Warwick last time out and has some strong form at the course when three-quarters of a length behind Ginny’s Destiny after making a mistake, a rival he’ll reoppose here. If getting a clear round I think he’s got a great chance. Selection: Grey Dawning – 11/4 (Win)
2.10: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle: We move onto the 2.10 now which is the first handicap of the afternoon in the Pertemos Handicap Hurdle over three miles. I’m trying my hand with two again here, the first of which comes in the form of Le Milos who’s another one for Dan & Harry Skelton. He’s reverted back to hurdles as of late and comes in the race and what looks like a very tempting mark, he’s also got great form on testing ground as he’s actually unbeaten on a heavy surface for his current connections. My other pick is Gaoth Chuil for Ted Walsh and Shane O’Callaghan who takes off five pounds. She’s been in fine form this season, finishing third on three of her starts and winning the other, all of which coming in competitive handicaps. She looks to be very progressive and if getting some luck in the run around here she can have a serious say. Selections: Le Milos – 15/2 (Each-Way) & Gaoth Chuil – 8/1 (Each-Way)
2.50: Ryanair Chase: It’s more Grade 1 action at 2.50 in the form of the Ryanair Chase over two miles and four and a half furlongs. I’m with Stage Star here for the team of Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. He won the Turner’s at last year’s meeting and I’m willing to forgive him for his run last time out on New Year’s Day as I thought it was bizarre for him to contest a handicap off a big weight again. He’s got great course form and will have no issues with testing ground, if bouncing back to his best he’s got to have a serious chance. Selection: Stage Star – 5/1 (Each-Way)
3.30: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle: The feature race on Day 3 is the Stayers Hurdle at 3.30 which is a Grade 1 affair over three miles. I think this is all about Teahupoo for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy. He arguably should’ve won the race last year when he finished second under a rare questionable Cheltenham ride by Davy Russell, however, this year I think he’ll be spot-on for the race. He’s been given time off since getting the better of Imapire Et Passe in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in December and I just think he’s the best horse in this year’s renewal of the race. Selection: Teahupoo – 7/4 (Win)
4.10: TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase: It’s more competitive handicap action at 4.10 with the Plate taking centre-stage that’s a handicap chase over two miles and four and a half furlongs. As is the case with most of the handicaps this week, I’ve had two punts and the first of which is Theatre Man for Richard Bandey and Harry Cobden. He’s a progressive horse who’s run three very solid races this term over fences, most notably last time out when second here behind Ginny’s Destiny on Trials Day. That looks very promising form and I think he’s got a great chance. My other pick is the top-weight James Du Berlais for Willie Mullins and Daryl Jacob. He’s placed in two highly competitive handicaps at Leopardstown the last twice, and only received three pounds off the English handicapper. I think he could outrun a big price as he’s a talented horse. Selections: Theatre Man – 9/2 (Win) & James Du Berlais – 14/1 (Each-Way)
4.50: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle: The sixth race of the afternoon is the Grade 2 Mares’ Novice Hurdle that’s contested over two miles and a furlong. I actually have one of my strongest fancies of the week here and that’s Brighterdaysahead for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy. Sporting the Gigginstown silks she’s won all five of her starts to date including very comfortable victories in Grade 3 & Listed company on her last two outings. Connections are very bullish about her chances here and I have to agree, I think she’ll take a lot of beating. Selection: Brighterdaysahead – 13/8 (Win)
5.30: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase: The concluding race of Day 3 is the Kim Muir which is a handicap chase for amateur jockeys. The first of two picks for me here is Amirite for Henry De Bromhead, he’s a lightly raced horse who has posted two solid efforts in competitive handicaps this term, finishing fifth in the Paddy Power Chase last time out after finishing fourth here in October behind Whacker Clan. I think he’s still got more to offer. My other pick is Cool Survivor for Gordon Elliott, it’s likely he’s been campaigned with a big Cheltenham handicap the endgame, he was a very encouraging fourth of twenty-five in an extremely competitive Leopardstown handicap last time out and if getting a clear round he’s got every chance of going close in this. Selections: Amirite – 11/1 (Each-Way) & Cool Survivor – 8/1 (Each-Way)
