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Already we have arrived at the penultimate day of the Cheltenham Festival. Time flies when you’re having fun!
There were two decent winners for our followers yesterday. Faugheen took the opener as expected and Balthazar King won the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase by a flared nostril. There were a few decent places landed too, so all in all it was a good day at the office on what is notoriously known as the festival’s most difficult day to predict.
Here’s our run-down of tonight’s action.
Jlt Novices’ Chase (Golden Miller) (Grade 1)
Could it be possible that Ruby Walsh/Willie Mullins take the opener for the third day in a row?
Absolutely! The duo are saddling the favourite Felix Yonger, who has been racing in some great form in Ireland.
Stablemate Djakadam could also go really well and I would expect this galloper to figure in the placings, along with the old-timer Oscar Whisky who has won over course and distance many times before.
Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) (Listed)
This is one of my favourite races of the week, and Philip Hobbs is going all out to win this race. Hobbs will saddle-up five runners in the field of 24, including the two favourites!
But I don’t think Hobbs will win this race. I really like the look of Josies Orders. The horse might be slightly in the grip of the handicappers, but the claim from talented apprentice Maurice Linehan will be very handy. Josie’s Orders will also appreciate the likely quick conditions.
I’m tipping Seefood and If in Doubt to take the minor placings.
Ryanair Chase (Festival)
One of the biggest races of the week and quite a few in it that look likely. I really like last year’s Jewson winner, Benefficient, who will like the fast ground and has a great pedigree. At a big price I expect Mouse Morris’s Rathlin to run a big race and could also see Hidden Cyclone run into the top three.
Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade 1)
The World Hurdle is the race that gets everyone excited and we’ve got a great field for this year’s running.
Is it crazy for Mullins to be running superstar Annie Power over three miles for the first time? Will she handle the track and the ground?
I have no doubt she will roar through the distance but she has never run on good ground. I wont be betting against her even though she has very stiff competition in the mighty Big Bucks and More of That. If, and it’s a big if, Quevega (who won on the first day of the festival) also runs I would certainly put her in my top three. At the time of writing Quevega is still declared, but I expect her to be withdrawn in the morning.
Byrne Group Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade 3)
The ever quickening ground is changing everything for most of these who have been slugging through the mud all winter. A big field of 24 and there’s nothing to separate most of them. Highway Code, Tap Night and Colour Squadron for eachway bets.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Amateur Riders)
Field of 24 and I can almost guarantee this will go to something at a bigger price!
Buddy Bolero would be my pick of the bunch but Hunting Party and Cause Of Causes could also figure. I could only back the latter duo on an eachway basis.
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