St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday, and a stacked race schedule includes five graded races.
Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
The Grade Two Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle kicks off Day Three. Bambino Fever will head the betting, as she aims to reverse the form with Oldschool Outlaw. Carrigmoornaspruce has run credible races throughout the season, finishing second in Grade One company last time out. Echoing Silence brings an unbeaten record over hurdles for last year’s winning trainer, Henry De Bromhead.
Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase
The Grade Two Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase is run under handicap conditions for the second straight year. Previous course and distance winners, Sixmilebridge and Jordans Cross, will hold leading claims. Regent’s Stroll represents last year’s winning yard, while Meetmebythesea, The Bluesman, and Kdeux Saint Fray give the British a strong hand.
Mares’ Hurdle
The Grade One Mares’ Hurdle will be a golden opportunity for Gordon Elliott-trained Wodhooh. The six-year-old mare has previous Festival experience, winning last season’s Martin Pipe. Jade De Grugy, Feet Of A Dancer, and Dream On Baby give the Irish a strong hand. British hopes will likely hinge on Dan Skelton-trained Take No Chances.
Stayers’ Hurdle
The first of two features on Day Three comes in the form of the Grade One Stayers’ Hurdle. Run over three miles, the race is a stamina-sapping test. Bob Olinger got the better of Teahupoo in last year’s edition, but a string of newcomers adds intrigue, with Ma Shantou, Honesty Policy, and Impose Toi all having their first crack at the race.
Ryanair Chase
A field of eight will go to post for the Grade One Ryanair Chase. Fact To File should prove hard to beat, as he chases successive wins in the race. Jonbon’s inclusion is notable, as the Nicky Henderson star chases a first Festival win. Impaire Et Passe made a welcome return to winning form last time, while Banbridge ran back to his best when second in the King George on Boxing Day.
Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
The big betting race of the day comes in the form of the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle. Supremely West is well found in the betting for trainer Dan Skelton, while Bold Endeavour, C’Est Different, and Electric Mason all have leading claims. Staffordshire Knot and Yeah Man are the two best Irish chances.
Kim Muir Challenge Cup
Day Three at the Festival draws to a close with the Kim Muir Challenge Cup, run over an extended three miles and two. J P McManus holds two leading contenders in the forms of Jeriko Du Reponet and Waterford Whispers. Kim Roque looks like a well-handicapped contender with previous Cheltenham experience.
