The feature race on Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival is the World Hurdle with last year’s winner Cole Harden (3.30) likely to make it a true test for the thirteen who go to post; the ground has come right for the Warren Greatrex runner and he must run a big race under regular pilot Gavin Sheehan. The selection has been somewhat disappointing if looking solely at his form figures, however he came via a similar path last term having running on both inadequate tips and ground.
The gelding relishes good, fresh, spring ground and has conditions to suit to lower the colours of Thistlecrack who has looked the one to beat in the stayers' division all season but has yet to do it under this afternoon’s conditions. Trainer Colin Tizzard has hinted the horse will be sent chasing next season with the Gold Cup rather than the RSA Chase his target; such is the esteem he is held at in the yard. He is currently 6/5 with BetVictor but looks on the skinny side for a horse that has been plying his trade on torrid ground over the winter.
The JLT Novices’ Chase opens the card and Garde La Victoire (1.30) can maintain his unbeaten record over fences for Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson; connections thought long and hard about the horse in the Arkle but must be relieved they went for this option having witnessed Douvan’s magnificent performance on Tuesday. At 4/1 with BetVictor I would be disappointed if the Hobbs runner didn’t make the frame.
The Ryanair looked a fascinating race before the 11th hour defection of Vautour from the Gold Cup, a move handled poorly by connections. The owner suggested the horse has failed to impress in recent weeks but they surely wouldn’t be running the horse if he wasn’t 100% fit. He is obviously the most likely winner but the race is best watched given the reports of the dual-festival winner's below par homework.
I’ve never considered Our Kaempfer truly a thorough stayer but he will love the ground, has a touch of class and looks well handicapped for Charlie Longsdon in the Pertemps Final. He is respected back on a sounder surface but it is hard not to be drawn to the JP McManus pair of Leave at Dawn and Cup Final (2.10) with the latter getting the nod to reward each-way support under Mark Walsh. The selection made a winning reappearance last time out at Musselburgh and, with Barry Geraghty opting to partner the Irish raider and likely favourite Leave at Dawn; he looks over-priced to defy a 10lb hike at the weights. I have to give a favourable mention also to Evan Williams’ Padge; who was touted as a potential excellent novice chaser and should out-run his price of 40/1 now back on his preferred better ground.
The David Pipe yard have hit form at the right time, especially with their handicap chases, and Kings Palace looks to have been laid out for this afternoon’s plate. As a novice his fencing was quick and, after reportedly schooling far from spectacularly, punters are likely to know their fate early in the piece. The percentage ply is to side with Jonjo O’Neill’s John’s Spirit (4.10) who boasts excellent course form and has been given a chance by the handicapper to bounce back to winning ways at the scene of his greatest success.
The mare Limini is considered by many close to the Mullins’ yard as a banker but at her current price, a shade of odds on at 5/6 with BetVictor, can be overlooked on this occasion in what looks a difficult race for the inaugural Mares’ Novices; Hurdle. for the Mullins bandwagon.
Doctor Harper was rerouted from the Ultima Handicap on the first day and Will Biddick takes the ride. He is the 5/1 joint favourite at BetVictor and should go close if staying today’s 3m 2f trip but having backed him ante-post at 16/1 for his other engagement, I’m happy to let him take his chance without backing him at his current price with the likes of Cause of Causes, Upswing and the Giant Bolster potentially well-treated to go close in the finale.
Cheltenham Festival; Thursday Day Three
1.30 Garde La Victoire
2.10 Cup Final
3.30 Cole Harden
4.10 Joh’s Spirit
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