Day three of the Cheltenham Festival begins with the JLT Novices Chase and it is possible that the enigmatic Yorkhill (1.30) could come home alone if his jumping stands the test. He can be very keen, however, and whilst I acknowledge that he is the most talented horse in the race he will have to jump better than he did in his last couple of starts and he is reluctantly overlooked.
Politologue and Disko are much respected but I am going to chance the Mullins’ animal, who can hopefully end Willie Mullins’ and Ruby Walsh’s as of yet blank week at the festival.
The Pertemps Final is one of the big betting races of the week and BetVictor are betting each way five places on the 24-runner handicap. The extraordinary Tobefair began life for Debra Hamer running off a mark of just 81 but a magnificent 7 wins later he will attempt to defy a 62lbs rise since his winning spree began back in June 2015.
I marginally prefer the pair of Barney Dwan and Ballymalin (2.10) with the latter making most appeal under man of the moment Noel Fehily. The selection is on both 3lb and 10lb better terms with the re-opposing pair of Rocklander and Impulsive Star, and should relish this afternoon’s forecast better ground.
Un De Sceaux (2/1 at BetVictor) is likely to be all the rage for the Ryanair Chase and he is a worthy favourite but I just favour the chances of Uxizandre (2.50), who was Sir AP McCoy’s last Festival winner, ran a cracking race coming back from a long break behind the jolly over the minimum trip last time. He should get a soft lead and must go close in his attempt to make all over two and a half miles for a second year in three.
The feature event is the Stayers’ Hurdle and Unowhatimeanharry (3.30), who won the Albert Bartlett at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago, is the 5/4 market leader for Harry Fry whose yard came so close to landing the opener yesterday courtesy of Neon Wolf. Unowhatimeanharry has won all eight starts for Harry Fry and is unopposable at the head of the market.
The ground has come right for Gordon Elliot’s Diamond King in the 24-runner 2m 4f Handicap Chase but he is a hold-up horse and will need luck in running – he is a leading contender but 5/1 is skinny enough. I marginally prefer Starchitect (4.50) at a working man’s price, who looks to have been laid out for the race and remains unexposed over fences.
Let’s Dance (4.50) is considered one of the bankers of the meeting for Willie Mullins and she is difficult to oppose with the form of her Triumph Hurdle fourth last year franked by the win of third placed Apples Jade in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle on the opening day. The selection is 6/4 at BetVictor and may have most to fear from La Bague Au Roi who has been laid out for this since scoring at Newbury back in November.
The Kim Muir is another ultra-competitive 24-runner event and Squouateur must go close if his stamina holds up but he is short enough at 7/1 and Doctor Harper (5.30) can hopefully run better than he did 12 months ago when a beaten favourite under Will Biddick. Pilot Lisa O’Neill claimed a first festival success aboard Tiger Roll in Tuesday’s NH Chase and with the son of Presenting back to last year’s mark, he must go close sporting both a first-time tongue tie and cheek-pieces.
For all your racing odds check out BetVictor.com
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