Thursday heralds the halfway mark of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival as the Irish descend on Prestbury Park for St Patrick’s Day.
The third day starts with the Turners Novices’ Chase, a notable Grade 1 event which is followed by the highly competitive Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle, a climax to a series of staying hurdle races.
The day also features the thrilling Ryanair Chase and the Stayers’ Hurdle, the day’s highlight and one of the festival’s main events.
The action continues with the challenging Plate and the Mares Novices’ Hurdle, largely dominated by Willie Mullins before concluding with the Kim Muir, a race for amateur riders.
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13:30 – Turners Novices’ Chase (2m)
The third day of the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with a novices’ chase spanning two and a half miles, which has recently become a key precursor for contenders in the next season’s Gold Cup.
While last year’s victor, Stage Star, is set to compete in the Ryanair, Galopin Des Champs nearly clinched this event and his subsequent achievements are well noted.
The same group behind Stage Star’s 2023 victory is backing Ginny’s Destiny this year, who has shown remarkable progress since transitioning to fences.
Under Paul Nicholls, he’s competing closely for top billing and appears to be a strong contender to keep the title within the Team Ditcheat camp.
Pick: Ginny’s Destiny to win @ 4.50
14:10 – Pertemps Network Final (3m)
White Rhino stands out as a strong contender in races of this nature, showcasing a winning track record on this course having been lightly raced at this distance, while the valuable experience gained from competing in large fields can only be an advantage.
Gowel Road, meanwhile, is a remarkably reliable runner. His performance this season has been eye-catching to say the least, with a standout moment being his close 4½L 4th place finish behind the unfortunate Slate Lane, and notably just ahead of Crambo, the current second favourite for the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Pick: White Rhino E/W @ 13.00
14:50 – Ryanair Steeplechase (2m4½f)
As a three-time victor at Cheltenham and the reigning titleholder, Envoi Allen seems to be undervalued. Even at the age of ten, he emerges as the top contender for the win.
His triumph over the esteemed Shishkin in last season’s race underscores his calibre, and this year, he faces no rivals of similar stature.
The brisk pace set by Stage Star is expected to play right into his strengths. If the ground is on the good, good/soft then Banbridge has improvement in him.
Stage Star won a poor Turners Novices Chase last season and comes here with plenty to prove after his last run.
Pick: Envoi Allen to win @ 5.00
15:30 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
Should conditions become particularly soft then Teahupoo is likely to attract significant support, given his proven ability in muddy conditions.
Many believe that with a more assertive approach last year, he could have clinched victory at just six years old. Now, with another season under his belt and still youthful, his position as the favourite seems justified.
Nonetheless, the credentials of Sir Gerhard, a two-time Festival champion, demand attention. Sire Du Berlais will come in at a big price but has great Cheltenham form and won this race last year.
Pick: Sir Gerhard to win @ 9.00
Pick: Sire Du Berlais E/W @ 15.00
16:10 – TrustATrader Plate (2m4½f)
In the typically tight contest of the handicap chase, Crebily is the obvious choice from Jonjo and JP’s stable. He has some brilliant form this season, dismissing Tahmuras with ease last time out.
Keep an eye on Saint Felician, for Gordon Elliott, who has come back strongly this season after a disappointing performance in the 2022 Coral Cup and got some valuable chasing experience under his belt and there looks to be so much more to come from him.
Pick: Crebily to win @ 5.00
16:50 – Ryainair Mares Novices Hurdle (2m1f)
If you’ve been paying attention to the buzz from Gordon Elliott’s stable, you’re likely aware of the impressive updates on Brighterdaysahead, the top pick for this race.
It appears to be a tight contest among three strong contenders, with the favourite facing stiff competition from Willie Mullins’ Jade De Grugy and Fergal O’Brien’s Dysart Enos, both of whom are top-notch.
However, there’s a growing belief that Elliott’s mount might just prove exceptional in time and has the potential to surge ahead on the Cheltenham hill to take the spoils.
Pick: Brighterdaysahead to win @ 2.50
17:30 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m2f)
Day three concludes with the Kim Muir Challenge Cup, a 3m2f handicap exclusive to amateur riders.
Many entrants may see this as their opportunity to shine, yet the combination of JP and Gavin Cromwell is anticipated to enlist one of the premier amateur jockeys for Inothewayuthinkin.
Although the odds are currently tight, this contender boasts graded experience from the season, competing against some notable talents.
With his smooth jumping ability, if he finds his stride, he might just demonstrate he’s in a league of his own.
Pick: Inothewayuthinkin to win @ 5.00
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*Odds subject to change.
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