IT was fantastic to see Altior and Tiger Roll win yesterday and the reception they both received was what makes Cheltenham so special and unique.
A big hats off to Simon Claisse who made the early call to go ahead with racing and it was clear from speaking to guests in Chez Roux, Theatre @TheFestival and The Horse & Groom that many had endured a sleepness nights checking weather conditions, yet were loving the day of course.
Thursday is always a fantastic day, with the Stayers’ Hurdle, one of my races of The Festival taking centre stage and emotions will be running high if Paisley Park wins for his wonderful owner Andrew Gemmell.
The JLT is a cracking renewal, whilst the Ryanair looks very competitive. Can’t wait!
1.30 JLT Novices’ Chase 2m 4f
Lostintranslation is as gorgeous a jumper as you’ll see, he’s in the right race here as I think he’ll want 3m next year and Cheltenham does seem to suit him well. I expect him to comprehensively reverse Scilly Isles form with Defi Du Seuil here, rain no issue, has a great chance.
2.10 Cheltenham Pertemps Network Hurdle 3m
First Assignment (nap) has been in my notebook for some time and his third at Warwick on Classic Chase day was the ideal preparation. First Assignment’s form involves Graded horses (Paisley Park, Shades Of Midnight, Keeper Hill) and that makes him well treated on 142. Handles soft but if it dried up a touch, so much the better.
2.50 Cheltenham Ryanair Chase 2m 4½f
Road To Respect is in the right race, rather than the Gold Cup as basically just about gets 3m so this trip ideal at pace. Genuine Grade 1 horse in form, excellent fourth in the Gold Cup last year, ground ideal. Good chance.
11111/111111/111/1111
18 wins on the bounce for Altior
⭐️ Superstarpic.twitter.com/rkp1kGdA2a
— Unibet Racing (@UnibetRacing) March 13, 2019
3.30 Stayers’ Hurdle 3m
Paisley Park has improved leaps and bounds this season and he is foru from four for the Emma; Lavalle team. Whilst a very small minority will suggest he hasn’t won a Grade 1, you can’t hold this against him as his performance in the Cleeve Hurdle in January was sparkling to say the least. This seven year has a great chance.
Supasundae is in the right race, hasn’t the speed for 2m anymore. Good second in this last year and every chance of going one better, with this likely to be run to suit him. Tongue tie on for the first time and probably just about the form pick. Looks a great each way selection.
4.50 Mares’ Novice 2m 4f
Posh Trish won the Listed bumper here at Cheltenham last season and just keeps winning and improving, with four wins from five starts over hurdles. Stays well and Paul Nicholls will have this tough mare ready to win today.
5.30 Kim Muir Chase 3m 2f
Perfect Candidate knows his way around here backwards, looked gone at the game until a better effort behind Beware The Bear here on New Years Day (as usual, stayed on late). The rain has come at the right time and he’s too well handicapped on his best form to ignore.
