The Whistling Shrew Cheltenham Festival Preview 2019 Day 3

Day 3

Before we get down to it, how about:

*For the sentimentalists only - The FAUGHEEN (Stayers) and UN DE SCEAUX (Ryanair) 11 year old legends double*

Stay Shrewd!


13:30 - JLT Novice Chase, 2m5f (Grade 1)

A pretty tight race in which 2017 Triumph winner Defi Du Seuil represents the most obvious chance for the English. He has been good over fences this season and backed up his good form when beating Lost In Translation at Sandown to reverse the placings from their previous meeting here in January.

Kildistart comes up from handicap company with some good form. He has a shot but I always prefer grade 1 proven form.

Vinndication could well improve for going left handed as he's seemed to jump out that way on all his other starts going clockwise. 

I'm surprised that Ruby Walsh has opted for Voix Du Reve (who is potentially overpriced) over REAL STEEL who has won two beginners chases easily by 10 lengths apiece. I suspect he found the Albert Bartlett a little too far last year and has looked very good chasing over the shorter distance.

Mengli Kahn could run well returned to Cheltenham and might be a good price for a place.

1. Real Steel 7/1
2, Defi Du Seuil 5/2
3. Vinndication 9/1

14:10 - Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, 3m

1. NotWhatIAm 10/1

2. Cuneo 16/1

3. Sire Du Berlais 11/2

14:50 - Ryanair Chase, 2m5f (Grade 1)

I think this is a great race.

Favourite Frodon has been really good this year, improving on what was already reasonable form last year. This will be a real test to see if he's developed into a true Grade 1 performer. He was down the field here last year but has improved about 5-10lbs. I have a doubt about his late season form that stops me siding with him. I'm prepared to be wrong but will leave him at the price.

There are others with proven Grade 1 ability, one of whom is Monalee. I think this is his ideal trip and his staying power should suit the conditions. He was a good winner over 2m4f when beating Anibale Fly last time out and has good Cheltenham form based on his second to Presenting Percy.

Also stepping back in distance is ROAD TO RESPECT who hasn't run over a trip shorter than 3m since winning the 2m4f handicap here two years ago before following up with a victory over Yorkhill. His 4th place in last years Gold Cup was respectable and he's run well again over 3m this year, including when a head third behind Monalee. Conditions today will be more in his favour and I think his staying power will put him in good stead to win the race for the sponsors.

Former winner UN De Sceaux loves any dig in the ground. He is an absolute warrior and at 11 years old looked as good as ever when giving Altior a race at Sandown in December. This is longer than his ideal distance however.

He was beaten last year by Balko Des Flos who will probably like conditions again but was 43 lengths behind Road to Respect at Down Royal and about 19 lengths behind him at Leopardstown over 3m. I think this is a race with more back class than last year and expect him to find a few too good.

I'm not sure how well Footpad will stay the trip and his jumping here last year when winning the Arkle would have to be a worry. If he takes to it he could be the class act here but at the odds others are preferred.

1. Road to Respect 9/2
2. Monalee 7/1
3. Footpad 10/3

15:30 - Stayer's Hurdle, 3m (Grade 1)

On form, PAISLEY PARK has to be favourite but he's way to short to be an interesting bet. He logically ticks a lot of boxes despite being halfway down the field in last year's Albert Bartlett. This is a race where that form could easily come unstuck so I wouldn't be going in too heavy on him.

Former Champion Hurdle winner Faugheen has the obvious back class. He looked to be close to Apples Jade when last seen before taking a tumble. It would be a Sprinter Sacresque 'triumph over adversity' story if he can get up to win here but I just fear that 11 that he might be close to having had enough. I would love nothing more than to see him win but his price is naff.

Supersundae could do with a 2m4f hurdle being introduced to the festival but he's shown his versatility in winning Grade 1's over both 2m and 3m. The ground may be against him at a longer trip.

Barcadys is by no means out of this. He hasn't had the ideal preparation having failed to make the transition to chasing. No one better than Willie Mullins to get them back to where they need to be.

Kilbricken Storm and Black Op both bring in good novice form from last year's festival. Neither look to have made the jump up to the open class.

Top Notch is very interesting returning to hurdles for the second time this season and he was a good third behind West Approach and Paisley Park earlier in the year. I prefer him for an each way over West Approach.

1. Paisley Park 5/4
2. Bacardys 14/1
3. Top Notch 14/1 

16:10 - Brown Advisory Plate Handicap Chase, 2m4f

Usually a good race to bet in running. You need to be prominent on the stiff track otherwise there's usually little chance of getting in. Look who's travelling best in the front 7 or 8 after the first few fences and bet on them... otherwise:

1. Azzerti 16/1
2. Didero Vallis 20/1
3. Janika 5/1

16:50 - Mares Novice Hurdle, 2m (Grade 2) 

I think it's between the front 3 and I'd back POSH TRISH to end Willie Mullins' unbeaten run in this.

1. Posh Trish 4/1 

2. Epatante 6/4

3. Sinoria 7/1

17:30 - Kim Muir Chase, 3m2f

1. Touch Kick 22/1
2. It's All Guesswork 9/1
3. Measure of My Dreams 5/1