Cheltenham Festival 2012: Day 3

DAY 3                  March 15, 2012

Jewson Novice Chase Listed 2m 4f

Shortlist:

Sir Des Champs         ?                      6

Peddler’s Cross                                  7

Al Ferof                                                7

Silviniaco Conti                                   6

Champion Court                                 7

Solix                                                    6

Bog Warrior                                        8

For Non Stop                                       7

Cristal Bonus                                      6

Selections:

1) Sir Des Champs 2) Peddler’s Cross 3) For Non Stop 4) Solix

Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle Listed 3m

Unlike several high profile handicaps do not be put off those carrying bigger weights.

Shortlist:

Our Father                                          6                      11-3

Ryanair Chase Grade 2  2m 5f

Previous Cheltenham winners win this. Older horses do fine. Concentrate on first handful in betting.

Shortlist:

Noble Prince                                       8

Somersby                                           8

Captain Chris              ?                      8

Rubi Light                                            7

Riverside Theatre                               8

Medermit                                             8

Poquelin                                              9

Kauto Stone                                        6

Alberta’s Run                                      11

Great Endeavour                                 8

Quel Esprit                                          8

Kalahari King                                       11

Selections:

1) Nobel Prince 2) Riverside Theatre 3) Somersby 4) Rubi Light 5) Medermit/Captain Chris

Ladbrokes World Hurdle Grade 1 (4yo+)   3m

Steer clear of 5yos (no 5yo has won this) and those aged in double figures. 6, 7, 8 and 9yos are all capable of winning. No Irish-trained winner for 15 years. The Long Walk and Cleeve Hurdles are key guides. Oppose those who race prominently. Big Bucks again looks to hold a fine chance, with Oscar Whisky the one expected to put it up to him this year. Oscar Whisky in the market w/o the favourite looks the bet.

Shortlist:

Big Bucks                                            9

Oscar Whisky                                     7

Thousand Stars                                  8

Dynaste                                               6

Voler La Vedette                                  8

Carlito Brigante                                   6

So Young                                            6

Mourad                                                7

Zaidpour                                              6

Selection: 1) Big Bucks          2) Oscar Whisky         3) Mourad        4) So Young

Previous winners

2011 Big Buck's                      8                              10/11       fav
2010 Big Buck's                      7                              5/6           fav
2009 Big Buck's                      6                              6/1
2008 Inglis Drever                   9                              11/8         fav
2007 Inglis Drever                   8                              5/1
2006 My Way De Solzen         6                              8/1
2005 Inglis Drever                   6                              5/1
2004 Iris’s Gift                         7                              9/2
2003 Baracouda                     8                              9/4           joint-fav
2002 Baracouda                     7                              13/8         fav

Byrne Group Plate Handicap Steeple Chase Grade 3 (5yo+) 2m 5f

No Selection

FWKM Challenge Cup 3m 1½f

No Selection