Cheltenham Festival 2013: DAY 3 Trends and Selections

Cheltenham Festival 2013: DAY 3Trends and Selections

DAY 3                  Thursday March 14, 2013

Jewson Novice Chase Listed 2m 4f

Shortlist:

Dynaste                                   ?           7

Captain Conan                                    6

Boston Bob                             ?          8

Arvika Ligeonniere                 ?          8

Aupcharlie                                           7

Module                                                 6

Oscars Well                                         8

Selections:

1) Captain Conan        2) Aupcharlie               3) Module

Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle Listed 3m

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

Shortlist:

Sam Winner                                                    6

Shutthefrontdoor                                             6

Captain Sunshine                                           7

Selections:

1) Shutthefrontdoor                 2) Sam Winner           3) Captain Sunshine

Ryanair Chase Grade 2  2m 5f

Previous Cheltenham winners win this. Older horses do fine. Concentrate on first handful in betting. Last year’s winner (7/2 fav), Riverside Theatre, is again prominent in the betting. Very competitive race with Cue Card, Sizing Europe, First Lieutenant and possibly Finian’s Rainbow in contention.

Shortlist:

Riverside Theatre                                 9

Cue Card                                               7

Sizing Europe                                     11

First Lieutenant                                     8

Finian’s Rainbow                                10

Grands Crus                                          8                   

Champion Court                                    8

Menorah                                                 8

Somersby                                               9

Selections:

1) Cue Card    2) First Lieutenant       3) Sizing Europe         4) Riverside Theatre  

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

Steer clear of 5yos (no 5yo has won this although decent ones have tried) and those aged in double figures. 6, 7, 8 and 9yos are all capable of winning. The Long Walk and Cleeve Hurdles are key guides. Oppose those who race prominently. No Big Bucks this time leaves the race looking wide open. Oscar Whisky looks classy, but is a 2½ mile specialist. He could run in the Champion Hurdle, but his real target may well be Aintree again at his optimum trip. Monksland and Reve De Sivola look to set the standard to beat.

Shortlist:

Oscar Whisky                                      8

Reve De Sivola                                   8

Monksland                                           6

Quevega                                              9

Solwhit                                                 9

Bog Warrier                                        9

Peddlars Cross                                  8

Grands Crus                                       8

So Young                                            7

Selections:

1) Monksland   2) Reve De Sivola       3) Oscar Whisky         4) So Young

Previous winners

2012 Big Bucks                       9                              5/6           fav

2011 Big Bucks                       8                              10/11        fav

2010 Big Bucks                       7                              5/6           fav

2009 Big Bucks                       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

Ballynagour is a strong fancy.

Hunt Ball                                              8

Ballynagour                                         7

Selections:

1) Ballynagour                       2) Hunt Ball

FWKM Challenge Cup 3m 2½f

No Selection

c Steve Miller 2013