Stayers Hurdle is the main attraction of day 3 of the Cheltenham Festvial where 2024 winner Teahupoo comes back to try retain his crown.
13:20 Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)
Hurdle Turf, Grade 2 Novice Class 1
Runners 24
Distance 2 miles 1 furlong
Going Good to soft
1st place £59,084
Our selections for the race
To win Aurora Vega (15/2)
Daughter of multiple Cheltenham winner Quevega and is sister to Facile Vega who won the Champion Bumper and finished 2nd in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Won Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in January and is 6 wins from 9 under rules. Paul Townend choses her so giving of positive vibes.
Each-way Jubilee Alpha (11/1)
Beat everything but Diva Luna in the Grade 2 Bumper for the mares at the Grand National meeting last year. Came up short in listed company on hurdle debut but has comfortably won her subsequent races, conceded weight to Bluey last time and won well at Windsor on Soft ground. Could just be outclassed here.
14:00 Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2)
Chase Turf, Handicap Novice Class 1
Runners 20
Distance 2 miles 4 furlongs
Going Good to soft
1st place £64,300
Our selections for the race
To win Firefox (6/1)
Unraced on heavy ground, Other then that he is versatile ground-wise. Consistent with several pieces of Grade 1 form including 3rd in the Supreme 12 months ago. Half decent chase record in the Drimore and Irish Arkle. Brings the class to the handicap.
Each-way Moon d'Orange (14/1)
Form stands at 33421 since going chasing including 3 runs at Cheltenham. Came from last to first under Sean in Open company but made a juddering mistake at the final fence but Sean lifted him to win, has to be a big player back in novice company.
14:40 Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
Hurdle Turf, Grade 3 Handicap Class 1
Runners 24
Distance 3 miles
Going Good to soft
1st place £61,897
Our selections for the race
To win Jeriko Du Reponet (13/2)
Looks slightly like a plot job, had big reputation from connections coming into this season but was unsettled before his chase debut and was restless and they struggled to saddle him. Switched back hurdling at Newbury and Exeter and especially Exeter it didn't seem they asked huge questions when he ran on for 3rd. Wears headgear for the first time and will try come late to win it.
Each-way Henri The Second (16/1)
Won a grade 2 novice in 2022 also stormed home and went well clear when upped in trip to 2m7f at Sandown in December on Heavy. Beaten by a promising one at Sandown also on Heavy ground. Placed on Good ground in 2023 so todays going is a slight question now going away from heavy, deep ground.
15:20 Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)
Chase Turf, Grade 1 Class 1
Runners 9
Distance 2 miles 4 1/2 furlongs
Going Good to soft
1st place £211,013
Our selections for the race
To win Fact To File (5/4)
Absolutely the best in the race, served it up to Galopin Des Champs three times this season but lost both over 3 miles now switching back to 2m4f where he beat Galopin over this trip in the John Durkan at Punchestown. Ducked Galopin in the Gold cup and comes here with a huge chance.
Each-way Jungle Boogie (12/1)
11 years old but very lightly raced and has won 5 of his 7 starts, ran in the gold cup. 8 lengths winner of a Graduation Chase at Ascot in November which was his only run this season. Definitely a wildcard here but has some hope when going from the front.
16:00 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1)
Hurdle Turf, Grade 1 Class 1
Runners 14
Distance 3 miles
Going Good to soft
1st place £182,878
Our predictions for the race
To win Teahupoo (6/4)
Ran close in this in 2023 and won it last year then followed up at Punchestown in another Grade 1 with something to spare. Fair 2nd place to Lossiemouth over a short trip that's now boosted with her romping home in the Mares Hurdle on Day 1 of the festival. Will be hard to beat if repeating last years win.
Each-way Bob Olinger (20/1)
3 out of 3 at Cheltenham including 2 festival wins, went very close in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle last April and then came home a respectable 2nd to Home By The Lee on his 2 starts this season. Would need to find extra to win this but definitely is not out of it Each-way.
16:40 TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
Chase Turf, Grade 3 Handicap Class 1
Runners 20
Distance 2miles 4 1/2 furlongs
Going Good to soft
1st place £84,405
Our selections for the race
To win Jagwar (4/1)
Very strong travelling horse who lost his unbeaten tag at Uttoxeter in December but he was in a lovely rhythm round here in January over course and distance. Raised 7lbs but has a class about him.
Each-way Ginny's Destiny (10/1)
Front-runner who jumps well and travels strongly. Won twice over course and distance on Soft and Good to soft last Midwinter. Honourable 2nd in Grade 1 Novice at the festival, had problems since but signs have been showing at home and he comes here only 2lbs higher then his last win. Revival could happen here.
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