Cheltenham Festival Day Three: A St Patrick's Thursday Spectacle
The third day of the Cheltenham Festival, known as St Patrick's Thursday, promises to deliver thrilling horse racing action with a lineup of competitive events. Daily Mail Sport provides expert analysis and tips for each race, highlighting key contenders and potential upsets. From the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle to the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase, here is a comprehensive guide to the day's highlights.
Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (1.20)
This Grade Two race over 2 miles and 1 furlong features Bambino Fever, last season's Champion Bumper winner, who drops in grade and aims to secure a record sixth win for trainer Willie Mullins. Despite losing her unbeaten record in December to Oldschool Outlaw, she bounced back with a 12-length victory at Fairyhouse in January. Carrigmoornaspruce poses as the main danger, having been beaten just five lengths in a Grade One event, while Echoing Silence, owned by Kenny Alexander, offers value as a live outsider with a strong Festival record for mares.
Jack Richards Novices’ Chase (2.00)
A handicap chase over 2 miles 4½ furlongs, this race sees Jordans Cross as the selection, benefiting from a boosted form after Quebecois's performance in the Ultima. Unbeaten in four starts over fences except for a fall, he is well-treated from a mark only 6lb higher. Regent’s Stroll, connected to last year's winner Caldwell Potter, is the main danger, with his runner-up effort on Trials Day enhanced by subsequent results. Kdeux Saint Fray, trained by Anthony Honeyball, sneaks in at the foot of the weights as a live outsider.
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (2.40)
In this Grade One race over 2 miles 4½ furlongs, Wodhooh stands out for Gordon Elliott, seeking her first Grade One success after winning nine of 10 hurdle starts. With a rating of 154, she leads Jade De Grugy, last year's runner-up, who reverts from novice chasing. Feet Of A Dancer, from Paul Nolan's team, adds competition as a live outsider with two wins this season.
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (3.20)
The highlight of the day, this Grade One race over 3 miles features a rematch between the last two winners. Teahupoo, the 2024 scorer, is favoured over Bob Olinger, having finished in the top two in all eight starts since December 2023. Ma Shantou, trained by Emma Lavelle, follows a path similar to past winner Paisley Park and poses as the main danger, while Impose Toi is a live outsider hoping for a weight swing to close the gap.
Pertemps Network Final Hurdle (4.40)
A handicap over 3 miles, this race sees Electric Mason as the selection, with his form boosted by Ma Shantou's participation earlier. Beaten just under three lengths by Ma Shantou in October, he won the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock and deserves his 7lb rise. Supremely West is the main danger, now rated 2lb lower, and Staffordshire Knot, representing Gordon Elliott, is a live outsider after a career-best display in the Boyne Hurdle.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (5.20)
This handicap chase over 3 miles 2½ furlongs features Jeriko Du Reponet as the selection, with cheekpieces reapplied after a runner-up finish in last year's Pertemps. Herakles Westwood is the main danger, reuniting with jockey Finny Maguire, and Daily Present, last year's winner, is a live outsider despite recent hurdle starts.
The Wizard of Odds: Trends and Verdicts
For the Stayers' Hurdle, trends favour horses rated 152+, with 11 of the last 12 winners finishing in the top four last time out. Teahupoo aligns well, but Honesty Policy offers value as a lightly raced contender with improvement potential. In the Ryanair Chase, trends highlight horses rated 161+ and aged seven to nine, with Willie Mullins-trained entries like Impaire Et Passe presenting attractive odds despite Fact To File's strong form.
Placepot Recommendations
For placepot bets, Bambino Fever is a banker in race one, with Jade De Grugy expected to place in race three. The final leg requires multiple selections: Honesty Policy and Teahupoo in race four, Impaire Et Passe and Fact To File in race five, and Supremely West, Absolutely Doyen, and Electric Mason in race six, totaling 24 lines for strategic betting.
