Cheltenham Day 3 – Sing when you’re winning!

As Matt Chapman would say; “Yeehaa!”. Today was a really lovely days punting and we made a decent few quid, and probably should have made more. 2 wins and 3/4 places depending on where you did you’re betting was a really nice pocket filler and confidence booster after what was a poor day 1. We hit the crossbar today with a few, notably, Orgilgo Bay who could have gone a lot closer had he not raced so keen, but we won’t shy away from the each way shillings at all!

Now we are back in profit, a word of warning before tomorrow. Thursday at the festival, as a rule, is a notoriously difficult day for punters to do well. The crux of what Im trying to say is basically if you’re up a few quid don’t go mad tomorrow. Go small/ each way on bigger prices. Thursday is the day for the freak results. Keep the powder dry for Friday or for a few pints at the weekend! It’s always nice feeling to walk away from Cheltenham up, so box clever.

Let’s have a gander at the card!

JLT Novices’ Chase 13:30 – An interesting encounter with several different angles to make a logical argument from. The word is Felix Yonger is in tip top form and the drying ground should suit. However, there field are fairly generously priced, reflecting the open nature of the race. An each way bet on stablemate Djackadam however tickles my fancy. He really was spectacular when jumping like a buck at Leopardstown. 10’s is very generous.

Pertemps Network Final 14:05 – This race is a prime example of why Thursday at the Cheltenham festival is a bitch of a day to make money. Josies Orders comes in off two wins on the bounce, a light weight and Maurice Linehan claiming 5. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this is a McManus plunge horse tomorrow. Each way claims. An each way chance also lies with Seefood who has gone close a number of times this term. Interesting to see who takes the ride with Bryan Cooper injured.

Ryanair Chase 14:40 – Benefficient is a proper horse and has a good chance. Tony Martins haven’t run too well this week but Im hopeful. Rajdhani Express is overpriced and doesn’t have to improve too much to make the frame. Each way claims at a big price.

Ladbrokes World Hurdle 15:20 – A fascinating contest. Big Bucks is back to reclaim his title. In my opinion, after seeing older horses left in the wake of youthful exuberance over the last two days, he may be up against it. Annie Power seems to be bombproof, but hasn’t actually beaten too much on her way here. Her first real test is tomorrow. Connections say they haven’t really gotten to the bottom of her and don’t know how good she really is. Her mares allowance is vital and is the main reason Ive sided with her. Medinas is a very interesting outsider and is still open to improvement for a place chance.

Byrne Group Plate 16:00 –  Each way is the name of the game here me thinks. Sew On Target got 6 lbs for a great win at Sandown last time and was a good 4th at this track over a furlong farther back in January. Third Intention could also go well after finishing 3rd behind the RSA winner O’Faolains Boy at Ascot last time. Both each way.

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase 16:40 – A tricky one again. Balnaslow put in a good shift when running 4th in a fiercely run Thyestes at Gowran Park on heavyish ground. The quicker stuff tomorrow should improve his each way chance. An each way squeak also goes to Spring Heeled who I would imagine connections are expecting a big run from at some point this season looking at his campaign route aiming at some big handicaps. Tomorrow could be the day.

So thats it for Day 3! Hopefully there are few more winners in there for us!

The very best of luck with your own selections! Hopefully you made a few quid today! Onward to tomorrow. For the love of racing! (and money!)

Slán tamaillín,

T