Thursday's Cheltenham Festival Tips
Trainer Gordon Elliott has expressed high praise for two of his contenders on day three of the Cheltenham Festival. The potential of Teahupoo and Brighterdaysahead has not escaped him.
Teahupoo, a strong contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle and last year's runner-up, has been carefully managed since his impressive Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace triumph in December. Arriving at Cheltenham fresh, Teahupoo is expected to excel on the ground, having shown significant improvement this season. Adjustments in race tactics may just give him the edge needed to secure Thursday's prestigious prize.
Returning champion Sire Du Berlais, winner in 2023, is set to defend his title and relishes this time of year. However, no twelve-year-old has clinched victory in this race before.
The primary threat to Teahupoo appears to be the progressive Crambo, who showcased his potential as a top-class stayer with a notable victory in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. Notable former Stayers’ Hurdle champions, Flooring Porter and Paisley Park, should also not be discounted.
In the Turners Novices’ Chase opener, the competition seems open, with Facile Vega leading the market for the Willie Mullins team. Yet, his vulnerability over the extended trip of two and a half miles could be a deciding factor, as he struggles to finish strongly up the Cheltenham hill.
Ginny’s Destiny, boasting three course victories, is a strong contender, having previously triumphed twice over the same distance. A noteworthy challenger is last year’s Martin Pipe winner, Iroko, who impressed with a victory at Warwick in December and displayed exceptional jumping skills.
The Pertemps Final promises intense competition, with Cleatus Poolaw emerging as a frontrunner following an impressive second-place finish at Naas. Trainer Gordon Elliott, with a successful record in this race, holds Icare Allen in high regard, considering his potential to be well handicapped. Progressive contenders Cuthbert Dibble and Prairie Dancer are also worth considering.
The Ryanair poses an intriguing showdown, with Banbridge leading the market for Joseph O’Brien. Envoi Allen, last year’s victor, is in excellent form and favours softer ground. Conflated, trained by Gordon Elliott, and Stage Star, backed by Paul Nicholls, are also notable each-way contenders.
The TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase could see Theatre Man delivering a strong performance, having shown promising form previously. Crebilly, the market leader for Jonjo O’Neill, is anticipated to perform well, given his previous successes on heavy ground. Saint Felicien, as highlighted by Davy Russell, remains a strong contender for victory.
The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is set to be a thrilling event, with Brighterdaysahead receiving glowing praise from Gordon Elliott. Fergal O'Brien's Dysart Enos, a Grade 2 bumper winner, remains undefeated in six starts and commands respect. The unbeaten Jade De Grugy, representing Willie Mullins, is another strong candidate.
In the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase, Gordon Elliott's Where It All Began is expected to excel, having showcased impressive form at the Punchestown National Trial.
Bowtogreatness, who finished third in the Grade 3 Coral Trophy at Kempton, is also a contender to watch out for. Lastly, last year’s winners Angels Dawn and Inothewayurthinkin are worth considering, despite facing tougher competition this year.