CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2016 -- DAY THREE THURSDAY (WORLD HURDLE)

It can get a bit busy at the bar...

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL – THURSDAY MARCH 17TH 2016
1.30pm 2m 4f JLT Novices Chase	JLT Novice's Chase And we’re off…for day three of this years festival. Kicking off with a Novice chase for a change. Nigel Twiston-Davies' yard are going well so far, and wouldn't be a shock if his BRISTOL DE MAI took this, with OUTLANDER the big danger from Ireland. I will try to back the pair against the field in the opener. Result -- 1st : BLACK HERCULES 4/1
2.10pm 3m Handicap Hurdle	Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle) Big field as you'd expect for a handicap final here, IF IN DOUBT seems aptly named and carries the first colours of JP McManus though his colours are carried by no fewer than SIX of the runners. I also fancy the chances of OSCAR SAM win/place at a decent price, but it's a tough race to call.  Result -- 1st : MALL DINI 14/1
2.50pm 2m 5f Ryanair Chase	Ryanair Handicap Chase  Now that VAUTOUR has been re-routed here instead of the Gold Cup the race is so competitive would you want to take the 8/11 with so many good horses in the line up?  DYNASTE looks a bit big at 25/1 and could well stay on for a place, you would also be looking at SMASHING who is improving and while not the class of the fav could be an EW/PLACE bet at 20s.    Result -- 1st : VAUTOUR EVENS
3.30pm 3m World Hurdle	Ladbrokes "World" Hurdle (the Stayers Hurdle) Feature race of the day now and it's the Stayers Hurdle (I still can't bring myself to call it the World Hurdle I mean what's that about...)  You don't see too many former Gold Cup winners having a crack at this but we've one today in BOBS WORTH, but you have to expect this to all happen a bit too fast for him now and there are some excellent staying hurdlers in the line up.  Last years winner COLE HARDEN might not get some an easy lead up front this time around but should be thereabouts, the one for all the money and certain fav is THISTLECRACK and I have to say it does make a change to have a short price fav that isn't trained by Willie Mullins. Result -- 1st : THISTLECRACK EVENS
4.10pm 2m 5f Handicap Chase	Byrne Group Chase A 24 runner chase next and you'd want to pass on this surely, unless you want to play in which case I'd only want to look at something at least 20/1 or better for some value. With Colin Tizzard coming here with some hot ammo it wouldn't be a shock if he's also got SEW ON TARGET ready for this.  David Pipe runs three, and his VATICANE won so well at Wincanton could be worth a go too at 20/1 if in the same mood. (Non Runner) Result -- 1st :  EMPIRE OF DIRT 16/1
4.50pm 2m 1f Mares Novices Hurdle	Dawn Run Mares Novices Hurdle Another Mullins Odds on Fav here with LIMINI for top owner Mr and Mrs Ricci, doesn't appeal at the price though will probably win.  BLOODY MARY looks good at the price to upset or place at the very least.  Result -- 1st : LIMINI 8/11
5.30pm 3m 2f Kim Muir Chase	Fulke Walwyn : Kim Muir  National Hunt Challenge Cup (3m 2f) The finale is for Amateur ridders and will be a test as the ground will surely be worse for the previous races today, at least the rain hasn't made it impossible.  KNOCK HOUSE appeals with top rider Nina Carberry on board and Channon does fairly well with his few NH horses, most of which he inherited from Hen Knight.  TOP WOOD can also run well for another female rider Katie Walsh, they both show as 20/1 shots so would seem good against the field in both win and place markets. Result -- 1st : ENJOY YOUR CHELTENHAM BET SENSIBLY

Results should appear here through the afternoon and Friday's details updated shortly.