That's yer lot for today ...
Well, that was a quite remarkable day’s racing. It began with Festival hotpot Envoi Allen falling in a Novices’ Chase won by Nico De Boinville on Chantry House and ended with Mount Ida coming from absolutely nowhere to win the Kim Muir.
Rachael Blackmore added another to her tally for the week by winning the Ryanair Chase on Allaho, before making it two for the afternoon and five for this Festival on Tellmesopmethinggirl in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Flooring Porter was a popular Irish pillar-to-post winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle in partnership with Danny Mullins, who came in for a plum spare ride to record his first Festival winner after so many near misses.
The day’s other race, the Plate Handicap Chase, was won by the favourite The Shunter, who gave seven pound claimer Jordan Gainsford his maiden Festival triumph in the saddle.
Updated
Kim Muir Challenge Cup (4.50) result
1 Mount Ida (J W Kennedy) 3-1 Fav
2 Cloudy Glen (R T Dunne) 33-1
3 Shantou Flyer (H Cobden) 11-2
4 Hold The Note (J J Burke) 9-1
21 ran
Non Runners: 1,18,24
CSF: 109.54
Tricast: 551.39
4.50: Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)
The favourite Mount Ida is travelling much better now ... towards three oout and Storm Control continues to lead .... Plan Of Attack is a faller ... Mount Ida in third place ... Mount Ida jumps the second last with a narrow lead over Storm Control ... Mount Ida pulls two lengths clear over the final fence ... Mount Ida wins easily in the end... having been practically tailed off at the final fence. Mount Ida wins under Jack Kennedy for Sneezy Foster.
4.50: Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)
A circuit to go in the Kim Muir and Storm Control continues to lead from Milanford and Townshend ... Mount Ida is in midfield ...
4.50: Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)
Storm Control continues to lead under Richard Patrick, while the favourite Mount Ida is whipping them in about 20 lengths back and jumping poorly ...
4.50: Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)
Mount Ida is towards the rear of the field Early Doors, while Storm Control leads by about a length. Townshend is in second and Milanford in third ...
4.50: Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)
They’re off and running in the final race of the day and Mount Ida goes off the 7-2 favourite.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase (4.50) betting
- Mount Ida – 5/1
- Shantou Flyer – 7/1
- Plan of Attack – 8/1
- Hold the Note – 10/1
- Deise Aba – 12/1
- Musical Slave – 14/1
- Milanford – 16/1
- Morning Vicar – 16/1
- Go Another One – 18/1
- Bob Mahler – 22/1
- Sizing at Midnight
- Crievehill – 33/1
- Cloudy Glen – 33/1
- Cobolobo – 33/1
- Didero Vallis -33/1
- Young Dev – 40/1
- Double Shuffle – 40/1
- Another Venture – 66/1
- Almazhdar Garde – 66/1
- Townshend – 66/1
- Beau Bay – 66/1
- View on Oddschecker
Britain 4, Blackmore 5 👏🏼 https://t.co/72mBRrVWg3
— Ed Chamberlin (@chamberlinsport) March 18, 2021
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase
A wide-open finale to the third day, with professional jockeys replacing amateurs due to Covid-19 restrictions (any amateur good enough to ride at the Festival is technically an “elite” athlete, but not quite “elite” enough to satisfy the rules).
The novice Mount Ida is dropping down from Grade Two company last time and has a big chance for Denise Foster, while Plan Of Attack finished fourth in this last year off 140 and is 2lb lower now with Rachael Blackmore taking over in the saddle.
Musical Slave also catches the eye towards the bottom of the list, having been dropped a couple of pounds since finishing third in a decent race at Ascot in February.
4.15: Mares' Novices' Hurdle (4.15) winner
1 Telmesomethinggirl (Rachael Blackmore) 5-1
2 Magic Daze (R M Power) 22-1
3 Mighty Blue (J J Slevin) 12-1
15 ran
Also: 9-2 Fav Royal Kahala, 28-1 Skyace 4th
CSF: 111.14
Tricast: 1263.48
4.15: Mares Novices’ Hurdle (2m 1f)
Tellmesomethinggirl draws level with Magic Daze ... Tellmesomethinggirl hoses home on the run-in to win pulling a cart. It’s another winner for Rachael Blackmore!!! That’s another fine ride from Blackm ore, who picked her way through the field ...
4.15: Mares Novices’ Hurdle (2m 1f)
Magic Daze continue to make the running, followed by Glens Of Antrim and Perfect Myth ... Tellmesomethinggirl is making ground from the rear of the field ...
4.15: Mares Novices’ Hurdle (2m 1f)
Away they go in the penultimate race of the penultimate day. Magic Daze has galloped into an early lead and his jockey Robbie Power is standing in his irons, urging him to slow down. Glens Of Antrim is in second place and Gauloise is third...
Parnell Mares Novices' Hurdle (4.15) betting
- Royal Kahala – 5/1
- Hook Up – 6/1
- Telmesomethinggirl – 7/1
- Roseys Hollow – 7/1
- Gauloise – 17/2
- Glens of Antrim – 9/1
- The Glancing Queen – 9/1
- Mighty Blue – 14/1
- Perfect Myth – 22/1
- Magic Daze – 25/1
- Skyace – 25/1
- Allavina – 40/1
- Martello Sky – 40/1
- Pont Aval – 40/1
- Will Victory – 125/1
- View on Oddschecker
Parnell Mares' Novices Hurdle (4.15) preview
One of the few non-handicaps at the meeting which is not a Grade One, and a race that has had only one winning trainer in its five-year history: a certain W P Mullins esq, who has had three winning favourites, a 9-2 shot … and 50-1 winner Eglantine Du Seuil in 2019, who beat stable companion Concertista (66-1) with subsequent Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, the favourite, down the field.
He fields four runners this year in an attempt to maintain his dominance, including the well-backed Hook Up and Gauloise, but Peter Fahey’s Royal Kahala is the favourite at around 5-1. She was second behind Roseys Hollow in a Grade Three at Fairyhouse last time, with Gauloise in third and Joseph O’Brien’s Mighty Blue back in fourth but is better off at today’s weights.
Updated
The Shunter wins: The connections get a £100,000 bonus that was on offer from Bet365 for winning this race and one he won at Kelso around Christmas. Good planning by trainer Emmet Mullins! And yes, all these different Mullins folk you keep reading about are from the same dynasty.
Updated
Paddy Power Plate (3.40) result
1 The Shunter (J C Gainford) 9-4 Fav
2 Farclas (J W Kennedy) 5-1
3 Top Notch (Luca Morgan) 50-1
4 Coole Cody (T J O’Brien) 22-1
21 ran
Non Runners: 10,18
CSF: 12.47
Tricast: 471.15
3.40: Paddy Power Plate (2m 5f)
The SHunter takes up the running from Cool Coady and Oldgrangewood ... The SHunter leads over the left from Top Notch ... The Shunter wins the Paddy Power Plate under seven-pound claimer Jordan Gainford. Farclas was second and Top Notch was third.
3.40: Paddy Power Plate (2m 5f)
Four from the finish and it’s still Kiltealy Briggs from The Shunter, Two Taffs and Cool Coady ... plenty in with chances here as the field is well bunched.
3.40: Paddy Power Plate (2m 5f)
Ten fences to jump and Kiltealy Briggs continues to tow them along ... The Shunter is next, followed by Two Taffs and Coole Cody ... Caribean Boy is midfield ...
3.40: Paddy Power Plate (2m 5f)
The Shunter leads them over the first couple of fences but is soon overtaken by Kiltealy Briggs. Two Taffs is in third and the field is fairly well bunched.
3.40: Paddy Power Plate (2m 5f)
After two false starts, they attempt to go off from a standing start. That too is a mess. Starter Robbie Supple is getting cranky and asking them to take a turn. Away they go, fourth time lucky.
To save me replying to everyone who’s WhatsApp’d me...
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) March 18, 2021
YES - I backed it 🙌
NO - it’s not my horse 🐎🤦♂️
YES - the wife is demanding all the winnings 🥺#winnerwinner pic.twitter.com/BztfPZk0Ik
Plate Handicap Chase (3.40) betting
- The Shunter – 5/2
- Farlas – 13/2
- Sully DOc Aa – 12/1
- Caribean Boy – 12/1
- A Wave of the Sea – 12/1
- Fils Doudaries – 14/1
- Mister Whittaker – 16/1
- Happy Diva – 16/1
- Assemble – 22/1
- Oldgrangewood – 22/1
- Paddys Poem – 28/1
- Champagne Court – 28/1
- Dead Right – 28/1
- Coole Cody – 28/1
- Top Notch – 33/1
- Eamon An Cnoic – 40/1
- Huntsman Son – 40/1
- Kiltealy Briggs – 40/1
- The Unit – 50/1
- Two Taffs – 66/1
- Maypole Class – 80/1
- View on Oddschecker
Plate Handicap Chase (3.40) preview
Most eyes will be on The Shunter here as he attempts to land a £100,000 bonus for following up his victory in the Morebattle Hurdle earlier this month with a win at the Festival. And he seems certain to start as favourite to do so, despite the switch from hurdles to fences. If he succeeds, Emmett Mullins will be able to congratulate himself on one of the finest – as well as one of the most lucrative – training achievements in Festival history, but there are plenty of dangers lurking behind him in the betting, most obviously Farclas, Caribean Boy and A Wave Of The Sea. For the neutrals, though, if there is any such thing at the Festival, it’s all about The Shunter and his 7lb-claiming jockey Jordon Gainford, who will be having only his second ride at the Festival after finishing down the field in the Grand Annual here on Wednesday.
Updated
Flooring Porter wins the Stayers’ Hurdle: The winner is led in by Jonathan Moore, who was supposed to ride him today, but declared himself not fit enough to do the horse justice this morning after a fall at the weekend. It was he who suggested the seat on the horse’s back be given to Danny Mullins, who has his friend to thank for his first Festival winner.
Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle result
1 Flooring Porter (D E Mullins) 12-1
2 Sire Du Berlais (M P Walsh) 5-1
3 Paisley Park (Aidan Coleman) 9-4 Fav
15 ran
Also: 10-1 Beacon Edge 4th
Tote: win 8.40 places 2.10 2.00 1.50
Tote Exacta: 61.50
CSF: 69.52
Tricast: 188.55
Tote Trifecta: 177.30
3.05: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
That is a terrific ride from Danny Mullins, who led from start to finish on Flooring Porter. Sire De Berlais was second and Paisley Park was third.
3.05: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
Flooring Porter jumps the second last in front with Beacon Edge in hot pursuit. Paisley Park is in third ... Flooring Porter jumps the last with a three-length lead ... Flooring Porter and Danny Mullins win from pillar to post ...
3.05: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
Reserve Tank is struggling at the back of the field, while Lisnagar Oscar is a faller. Fury Road is badly hampered ... Fury Road continues to lead while Sire De Berlais is being scrubbed along ... FLooring Porter continues to shovel coal on the furnace with VBinndication in second place ...
3.05: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
Flooring Porter leads from Lil Rockerfeller and Lisnagar Oscar, Younevercall is next. Flooring Porter leads by two lengths ...
3.05: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
Lisnagar Oscar and Flooring Porter lead them off in the Stayers’ Hurdle, with Paisley Park settling in towards the rear ... Lil Rockerfeller is prominent ... Flooring Porter is bowling along in front ...
Stayer’s Hurdle (3.05) preview
The ever-popular Paisley Park is back for a third run in the highlight of day three, and the punters seem ready to forgive him for an odds-on defeat 12 months ago, when Lisnagar Oscar led the field home, mainly to cheers from the betting ring where a 50-1 winner is always warmly received.
Paisley Park was clearly not himself that day and a return to the form of his memorable victory in 2019 would obviously give him a big chance (and it could be argued too that he looked better than ever at Ascot last time). But this also looks like a better race, with several interesting new rivals alongside the veterans of recent renewals.
Fury Road, a close third behind Wednesday’s Brown Advisory Novice Chase winner Monkfish in last year’s Albert Bartlett, is one, and Sire Du Berlais, a dual winner of the Pertemps Final, another (his win off 152 a year ago is the best form on offer by some way according to the timefigure). Vinndication too has several runs in the book that give him a leading chance, albeit all of them over fences as he has not jumped a hurdle in public since 2018. At around 12-1, though, it could well be an each-way chance worth taking.
Updated
Another Grade 1 success for @Rachaelblackmor!
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 18, 2021
Allaho storms away to win the @Ryanair Chase for @WillieMullinsNH#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/TH7PFZMqAd
Rachael Blackmore puts on another tactical masterclass and it’s just such a shame she doesn’t have a full Festival house to roar home these high profile winners, as the Irish would take the roof off the Grandstand. The queen of Irish racing now has more winners than falls in this Festival (4v3) which just goes to show what a perilous trade she’s earning her living in.
Updated
Ryanair Chase (2.30) result
1 Allaho (Rachael Blackmore) 3-1 Fav
2 Fakir D’Oudairies (M P Walsh) 11-2
3 Tornado Flyer (D E Mullins) 25-1
11 ran
Also: 25-1 Kalashnikov 4th
Non Runners: 3,11,12
CSF: 19.41
Tricast: 350.26
2.30: Ryanair Steeplechase (2m 5f)
Allaho continues to make all approaching the third last, with Min in second. Mister Fisaher keeps hitting fences and it could cost him a win ... Allaho is 10 lengths clear going up the home straight with two fences to jump ... Mister Fisher is pulled up ... Allaho jumps the last under Rachael Blackmore ... Allaho wins the Ryanair Chase for Rachael Blackmore and trainer Willie Mullins. Fakir D’Oudairies was second and Tornado Flyer finishes third.
2.30: Ryanair Steeplechase (2m 5f)
Mister Fisher makes a mistake at the water-jump but remains in third, while Amcro has been pulled up ... Allaho leads from Min, with Kalashnikov and Mister Fisher in third and fourth ...
2.30: Ryanair Steeplechase (2m 5f)
Allaho leads from Min, with the rest of the field about three or four lengths behind. Imperial Aura is third, followed by Mister Fisher and Melon. The front two are six lengths clear ...
2.30: Ryanair Steeplechase (2m 5f)
Allaho will go off the 7-2 favourite under Rachel Blackmore, with Min second in the betting at 4-1. We have a false start with starter Robbie Supple calling them back after an early burst of over-enthusiasm. Min and Allaho lead the 11-strong field ...
Ryanair Chase (2.30) betting
- Min – 4/1
- Allaho – 9/2
- Fakir DOudairies – 7/1
- Samcro – 7/1
- Melon – 15/2
- Imperial Aura – 8/1
- Mister Fisher – 9/1
- Tornado Flyer – 28/1
- Kalashnikov – 28/1
- Chriss Dream – 33/1
- Fanion Destruval – 40/1
- View on Oddschecker
Ryanair Chase (2.30) preview
Grade One races with no obvious favourite have been as notable for their absence this week as the Guinness Village, but here, at last, is a race that does not revolve around one horse. Seven of the 11 remaining runners are priced up at single-figure odds – seven! – and there are even a couple of long-shots with a shout on their best form.
Allaho and Min are vying for favouritism, with Rachael Blackmore – the new favourite to be the meeting’s top jockey at the start of the day – in with a big chance of another win on the former, and Paul Townend, her biggest rival in the top-jock betting, aboard the latter. Fakir D’Oudairies, the top-notch-at-best-but-a-bit-in-and-out-these-days Samcro and Melon are all in with a big shout on their best form too, while the home team fields Mister Fisher and Imperial Aura against the Big Five from Ireland.
Pertemps Final Handicap (1.55) result
1 Mrs Milner (B J Cooper) 12-1
2 The Bosses Oscar (J C Gainford) 10-3 Fav
3 Come On Teddy (J J Burke) 10-1
4 Milliner (Rachael Blackmore) 7-1
22 ran
Non Runners: 12,15,20
CSF: 48.39
Tricast: 444.02
1.55: Pertemps Network Final (3m)
Bryan Cooper has his first Cheltenham Festival winner for three years. The former Gold Cup winner says “I’m just so glad to be back here on the big stage” to ITV Racing.
Updated
1.55: Pertemps Network Final (3m)
Kansas City Chief is running loose on the rail and interferes with Redford Road ... they have one left to jump with Potters Hedger leading the way ... Mrs Milner moves to the front and leaps three lenmgths clear from The Bosses Oscar. Mrs Milner and Bryan Cooper win the Pertemps final. The Bosses Oscar was second and Come On Teddy was third.
1.55: Pertemps Network Final (3m)
They’re past halfway in the Pertemps Final and Redford Road leads from Potters Hedge and Brinkley – they’re three abreast with about 10 lengths separating first from last in the field ... plenty in with chances here ...
1.55: Pertemps Network Final (3m)
Redford Road and Potters Hedge continue to lead, with THe Bosses Oscar ... Kansas City Chief unseats his jockey Millie Wollacott ...
1.55: Pertemps Network Final (3m)
The 20 runners in the second race on the card set off on their three-mile odyssey, Redford Road makes the very early running from Uknowwhatimeanharry. Storm Goddess is a faller at the second. Potters Hedger, Mrs Milner, Ask Dillon are also prominent early doors ...
Nicky Henderson saddled Chantry House, the winner of the opener, for his 70th Festival success as a trainer.
A 70th Festival win for @sevenbarrows!
— CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) March 18, 2021
Chantry House and @NdeBoinville take the Marsh Novices’ Chase
#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/g26Jtcg1Kj
Updated
Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (1.55) betting
- The Bosses Oscar – 4/1
- Imperial Alcazar – 6/1
- Milliner – 15/2
- Champagne Platinum – 17/2
- Come on Teddy – 10/1
- Mrs Milner -14/1
- Brinkley – 16/1
- Spiritofthegames – 18/1
- Storm Goddess – 18/1
- Dandy Mag – 20/1
- Storm Arising – 22/1
- Anything Will Do – 33/1
- Everglow – 35/1
- Ask Dillon – 40/1
- Keeper Hill – 40/1
- Copperhead – 40/1
- No Comment – 40/1
- Redford Road – 40/1
- Kansas City Chief – 50/1
- Uknowhatimeanharry – 66/1
- Perfect Man – 100/1
- Potters Hedger – 100/1
- View on Oddschecker
Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (1.55) preview
A race for horses which ran in one of a series of qualifiers over the course of the season, which should, in theory, give punters some useful recent form lines to work with, from races at around the same trip. In practice, of course, actually winning one of the qualifiers is not necessarily the ideal preparation for a tilt at the main event, and it is the horses that stay on from off the pace into a place in the frame in their qualifier that merit the greatest respect.
Champagne Platinum and The Bosses Oscar both tick that box, having finished second in the qualifiers at Warwick and Leopardstown respectively, while Come On Teddy was third after struggling for running room in the race at Warwick where Imperial Alcazar ran out an impressive winner.
Come On Teddy, who was five lengths adrift, runs off the same mark today, while Imperial Alcazar is 8lb higher, which illustrates the problem for winners quite well. It’s not impossible to double up – Brinkley, who won at Exeter, is another towards the top of the market – but it does make life more difficult.
Jack Kennedy: Making the long walk back to the weight room, Envoi Allen’s jockey looks thoroughly fed up with life. His mount hit the top of the fourth fence, then couldn’t get his landing gear out in time. He knuckled down on landing and ejected his pilot. Both horse and rider are OK, while Betfair punter Paul Dean will be mightily pleased he hedged his bet. He’s still £250,000 up for his £5 bet.
Updated
Novices' Chase (1.20) result
1 Chantry House (Nico de Boinville) 9-1
2 Fusil Raffles (D A Jacob) 14-1
3 Asterion Forlonge (P Townend) 14-1
8 ran
Also: 4-9 Fav Envoi Allen, 14-1 Chatham Street Lad 4th
CSF: 111.67
Tricast: 1737.56
1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
Chantry House wins, Fusil Raffles was a couple of lengths behind in second with Asterion Forlonge in third.
1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
Chantry House leaps the last in front with Fusil Raffles chasing up his inside ... Chantry House holds on to win the Marsh! Chantry House wins for Nico De Boinville and trainer Nicky Henderson.
1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
Three to jump and Shan Blue is going at a strong pace but is making mistakes in his jumping. Fusil Raffles is next, followed by Chantry House and Asterion Forlonge ... Chantry House moves into third as the pack close on Shan Blue ...
1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
Well, well. That’s a turn-up for the books! The white-hot favourite falls leaving this race wide open. He’s back on his feet and looking unhurt after clattering that fence. Shan Blue takes up the lead, followed by Fusil Raffles six lengths behind ...
1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
ENVOI ALLEN FALLS AT THE FOURTH!!!
Updated
1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
Off they go in the day’s opener, led by Fusil Raffles making the running from Shan Blue, with Chantry House in third. Enoi Allen is nicely settled in fourth place outside Chatham Street Lad ...
1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
The horses for the opener are milling around down at the start, waiting to come under orders from the starter. Envoi Allen looks an absolute picture, but my 50p EW is on Chantry House in this one.
Marsh Novices’ Chase (1.20) betting
- Envoi Allen – 4/9
- Chantry House – 10/1
- Shan Blue – 12/1
- Chatham Street Lad – 14/1
- Fusil Raffles – 18/1
- Asterion Forlonge – 22/1
- Blackbow – 33/1
- Darver Star – 33/1
- View on Oddschecker
Marsh Novices' Chase (1.20) preview
The seventh odds-on chance of the meeting as Envoi Allen goes to post for his first start for Henry de Bromhead since leaving Gordon Elliott’s yard, with an 11-race winning streak on the line. He is also going for a win at a third straight Festival, having landed the Bumper in 2019 and the Ballymore Novice Hurdle 12 months ago.
Jack Kennedy keeps the ride on the favourite, which must be a plus, and Sir Gerhard certainly showed no sign of going backwards for a change of stable when he took the Bumper on Wednesday so the heavy-hitters will be steaming in to back him.
The shrewdie who had him as the last leg of an immense five-timer, meanwhile, can watch in the happy knowledge that he is at least £250,000 richer whatever happens. The main danger to the favourite according to the betting in Nicky Henderson’s Chantry House, who finished third in the two-mile Supreme last year, but he has yet to produce any form that puts him within touching distance of Envoi Allen.
Preview: Stayers' Hurdle (3.05)
The ever-popular Paisley Park is back for a third run in the highlight of day three, and the punters seem ready to forgive him for an odds-on defeat 12 months ago, when Lisnagar Oscar led the field home, mainly to cheers from the betting ring where a 50-1 winner is always warmly received.
Paisley Park was clearly not himself that day and a return to the form of his memorable victory in 2019 would obviously give him a big chance (and it could be argued too that he looked better than ever at Ascot last time). But this also looks like a better race, with several interesting new rivals alongside the veterans of recent renewals.
Fury Road, a close third behind Wednesday’s Brown Advisory Novice Chase winner Monkfish in last year’s Albert Bartlett, is one, and Sire Du Berlais, a dual winner of the Pertemps Final, another (his win off 152 a year ago is the best form on offer by some way according to the timefigure). Vinndication too has several runs in the book that give him a leading chance, albeit all of them over fences as he has not jumped a hurdle in public since 2018. At around 12-1, though, it could well be an each-way chance worth taking.
Preview: Ryanair Chase (2.30)
Grade One races with no obvious favourite have been as notable for their absence this week as the Guinness Village, but here, at last, is a race that does not revolve around one horse. Seven of the 11 remaining runners are priced up at single-figure odds – seven! – and there are even a couple of long-shots with a shout on their best form.
Allaho and Min are vying for favouritism, with Rachael Blackmore – the new favourite to be the meeting’s top jockey at the start of the day – in with a big chance of another win on the former, and Paul Townend, her biggest rival in the top-jock betting, aboard the latter. Fakir D’Oudairies, the top-notch-at-best-but-a-bit-in-and-out-these-days Samcro and Melon are all in with a big shout on their best form too, while the home team fields Mister Fisher and Imperial Aura against the Big Five from Ireland.
Preview: Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final (1.55)
A race for horses which ran in one of a series of qualifiers over the course of the season, which should, in theory, give punters some useful recent form lines to work with, from races at around the same trip. In practice, of course, actually winning one of the qualifiers is not necessarily the ideal preparation for a tilt at the main event, and it is the horses that stay on from off the pace into a place in the frame in their qualifier that merit the greatest respect.
Champagne Platinum and The Bosses Oscar both tick that box, having finished second in the qualifiers at Warwick and Leopardstown respectively, while Come On Teddy was third after struggling for running room in the race at Warwick where Imperial Alcazar ran out an impressive winner.
Come On Teddy, who was five lengths adrift, runs off the same mark today, while Imperial Alcazar is 8lb higher, which illustrates the problem for winners quite well. It’s not impossible to double up – Brinkley, who won at Exeter, is another towards the top of the market – but it does make life more difficult.
Preview: Marsh Novices' Chase (1.20)
The seventh odds-on chance of the meeting as Envoi Allen goes to post for his first start for Henry de Bromhead since leaving Gordon Elliott’s yard, with an 11-race winning streak on the line. He is also going for a win at a third straight Festival, having landed the Bumper in 2019 and the Ballymore Novice Hurdle 12 months ago.
Jack Kennedy keeps the ride on the favourite, which must be a plus, and Sir Gerhard certainly showed no sign of going backwards for a change of stable when he took the Bumper on Wednesday so the heavy-hitters will be steaming in to back him.
The shrewdie who had him as the last leg of an immense five-timer, meanwhile, can watch in the happy knowledge that he is at least £250,000 richer whatever happens. The main danger to the favourite according to the betting in Nicky Henderson’s Chantry House, who finished third in the two-mile Supreme last year, but he has yet to produce any form that puts him within touching distance of Envoi Allen.
Paul Dean's overnight dilemma ...
As explained below by Greg Wood, the Betfair customer who stands to win £511k should Envoi Allen win todays opener, the Marsh Novice Chase, has decided to partially cash out his bet.
Paul Dean, of Stockton-on-Tees, has chosen to hedge his bet by banking £250,000 but will profit by an additional £50k should his beloved Envoi Allen be victorious.
To put it in the simplest terms possible, if the odds on favourite wins, Dean will trouser £322,000 in toal (he has the horse included in a few other bets) and if it gets beaten he will win £250,000.
“At Paul’s request we gave him a partial cash out offer which reflected his desire to have a portion of his bet still running on Envoi Allen, while also ensuring a substantial profit on his incredible bet,” said Betfair spokesman Barry Orr.
“It’s a fantastic offer and I couldn’t be happier,” said Dean. “I’ve definitely done the right thing. I’ll be going on a lot of holidays. It’s my mum and dads 70th birthdays this year so we’ll be going to New York and to some of the best golf courses in the world. I really want to play Bethpage and Sawgrass. And I think I’ll buy a horse.’’
On his decision to plasce the £5 bet. “It’s all about Cheltenham for me and I love having small ante-post bets and the dream of a big win over the winter,” he said. “I usually start placing my bets at the next best race meeting after Cheltenham, that’s Royal Ascot in June.”
Speaking about Envoi AIlen, Dean said “I just love him and want to be able to cheer him home today, that’s why I have partially cashed out. Come on Envoi.’’
Appearing on ITV’s Opening Show this morning, Dean, a keen, likeable and clearly very astute racing enthusiast, recalled the time Oli Bell once stole his taxi at Churchill Downs racecourse in America, much to the presenter’s acute embarrassment.
Today's non-runners
- 1.55: No12 Southfield Harvest, No15 Getaround, No20 Bushypark
- 2.30: No3 Dashel Drasher, No11 Real Steel, No12 Saint Calvados
- 3.40: No10 Laskalin, No18 Smarty Wild
- 4.50: No18: Late Romantic
Cheltenham Festival tipping competition
Welcome to day three of the annual Talking Horses tipping competition, in association with Betfair, who are offering a three-figure account credit (£100) for the tipster with the best daily profit to a £1 level stake at starting price.
As ever, non-runners count as losers, and it will make our lives much easier if you could post all seven selections in a single posting, before the first race at 1.20. Normal T&Cs apply, you can read them here.
In the unlikely event of a tie for first place after all seven races, the winner will be the one who posted their tips earliest. If you have to repost to replace a non-runner, the time of the later posting will be used in the tie-breaker.
Our winner yesterday was AuRun1 with a hugely impressive +46.37, with an honourable mention to Tommy2002 on +44.50 – close, Tommy, but no cigar. They both had Heaven Help Us and Sky Pirate, while the winner had Monkfish and Sir Gerhard too. Congratulations – somebody will be in touch.
If your luck’s out today, don’t forget to try again tomorrow. Good luck to all!
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Rachel Blackmore: After booting home two winners yesterday to go with her Champion Hurdle win on the opening day, the Irish jockey he has been cut into the clear 6-4 favourite to be named the Cheltenham Festival’s Top Jockey.
Available at 14-1 a week before the Festival, Blackmore has attracted a flood of money in the past 24 hours, attracting 51% of all bets in the market on becoming the first ever female to win the award.
Blackmore is booked to ride the likes of Allaho, Quilixios and A Plus Tard, among others, in the next two days. Paul Townend started the week as the 1-3 favourite and has ridden two winners in the form of Appreciate it and Monkfish. He too has an enviable book of rides on Thursday and Friday and is 7-4 second-favourite.
Tiger Roll: Following the diminutive Irish superstar’s surprisingly emphatic victory in the Glenfarclas Chase, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth that Tiger Roll will not be attempting to make it three consecutive wins in the Grand National after his owner, Michael O’Leary, withdrew him from the entries after a row over his weight (the horse’s, not the owner’s). Earlier today it was revealed that Tiger ROll will run at Aintree, but not in the Grand National.
EXCLUSIVE: Eddie O’Leary tells me that dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll “will probably run in the Betway Bowl” over the Mildmay fences at Aintree.
— Nick Luck (@nickluck) March 18, 2021
Listen here for more
Ep 184 - Tiger Roll could still run at Aintree by Nick Luck Daily https://t.co/rTSWMed3KS
Our racing correspondent sets the scene
Good morning from Cheltenham, where the action moves on to the New course for the next two days – on ground that hasn’t been used for racing since this time last year - and the going, for the moment at least, is good-to-soft after another dry night.
This is, in theory at least, the slightly weaker afternoon at the Festival but frankly, can anyone really tell the difference? Having two all-aged Grade Ones in the middle of the card rather than just the one made for one of the most memorable afternoons here in recent years in 2019, when Bryony Frost took the Ryanair on Frodon before Paisley Park landed the Stayers’ Hurdle, and the second part of that double at least could easily have a reprise on Thursday.
The Ryanair, meanwhile, is, as far as the betting goes at least, the first genuinely competitive Grade One of a meeting which has already had six odds-on favourites - which is three or four more than you would generally hope to see all week.
And it will be seven odds-on shots by the time it is run, as the unbeaten Envoi Allen is 4-9 for the opening Marsh Novice Chase, when he will be attempting to land a £322,000 payout for punter Paul Dean, who revealed the story of a £5 five-timer running on to Envoi Allen to the Racing Post on Thursday evening. The original bet would have paid out over half a million pounds, but Dean has accepted a partial cash-out from Betfair and will now win £322,000 if Envoi Allen obliges, and £250,000 if he doesn’t. Cushty.
Tips for today’s televised racing are here, though after a bleak first couple of days you could be forgiven for thinking twice before clicking the link. The action is underway at 1.20, and you can get all the news, views and colour – such as there is with no-one here – on Talking Horses throughout the day.
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Today's races
- 1.20: Novices’ Chase (2m4f)
- 1.55: Pertemps Network Final (3m)
- 2.30: Ryanair Steeplechase (2m 5f)
- 3.05: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
- 3.40: Paddy Power Plate (2m 5f)
- 4.15: Parnell Properties Mares Novices’ Hurdle (2m 1f)
- 4.50: Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 2f)
Cheltenham Festival: Day Three
Two days down, two to go. While today is perhaps the the least illustrious in terms of prestige races, there is plenty of high-octane action over fences and hurdles to look forward to. We have two Grade One races on the card today, the Ryanair Chase and Stayers’ Hurdle. The first race of the afternoon, the Novices’ Chase, is scheduled for 1.20pm, but stay tuned in the meantime for tips, news, build-up and colour as we countdown to the off.
