Cheltenham Festival Day 3 tips a Garry Owen naps Noble Yeats for glory

NOBLE YEATS (3:30) can write another chapter in his legend in the Stayers’ Hurdle on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival. Emmet Mullins’ star shot to fame with a 50-1 shocker in the 2022 Grand National at Aintree.

The gelding showed that win was no fluke by caning Hurricane Georgie in a Wexford Grade 3. He then looked a real Gold Cup contender when thrashing Dashel Drasher back on Merseyside. The bay ran another blinder when fourth to Galopin Des Champs in the Blue Riband itself here. He then made a bold defence of his National crown when fourth to Corach Rambler at Aintree. The gelding didn’t mind returning to timber when second to the talented Sa Majeste at Limerick. He then relished tackling this track and trip when outbattling Paisley Park in the Cleeve last time. The nine-year-old is tailor-made for this tough Grade 1 so he can triumph for his skilled handler.

GREY DAWNING (1:30) can shade a tremendous renewal of the Turners Novices' Chase. Dan Skelton’s horse always looked perfect for fences despite some excellent form over hurdles. The gelding went some way towards confirming that impression when third on debut at Exeter. He soon opened his account by jumping and galloping Gaillard Du Mesnil into oblivion at Haydock. The grey would then have beaten Gaillard Du Mesnil here but for a bad mistake at the second last. He made amends by slamming Apple Away back over three miles in Grade 2 company at Warwick. The seven-year-old won’t mind returning to a stiff 2m 4f so he can see off some promising rivals.

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GAOTH CHUI (2:10) can blow his rivals away for Ted Walsh in the Pertemps Final Hurdle. Progressive last term,