Cheltenham Festival Day Three: Stayers Hurdle, Ryanair Chase tips and more

Well, we are now halfway through this wonderful showcase and we are ready for the penultimate day of the Cheltenham Festival, writes Bob Cross.

The wet weather yesterday has made me rethink today's selections, so here we go.

First up, it's the Turner Novices Chase at 1.30pm. Disappointingly there are only four competitors for this valuable race – and they are all from Ireland. Like yesterdays bumper , it appears to be a two horse race. I am going to side with Bob Olinger, who looked a class above everything in the division until Galopin Des Champs took a fence, and threw down a genuine challenge. I am taking Galopin Des Champs to finish second for the forecast.

At 2.10 we have the Pertemps Network Final. With some of the bookies offering eight places I am going to select a couple of horses who offer good each way value. Davy Russell partners Sassy Yet Classy in this contest. Although she has never raced on British soil, she has a higher rating in Britain than Ireland.

Despite this , she goes on any ground and has already won over three miles. The Jam Man was not disgraced when running in the Grade 1 Stayers Hurdle here in 2020. He should find the competition a bit less talented here and a big run is expected.

In the The Ryanair Chase at 2.50pm, the two and a half mile trip appears to be absolutely perfect for Allaho (nap). The speed shown by the gelding when winning this event last year was frightening. A similar performance will surely ensure he will retain his crown.

At around 33/1 I am going to have a speculative each way shilling on Mister Fisher . There is no doubting his ability but his attitude is suspect ! Here is hoping today is a going day.

The feature race at 3.30 is the Stayers Hurdle. This looks,