Willie Mullins 100th Cheltenham Festival win was the highlight of day 2 and the traditional St Patrick’s Thursday promises some great kicking off at 13:30 today. Dan Muscutt Shares his selections for Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival.
Turners Novices’ Chase (Golden Miller) 13:30
Facile Vega, trained by the inimitable Mullins, is the favourite for the first race where Dan’s pick GREY DAWNING is second favourite. This Dan Skelton gelding looks to step up into this Grade 1 for a win.
Pertemps Network Final Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 14:10
Dan’s selection is the joint-favourite LE MILOS. Another Skelton-trained gelding, he is back over hurdles for the first time since 2020. Joint favourite Cuthbert Dibble and Cleatus Poolaw may chase him home.
Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy) 14:50
Dan has gone for a Skelton treble with PROTEKTORAT (each way) to upset in the feature where Rachael Blackmore rides the favourite Envoi Allen.
Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle 15:30
Gordan Elliot trained Teahupoo is favourite for this race, with Dan picking CRAMBO out of Fergal O’Brien’s yard. Crambo won impressively at Ascot in December beating a number of today’s rivals
Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 16:10
Dan chose an each-way on SHAKEM UP’ARRY here. This 10-year-old gelding finished an excellent third in this race last year and has returned even better this season. Theatre Man is favourite for Richard Bandey and Jonjo O’Neill’s Crebily look lively threats.
Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Dawn Run) 16:50
Dan’s opted for the favourite, BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD out of Gordon Elliott’s yard. This 5-year-old mare is unbeaten in 3 over the hurdles and has just the Mullins entry Jade De Grugy to beat.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys; Handicap Chase (Sponsored by JRL Group) 17h30
Dan’s choice here is an each-way on AMIRITE. Henry de Bromhead’s gelding is in good order and should give a good account of himself. The JP McManus owned Inothewayurthinkin is the favourite.
