Four of our seven each-way tips landed yesterday, can we do it again on day three of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival?
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL Day 3
Race 1 – APPRECIATE IT – To Win 10/3
There’s no doubt that MIGHTY POTTER deserves favouritism here and BANBRIDGE is another strong candidate (especially if it’s not soft), so that makes each-way betting a bit tricky. APPRECIATE IT just about fits the bill. From the powerful Willie Mullins yard, this fellow is a previous Festival winner and the step up in trip from his third place last time out is also in his favour.
Race 2 – MAXXUM – To Win 5/1
At similar odds to the pick in the opener, MAXXUM looks a great shout for a place at least in this event. The eye-catching display on his record is his impressive success at the Leopardstown qualifier for this race and he can bounce back to that form here. If he does, he will be hard to beat – if he runs like last time, he won’t be winning though!
Race 3 – BLUE LORD – To Win 6/1
SHISHKIN returned to form in style on his last run and will be a tough nut to crack. BLUE LORD is the interesting one from an each-way perspective, as he should finish in the first three and is not without a chance of upsetting the favourite. Despite a slight concern over the longer trip for him, he should give a very good account of himself.
Race 4 – GOLD TWEET – To Win 10/1
GOLD TWEET looks a sporting bet to complete a successful raid from France. He won the Cleeve Hurdle at the track in January and looks over-priced, based on that effort. Third that day was the old stager PAISLEY PARK and it would be no surprise to see him staying on into the places.
Race 5 – FRERO BANBOU – To Win 9/1
FRERO BANBOU looks tailor-made for this trip and can improve on last year’s third in the Grand Annual. His canny handler Venetia Williams knows how to train winners at the Festival and her inmate appears to be on a decent handicap mark for this. IL RIDOTOT was also on the shortlist while favourite SO SCOTTISH has to be feared for the shrewd Emmet Mullins outfit.
Race 6 – FOXY GIRL – To Win 10/1
The emotions were running high after Honeysuckle’s victory on day one and it will be even more so if Henry de Bromhead lands the race named after his son Jack. We believe that FOXY GIRL is primed to achieve that aim and she is the pick. Her maiden win at Limerick caught the eye and she can defy inexperience.
Race 7 – BEAUPORT – To Win 9/1
The market leaders STUMPTOWN and MR INCREDIBLE merit serious respect, both on form and because their jockeys are top-class at this level. One that will hopefully give them something to think about is BEAUPORT. His jumping will need to be on top form to trouble the judge and, if it is, his rider Zac Baker could have a thrilling ride.
