Andrew Blair White’s Cheltenham Day 3 Tips – Four Selections for a Thursday Lucky 15

Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival this year looks to be one of the trickiest, with some difficult betting heats to get through as we go in search of another lucky 15 tip.

The two feature faces on the day, The Ryanair and the Stayers Hurdle both look like intriguing races with plenty of possible winners.

 

Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Preview

One of the best horses in National Hunt training will be running in Thursday’s opener. Envoi Allen, who has recently been sent to Henry De Bromhead from Gordon Elliot, is currently unbeaten as a racehorse. He was quite brilliant in the Ballymore Novice Hurdle last year, beating a solid field in a decisive manner. His chase career has been exemplary so far as well, winning three from three. As much as that form didn’t look brilliant at face value, the recent handicap exploits of Coko Beach and Home By The Lee have quashed those thoughts. He looks as good a chance as any horse in the whole week, but his odds would indicate that. The majority of the racing public will be willing him home to win yet again, and keep that unbeaten record intact.

The British look to have a decent handle of the Stayers Hurdle, where there are live chances for Paisley Park, Thyme Hill and last year’s winner, Lisnagar Oscar. Last year’s winner came back to form with a gallant second in the Rendlesham Hurdle last time, and as much as he has to prove that last year was not a fluke, he looks slightly overpriced in many markets at 20/1. Thyme Hill and Paisley Park have been embroiled in one of the most intriguing battles between two horses throughout the year. The score is currently at 1-1 after two races, and each set of connections will be looking to land the telling blow in the Stayers. Sire du Berlais, Fury Road and Flooring Porter represent the Irish with credit, but all three would have to improve on this year’s form to win here.

As with every day, I will be giving you my four best bets for each day in a Lucky 15 format. Hopefully, by Thursday, we will have backed a winner or two, and here’s hoping for a couple more throughout the latter end of the week.

 

Stayers Hurdle – Fury Road

Thyme Hill was the original selection here but Andrew Blair White has put up a replacement selection in this quick video.

Cheltenham Day 3, 3.05pm selection: Fury Road (12/1 with Paddy Power)

 

Ryanair Chase – Allaho

Allaho has been a small bit of a cliff horse for me, a horse who I have always held in the highest regard, despite him not giving me much in return over the years. It looks like they have finally got to the bottom of him, which seems to be making the most of his jumping in a strong run 2m4f/2m5f. Having made a poor comeback in the John Durkan in the fog, Allaho went on to finish an honourable fourth in the Savills Chase at Christmas.

The Mullins camp were underwhelmed by that effort though, and the Kinloch Brae at Thurles was a hail mary, it was now or never. Luckily for those involved with the horse, it was now. He put in a big effort to beat Elimay, who has a wonderful chance in the Mares Chase, with the two a long, long way clear of fair standard-bearers in Annamix and Balko Des Flos. His jumping was clean and precise and found a fair bit for pressure when it was required, winning snugly at the line. Paul Townend suggested that he might still come on for that run, which is a good sign for his backers and I think he may well be the choice of the Irish Champion jockey in the Ryanair. I think the current 5s available is still more than fair.

Cheltenham Day 3, 2.30pm betting tip: Allaho (5/1 with Paddy Power)

 

Mares Novice Hurdle – Glens Of Antrim

Glens of Antrim is following the Willie Mullins trend in this race. He has won it before with second, third, and fourth strings, so I’m not put off that this mare may be down the pecking order. That being said, I believe Glens of Antrim is a fascinating contender in this race, and the 16s currently on offer is just simply too big to pass up. She has only had the three starts and has improved from run to run, but there is still a lot more improvement to come from this mare when she can brush up her jumping.

A drop back to this extended 2-mile trip may also unlock a bit of improvement, as she has been slightly soft in the finish on her last two outings over 2m4f. She brings robust form to the table for a 16/1 shot, as she chased home Stattler gallantly at Christmas. She was only beaten three lengths by him, who is the current favorite for the Albert Bartlett.

She then went to Naas and was foiled at odds-on by Mr Incredible. I think Mr Incredible is a nice horse for Henry De Bromhead, and his form tied in with Gaillard Du Mesnil also looks appetizing. On the basis of this, I don’t believe that she should be the price of 16s, which seems large. Willie Mullins also commented in his recent stable tour that this would be her target for the festival. I’m prepared to take that on face value and back her.

Cheltenham Day 3, 4.15pm betting tip: Glens of Antrim (8/1 with Paddy Power)

 

Kim Muir Handicap Chase – Shantou Flyer

Reliable old timer who has been a great servant to all of his connections over the years. Shantou Flyer first tasted success at this track back in October 2015 for Colin Bowe and has not looked back since. He has been placed in the last festivals, once in the Ultima and twice in the Foxhunters and returns here off a working mark of 140. I would assume that Angus Cheleda will keep the ride and take off a valuable seven pounds and I’m looking forward to seeing how he can run.

Cheltenham Day 3, 4.50pm tip: Shantou Flyer (12/1 with Paddy Power)

 

Cheltenham Day 3 Lucky 15 Tips

3.05pm – Fury Road (12/1)

2.30pm – Allaho (5/1)

4.15pm – Glens of Antrim (14/1)

4.50pm – Shantou Flyer (12/1)

 

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