Cheltenham Day Three ITV Racing Tips

The Willie Mullins stable have found this event a happy hunting in recent times, capturing the last three renewals with the likes of Yorkhill, Black Hercules and Vautour, while Sir Des Champs also obliged in 2012. The combination boast a leading chance of extending that sequence courtesy of Invitation Only who ran a blinder in the Grade Flogas Chase at the Dublin Festival, a race which is already working out well. He is a tough horse to oppose with that form in the book and the might of his connections, but TERREFORT (Best price 9-2) has looked a special talent since joining Nicky Henderson from France and he could end a frustrating run of near misses in this event for his handler. Top Notch, Bristol De Mai and L’Ami Serge have all gone close in these colours in recent renewals and this year’s representative looks likely to post another bold showing. The selection displayed great tenacity to see off the very useful Cyrname in a Sandown Grade 1 last time, having previously dispensed with Bentelimar and it will be fascinating to see how he goes on an undulating track.

 

Given the profile of this race, many of the contenders have been endeavouring to hide their true abilities - especially one or two of the Irish contenders - from the handicapper, however LOUIS' VAC POUCH ( Best price 10-1) and FORZA MILAN (Best price 14-1) have at least offered a glimpse of their capabilities and appear leading contenders. The duo fought out the finish to a truly-run Aintree handicap last November where two lengths separated them at the line, but the latter may have been a shade unfortunate not to have finished closer as he landed in a heap after the final hurdle. Louis’ Vac Pouch has not been seen since which may not be a bad thing given his yard have been woefully out of form this winter, however recent signs are more encouraging and he should appreciate the likelihood of a strong gallop. Forza Milan sports the tongue tie for the first time which may well help and he represents a stable which have made a habit of winning this race since the turn of the century. His latest effort at Newbury was another creditable one and he should relish the examination this race offers.

Another small field for a Cheltenham Grade 1 Chase, but it promises to be a cracker with last year’s champion Un De Sceaux taking on 2013 winner Cue Card and a number of other interesting contenders. Front runners have enjoyed real success in this race in recent times which will increase confidence in Cue Card fans and he posted one of the finest performances in defeat seen in many a year when picked off close home by Waiting Patiently at Ascot. If he can peak again just four weeks later then he could be a tough nut to crack, however he is unlikely to be left alone at the head of affairs with Sub Lieutenant, Frodon and Un De Sceaux likely to be snapping at his heels. The latter is 3-4 at Cheltenham and is going to take some stopping, but he was coming to the end of his tether 12 months ago and more rain may leave him vulnerable to the likes of BALKO DES FLOS (Best price 14-1) and to a lesser extent CLOUDY DREAM (Best price 12-1). Ryanair have yet to win the race they sponsor but in Balko Des Flos they may have a prime candidate given how well he ran behind Road To Respect in a Leopardstown Grade 1 at Christmas. I can also understand why folk think Cloudy Dream is a serial loser given the run of second place finishes he has accrued of late. However, there is a chance he may arrive on the scene when others have played their hand today and he looks too big a price for a horse that has chased home Fox Norton and Definitly Red this winter, especially if the likely pace collapses.

The romantics among us would love SAM SPINNER (Best price 7-2) to win this prestigious race for his small stable which has been through its share of upheaval in recent years. The selection won't mind one jot if the conditions worsen overnight as it will assist a horse who can exploit from the front any stamina concerns in his rivals. It will be a big ask of his young rider who lacks Festival riding experience to dictate a suitable pace, but his mount has a tremendous zest for racing and a wonderful attitude and whatever beats him, if anything, will know that he has been in a race. Sam Spinner is arguably one of few true stayers in the field and any forecast rain will also play to his strengths

. L’AMI SERGE (Best price 12-1) had no answer to the selection at Ascot last time but he did at least manage to finish within three lengths and it isn’t difficult to envisage him still residing on the bridle heading to the final hurdle. Whether he finds as much as Sam Spinner from that point is the question he must answer though. 

Historically, the Pipe operation boasts an excellent record in this race and King’s Socks went into plenty of notebooks following an eye-catching display on his British debut at Kempton. He has form linked with Arkle Chase hero Footpad in his native France and is sure to be a popular pick. However, the Irish have won the last two renewals of this race and LAST GOODBYE (Best price 12-1) and THE STORYTELLER (Best price 8-1) could well take a hand in the finish. The former was more than a shade unlucky in the novices’ handicap won by old adversary Tully East at this meeting 12 months ago and he advertised his well being with a terrific victory at Leopardstown last time. I was present to see that win and listening to his connections following the impressive win left me with the impression they felt they had unfinished business with the Festival. The Storyteller shaped with a degree of promise in the Flogas Chase during the same weekend and was far from knocked about when his chance had gone. He had previously chased home Invitation Only at Punchestown and is highly interesting now that he is dropped into handicap company.