It was another successful day for the team yesterday with Delta Work claiming back to back victories in the Cross Country Chase.
Our first runner on Day 3 is the exciting MIGHTY POTTER for Caldwell Construction in the Turners Novice Chase. The dual Grade 1 winner has just excelled since making the switch to fences and based on what he has shown us so far, he should take all the beating. Davy Russell will take the ride.
Our next runners are in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle where we send four runners down to post. SALVADOR ZIGGY is fresh from a break after finishing 4th in a Pertemps qualifier at Cheltenham back in October. He’s a smart type and has a live chance with Aidan Kelly in the saddle claiming 7lb. THE BOSSES OSCAR is one of two in the race for Bective Stud. He finished 3rd in a Pertemps qualifier at Musselburgh in February after a break and has come on plenty for the run. He was second in the race last year and has the potential to run a big race again today with Ben Harvey in the saddle claiming 5lb. The second horse in the Bective string is LEVEL NEVERENDING. He ran a promising 3rd at Warwick last time out and with the application of first time blinkers today we could see more improvement from him. Sam Ewing takes the ride. MAXXUM won his qualifier in fine style at Leopardstown at Christmas beating smart stablemate Eric Bloodaxe by a mere 16 lengths. He was slightly disappointing last time out in handicap company but sits near the top of the market and can’t be ruled out of making a big impression in todays contest. Davy Russell takes the ride.
FURY ROAD takes his chance in the Ryanair Chase. Whilst others are more favoured, Fury Road always runs consistently. He has won a Grade 2 contest this season and finished third in two Grade 1’s. He is a tough horse and is likely to put in another huge performance here today. Davy Russell rides.
We saddle two runners in the stayers hurdle. TEAHUPOO is a real mud lover and will relish the softening ground conditions. His last two runs have seen him take home first place honors in the Grade 1 Hattons Grace Hurdle and Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle. He has a great chance of scoring here today with Davy Russell in the plate. SIRE DU BERLAIS is a Cheltenham expert and although the 11yo hasn’t quite fired yet this season, he was a Grade 1 winner in Aintree last April when beating Flooring Porter in the Liverpool Hurdle. He has the potential to make a real impact on todays placings. Mark Walsh takes the ride.
We saddle 3 runners in the Plate Handicap Chase. ESCARIA TEN has been running over longer trips but after a disappointing run last time out we thought that a step back in trip might be beneficial to him. Adrian Heskin takes the ride for the McNeill Family. MARS HARPER has finished runner up in 3 attempts over fences including behind stablemate Mighty Potter. He always runs a big race for connections Pioneer Racing and has Jordan Gainford in the saddle today. GEVREY has plenty of experience over fences with 3 wins out of 16 starts. He has had a small break since his last run over fences and comes into the race fresh and well after finishing 3rd in the Up The Yard charity race at Punchestown in February, Sam Ewing rides.
We send out two runners in the Mares Novice Hurdle. HALKA DU TABERT is one of to in the race for owner Kenny Alexander. She was 3rd in the Grade 3 contest last time out and there is plenty to like about her. She seems to be improving and holds strongs claims here today. Davy Russell takes the ride. SHECOULDBEANYTHING has been a really consistent mare for connections. Today’s race might be a bit on the sharp side for her as her Christmas victory came over 2m4f on soft to heavy ground. If the ground gets very testing then this could play to her strengths. Jordan Gainford rides.
In the final race of the day we send out 4 runners. DUNBOYNE was incredibly unlucky to be beaten a short head by Carefully Selected in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park. That was a brilliant performance from the 8yo and he is open to improvement. He’s the pick of Jamie Codd. BALLYKEEL opened up his account over fences just 3 weeks ago when scoring at Fairyhouse under Corey McGivern. He is another who is improving and could play a part here today under Harry Swan. PUNITIVE has already proven that he likes the Cheltenham track when finished second here earlier in the season over 3m1f and then went on to win the Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse. He cant be ruled out with Johnny Barry riding. DEFI BLEU was a good second in the Cork National back in November and third at Punchestown last time out. He is a quirky individual but if he is on song here today he could be a major contender. Brian Lawless rides.
