Cheltenham 2018 – Day 3 Preview & Tips

Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival features one of the biggest Irish bankers of the week but he doesn’t seem to be attracting the headlines that you would expect.

That said, there’s plenty of room for him to write the headlines next week.

Un-stoppable

Un De Sceaux will pitch up in the Ryanair Chase this year and he won’t be beaten.

Impressive in what he has done this season and the way in which Willie Mullins has managed this once tearaway is a credit to his training brilliance and he probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves for that alone.

Ruby’s summary of last year’s race was a great comeback to those who were trying to knock Un De Sceaux’s form. Last year in the Ryanair, Un De Sceaux went a hell of a gallop once Ruby dropped his hands and he beat a staying on Sub Lieutenant by a length and a half.

There was a further six lengths back to Aso in third and Ruby put it right when he said Sub Lieutenant finished as close as a result of David Mullins just not bothering to try and chase Un De Sceaux. It was a perfect decision because he wouldn’t have finished any closer if he did try to go with the field.

Due a good ride from Mullins, Sub Lieutenant was flattered by his performance in the race last year and while Cue Card would be a fairytale winner of the race, Un De Sceaux looks unbeatable.

Supa Thursday
Losing Sizing John and Fox Norton will have been a bitter blow for the Potts family and BoyleSports ambassador Robbie Power but I think the Stayers’ Hurdle will see the connections celebrating on Thursday.

Foolishly I put Supasundae in an antepost bet when he was 20/1 but didn’t back him in a single so won’t be rewarded handsomely if he does back up his Leopardstown triumph. It shouldn’t be forgotten that a huge form boost for this race could come earlier in the week if Apple’s Jade goes and wins the Mares’ Hurdle.

The one concern about Supasundae at this stage would be the ground. He doesn’t want it to get very soft. However, this could be a good race to make use of BoyleSports’ special offer which gives you a free bet if your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd to the SP favourite, because if the ground does turn heavy something like Sam Spinner is probably more likely to go off favourite.

If Supasundae was to get bogged down in the ground he might end up being placed but there’s a good chance you’ll get your money back in the form of a free bet with BoyleSports.

Ben for Moore
It’s hard to have a real strong opinion on the JLT until we get confirmation of what is going where but I really hope that Gary Moore runs Benatar here rather than the RSA as this would look to be his best chance of landing a top race at The Festival this year.

This horse has always been highly regarded by connections; he rarely lets them down and his low key approach into the meeting brings him under the radar a bit. He’s been freshened up since beating Finian’s Oscar at Ascot and may be an improver.

With all these novice chases at Cheltenham it’s good to have the insurance if your horse falls at the first or last you get your money back as a free bet with BoyleSports and in a competitive environment like Cheltenham that is a good back up to have for all races!

Recommended Bets:
Un De Sceaux (11/10) – Ryanair Chase, 2.50
Supasundae (4/1) – Stayers’ Hurdle, 3.30
Benatar (8/1) – JLT Novices’ Chase, 1.30

*Prices correct at time of publication