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Megan Nicholls Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Tips – Stayers’ Hurdle, Ryanair Chase & more

THURSDAY RACING TIPS

Cheltenham 1.20 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

Sixandahalf (11/4 fav) is the play in the opener on Thursday.

She was a high-class Flat performer and Gavin Cromwell, whose horses have been running well so far this week, has always said she’s one of his best chances of the week.

She absolutely bolted up at Fairyhouse on her hurdles debut and I expect her to come on again for this and take all the beating.

I know Maughreen (11/2) is held in high regard but I think Sixandahalf has the most potential and Maughreen will need to step up on what she’s done so far to beat her here.

At an each-way price, keep an eye on Jubilee Alpha (10/1). I know my dad thinks she’s one of his stronger chances this week.

She’s tough, is progressing and I’m pretty sure there’s still more improvement to come.

Megan’s Tip: Sixandahalf WIN; Jubilee Alpha EW

Cheltenham 2.00 – Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

I’m a big fan of Springwell Bay (13/2).

He’s won over course and distance and the form of his second on his penultimate start has been given a real boost after Jango Baie won the Arkle on Tuesday.

Granted he’s got a lot of weight to carry but you can’t ignore his liking for Cheltenham and he looks guaranteed to run really well.

I will also give a mention to Caldwell Potter (16/1), who was a Grade 1-winning hurdler. While it’s still unclear what his best trip is, he could be well-treated off a mark of 146.

He seems to prefer bad ground so if any rain falls it won’t do his chances any harm.

Given that BetMGM is paying five places on this race I’m also interested in Lord Of Thunder (16/1). He’s been a big improver this season and the form behind Handstands reads well now.

He was quite impressive at Newbury last time and I thought a 5lbs rise was fair.

Megan’s Tip: Springwell Bay WIN; Caldwell Potter EW; Lord Of Thunder EW

Cheltenham 2.40 – Pertemps Final

Will The Wise (13/2) is the one here.

I was really impressed by the way he won at Naas last time and, while he’s gone up 11lbs, I think he’s an improving horse and there is surely more to come.

Hopefully he’s better than a mark of 134.

The one each-way is Henri The Second (16/1). I think Cheltenham should suit him and I know the team think he’s better than his current mark of 134.

I’ll also back Catch Him Derry (12/1), who will creep into it off a patient ride and just might have a few pounds up his sleeve for team Skelton.

Megan’s Tips: Will The Wise WIN; Henri The Second EW; Catch Him Derry EW

Cheltenham 3.20 – Ryanair Chase

I’ve come down on Fact To File (11/10 fav).

I don’t think the ground is going to be soft enough for Protektorat (11/2) and I just feel Fact To File might have a bit too much speed for him over this trip. I still expect him to run well, though.

His form with Galopin Des Champs is obviously very strong and this step back in trip should be ideal for him.

Mark Walsh should be able to sit and wait and use the combination of speed and stamina to his advantage.

Megan’s Tips: Fact To File WIN

Cheltenham 4.00 – Stayers’ Hurdle

Plenty have been crabbing Teahupoo (11/8 fav) but he looks the one here.

I don’t really understand the negativity around this horse as he ran more than fine in the Hatton’s Grace when Lossiemouth just outsped him – and she showed how good a mare she is on Tuesday.

We know he goes well at Cheltenham, having won this race 12 months ago, He really should have won it the year before too.

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He’s not flashy but gets the job done and will be hard to beat.

If there is one at a price to consider it’s Langer Dan (11/1) because we know he comes alive at this time of year.

He’s been rubbish so far this season but a return to Cheltenham might just spark him up – and he’s certainly not a no-hoper if he’s back in the form that saw him win the County Hurdle last year.

Megan’s Tip: Teahupoo WIN; Langer Dan EW

Cheltenham 4.40 – Festival Plate Handicap Chase

I’m going to go with Massaccio (15/2) here.

This trip looks ideal for him and he always runs his race. He’s got cheekpieces on for the first time and they should sharpen him up. I think there’s more to come and he’s very interesting.

Jordans (15/2) is too. He ran in a Grade 1 last time and, back down in much calmer waters, he could be way better than his current mark.

Megan’s Tip: Massaccio EW; Jordans EW

Cheltenham 5.20 – Kim Muir

Walking On Air (4/1) has been really well-backed and I can see why.

If he’s over that fall at Doncaster last time, he could be a real blot in the handicap.

It would obviously be an amazing story if he were to win too given Alan O’Sullivan will be riding him.

The other I like is Git Maker (12/1). He ran really win in the race last year when second and he’s only a pound higher here.

Megan’s Tip: Walking On Air WIN; Git Maker EW

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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