Cheltenham

Turners Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Golden Miller) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 4 places instead of 3

SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACE

Grey Dawning

Ginny's Destiny

Djelo

GREY DAWNING was beaten ¾ length by Ginny's Destiny in a course novice in December but came out best at the weights attempting to concede 3 lb to Paul Nicholls' charge and can get the better of his old rival off levels this time. Facile Vega will be a threat to both if his stamina holds over this longer trip. 

Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 8 places instead of 4

Monmiral

Kyntara

Cuthbert Dibble

Bold Endeavour

There is more to come from CLEATUS POOLAW, who has a profile not too dissimilar to that of Delta Work, successful as a novice in this for connections back in 2018, and with this stiffer test sure to suit he's taken to come out on top. The Leopardstown handicap Gaoth Chuil won at Christmas often throws up the winner of this and she's a big player. Cuthbert Dibble and 2021 Golden Miller-winner Chantry House are a couple of the other leading contenders.

Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Festival Trophy) (GBB Race)

Protektorat

Envoi Allen

Conflated

Although STAGE STAR bombed out in a C&D handicap last time his overall Cheltenham record, which includes a win in last year's Golden Miller, provides hope that he can bounce back to form with a bang. The likelihood of a soft ground is a slight worry for Banbridge so it could be that the chief threat comes from last year's winner Envoi Allen, a 3-time Festival scorer. 

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 5 places instead of 3

Teahupoo

Flooring Porter

Home By The Lee

The veterans came out on top in last season's renewal, but TEAHUPOO was a close third when only a 6-y-o and has improved again this year judging by the manner of his win in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on his return in December, so looks the one to beat. Fellow 7-y-o Crambo appeals as the main threat given the rate of his progress, though top-class chaser Noble Yeats won the Cleeve Hurdle on only his third start in this sphere so is a fascinating contender. 

TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Sky Bet paying 6 places instead of 4

SKY BET EXTRA PLACE RACE 

Shakem Up'arry

Crebilly

Straw Fan Jack

Life In The Park

A useful, dual winner over hurdles, THEATRE MAN has yet to taste success over fences, but he won't be long in bucking that trend judged on his fine second in the Timeform Novices' Handicap (very strong form) over C&D in January, and with the prospect of more to come, he can prove a 3 lb rise lenient and prevail. Recent Exeter-scorer Crebilly is another of significant interest provided his jumping holds up back in handicaps, with Saint Felicien and In Excelsis Deo other improvers to note.

Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle) (GBB Race)

Golden Ace

Brighterdaysahead

Birdie Or Bust

BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD has looked a class act on each visit to the racecourse, again barely asked a question when easing to success in a listed event at Navan a month ago, so she's marginally preferred to Jade de Grugy, another bright prospect representing a top Irish yard. Dysart Enos was highly impressive at Doncaster last time and looks the clear pick of the British contingent.

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase (Sponsored By JRL Group) (GBB Race)

Inothewayurthinkin

Git Maker

Whacker Clan

Where It All Began

INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN hasn't been missed in the market and with good reason on the back of an eye-catching first foray into handicaps at Leopardstown last month. He lacks experience for a race like this but his third-placed finish in Grade 1 company in Ireland suggests he can outclass these. Angels Dawn was a smooth winner of this a year ago and a bold repeat bid is on the cards, even from 11 lb higher. Irish raiders look set to dominate, with Where It All Began completing the shortlist.

Cheltenham Festival Racecards Thursday 14th March 2024