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Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Wednesday March 14th 2012

What an absolutely tremendous day for Nicky Henderson, this man is nothing short of a genius with four festival winners today, three great rides from the superb, courageous, dynamic jockey Barry Geraghty who managed to get me another winner today in the shape of FINIANS RAINBOW!. Looking ahead to day three and what another superb card in prospect.

On with the card...

1.30pm Jewson Novices Chase

It's funny because the Jewson is never as captivating as the championship races but this year I think it's full of quality and that's the keyword quality. I have picked a quality animal who was simply outclassed last time by Sprinter Sacre who won in style on Monday at the festival. PEDDLERS CROSS is quite simply the class act here and if we are going to talk about progression then I still believe he has the scope to further improve. PEDDLERS CROSS should not be underestimated and although current favourite I can see his price drifting a little so it may pay to see what the market does. Jason Maguire yet again has an absolutely outstanding chance here and if indeed he does drift in the market then lump on! A very talented horse, dismiss him at your peril!

2.05pm Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle

David Pipe hasn't yet opened his account at Cheltenham and something must of been amiss with Grand Crus today. With that said I can see a huge run from the young novice OUR FATHER this fresh progressive individual has a fantastic chance to make the most of a relatively lenient handicap mark. OUR FATHER won convincingly last time out and looked very much in command, this horse in my eyes is a potential superstar. Timmy Murphy will be in the saddle and seems to enjoy riding this horse, plus he is certainly one of my favourite jockeys. This horse undoubtedly will progress into next year but for now I believe he is ready to add this to his list of achievements over the 3 miles, no ground concerns he just needs a solid gallop in which he holds a handing position.

2.40pm Ryan Air Chase 2m 5f

A very intriguing renewal of this hotly contested race. It's close between quite a few of these and it's interesting to note that the Irish have 0 in 19 starts here so I'm looking at the previous winner of the last two years and that's ALBERTAS RUN trained by Jonjo O Neil this beautiful looker has every chance. The horse has been trained specifically with this race in mind and has done excellently around Cheltenham throughout his career. A P McCoy needs to get off the mark and will have a great chance here.

3.20pm World Hurdle 3m

Anyone going against the mighty Big Bucks must have a screw loose or are very brave. I'd like to think I'm the latter. My thinking behind this is that every horse is never unbeatable, luck, chance, misfortune and destiny can play a part in all races, not least the humankind. I'm with DYNASTE this horse trained by David Pipe managed to hold Big Bucks for a time but couldn't hold on in the finish. I enjoy watching DYNASTE this grey will jump all day and likes a quick pace which I can see him setting. I'm hoping that this race is put to bed at the turn in. He is a relentless galloper, will enjoy quick ground and at 18/1 is worth an each way bet.

4.00pm Byrne Group Plate 2m 5f

DIVERS is an excellent proposition here, he always seems to put his best foot forward at Cheltenham and Ferry Murphy certainly knows how get one ready for the Cheltenham festival.
This grey gelding will get the trip, enjoy the ground and has experience of this environment. I believe that this could be the bet of the day!.

Good Luck!

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