First race of the third day at the Cheltenham Festival is the Turners Novice Chase, and a quality field of 11 awaits. Stage Star won this easily last year and the Paul Nicholls horse runs in the Ryanair later on today.
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Leading the field are four horses that we believe should be in the win. Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning is available at 5/2, and will be trying to turn the tables on Paul Nicholls’ Ginnys Destiny who was victor on course and distance when the two last met.
Going up in trip is Facile Vega, a horse that can be unpredictable but with decent recent form. Willie Mullins’ charge will have Paul Townend on board and stands every chance at 11/4.
State Man won at EVENS on Tuesday, Ballyburn won at EVENS Wednesday – find out Thursday’s boost below:
The most interesting of the four main protagonists could be Iroko. Trained by the Greenall and Guerriero partnership, he’s had a lengthy break so was likely aimed at this and we expect him to be right there at the finish.
Sharjah is another interesting entry from the Mullins yard and we’re surprised at a 20/1 price so keep this one handy for an each-way, and Venetia Williams saddles Djelo, a handy chaser with more to come. At 18/1, this is another opportunity for a good each-way.
We reckon this could be a great battle between Grey Dawning and Ginnys Destiny, setting us up for another exciting day at Cheltenham.
Day 3 featured races quick links:
13:30 Turner Novices Chase Tips
14:10 Pertemps Final Tips
14:50 Ryanair Chase Tips
15:30 Stayers Hurdle Tips
16:10 Plate Handicap Tips
16:50 Mares Hurdle Tips
17:30 Kim Muir Tips
Previous Update: Turners Novices 2023
Mighty Potter is unbeaten over fences and was seen to best effect on his most recent start when beating Adamantly Chosen at the DRF.
His pinpoint accuracy at his fences helped him gain lengths every time. Even though his bizarre giraffe-like tendencies to hang look as if he’s an awkward ride he galloped straight through the line to win comfortably.
The Gordon Elliot trained gelding has always looked a shade green in all of his races when out under pressure however he does nothing but try when asked to do so.
Read more about Cheltenham Festival tips at the 2024 Festival here.
The one worry for me would be when he came over to England last year in the Supreme he was majorly disappointing and although as I’ve mentioned he’s green maybe travelling might catch up with him.
I respect him at the market and think he’s the best horse in the race but that niggle in the back of my brain worries me about him.
Banbridge won at last year’s Cheltenham Festival in the Martin Pipe and has done nothing but progress since then over fences.
He came over to Britain in November to run in an Arkle Trial in which he flew round and brushed aside some nice horses.
He was slightly disappointing in the Drinmore finishing behind Mighty Potter but maybe that run came too quickly on going he may have found too soft.
Having been on the go fairly early in the season he was given a break and had a nice return in the Irish Arkle finishing second when being found out for speed.
This step up in trip is something he will enjoy and I would t be surprised if he reversed the placings with the favourite here.
Nicky Henderson won this race back in 2021 with Chantry House after the shock departure of Envoi Allen early on.
He looks to win this race again with Balco Coastal who bumped into Gerri Colombe last time in the Scilly Isles at Sandown.
He was just outstayed that day by a horse who wanted three miles and I was more impressed by how he jumped.
He was poor on his debut over fences but showed a much better showing at Kempton at Christmas.
That step up into graded level last time showed the improvement that he’d found and I wouldn’t devalue his chances here.
Stage Star won a novice handicap over the course and distance and looked thrown in off his mark.
He steps up in class for the Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls but I don’t think he’s as talented as some of the others.
Overall, I think that Mighty Potter has the best form in the race and the stronger possibility of more progression to come.
With both of those factors I believe 5/4 is a fair enough price against some exposed rivals.
Selection – Mighty Potter 5/4