Ryanair
The Cheltenham roof will be blown off if the admirable veteran Cue Card can win this, eight years after bursting onto the scene by winning the Champion Bumper. Despite calls from many to retire him after the Betfair Chase, he ran an absolute stormer behind Waiting Patiently in the Ascot Chase under a very positive ride from Paddy Brennan. That race came just 26 days ago and today may come too soon, Ruth Jefferson has missed this contest with Waiting Patiently as the race has taking plenty out of him and Cue Card will need to run right up to that form to challenge the star that is Un De Sceaux. Willie Mullins gelding won this race by a length and a half from Sub Lieutenant last season and while he is likely to do so again, there could be a slight question mark over this trip on heavy ground. With Cue Card likely to force the pace once again, it will be a thorough stamina test and there is a small chance he could be found out up the hill. Perhaps today is the day that everything falls into place for the perennial bridesmaid that is Cloudy Dream. His optimum trip is unknown but he will be ridden patiently and I can certainly see him running on for a place and maybe claiming an emotional Festival victory for Ruth Jefferson.
Stayers
A race full of question marks and it could well fall to the Northern stayer Sam Spinner. He has improved out of recognition since stepping up to three miles this season, winning an ultra competitive handicap at Haydock by seventeen lengths from The Dutchman and followed up in the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot. The heavy ground is a plus for him and he seems the solid option but the market has him about right at 3/1. Heavy ground is a massive concern for Supasundae who may have gone for the wrong race. His win in the Irish Champion was strong form and I think he may have won the English equivalent on Tuesday but today his stamina might just run out up the hill. Yanworth is the form horse but has spent the season chasing and having not excelled in that sphere so no surprise to see him back over hurdles but he may have benefitted from a prep race over the smaller obstacles which could find him out today. Unowhatimeanharry has just come up short at the top level but he is a solid each way bet today. Barcardys comes into the race with a similar profile as Yanworth but also has the added question mark of three miles but he is a class horse and gets on well with Patrick Mullins.
Other Races
Finian’s Oscar has been a massive disappointment this season over fences but a wind operation and Robbie Power in the plate could see him bounce back in the JLT. Protek Des Flos won a qualifier of the Pertemps at Wincanton and is the tentative choice if he stays the three miles. Mercian Prince could give Amy Murphy some consolation for a narrow defeat for Kalashnikov. Laurina should make it three in a row for Willie Mullins in the Mare’s novice and Patrick Kelly can have another Festival winner with Mall Dini in the Kim Muir.
Selections
1:30 Finian’s Oscar
2:10 Protek Des Flos
2:50 Cloudy Dream
3:30 Sam Spinner (nap)
4:10 Mercian Prince
4:50 Laurina
5:30 Mall Dini