Cheltenham Day 3

The second day of Cheltenham was never going to match day one, but it still saw some great action.

Energumene was foot perfect and turned the Champion Chase into a procession. Trust in Willie Mullins to have them spot on for the only day that matters.

Punting again was a bit of a nothing day, Energumene obviously won, first and second in the Cross Country as did most people. Dinoblue was 2^nd EW as was Fact To File in the bumper.

We have a runner at Hexham today, Had To be Hugo in the 3:10.

Conditions will be biblical and plenty of horses during the day will be pulled up. The heavy ground should be fine for Hugo as will the trip. The racecourse would be a question mark, if he’ll handle running downhill?

We all look to have Vandemere to beat.

It’s hard to look beyond Mighty Potter in the opening race at Cheltenham. He’s looked v smart.

The Pertemps Network at 2:10, I have to be with Thanksforthehelp of David Pipe’s for obvious reasons but it's not a race to get too involved with. David thought he was his best chance of the week on our Cheltenham preview and he looks to have been let in lightly.

If Shishkin is back to his best, he wins the Ryanair, it’s simple as that.

EW option in the race, Fury Road at 10-1. He’s a proper Grade 1 horse and gives his all. You could also look at him in the betting without the fav, priced at 5-1, four places if Shishkin wins.

Not a clue for the Stayers Hurdle, it’s wide open. The same can be said in the Plate at 4:10. I hope Datsalrightgino runs well for Jamie Snowden but that’s my only thought.

Luccia has been very impressive, she's the favourite for the Mares’ Novice Hurdle and is hard to oppose. Connections thought about running her in the Supreme, she could be a class apart. Priced at 7-4.

Angels Dawn can pick her way through the field and hopefully be in front where it matters in the Kim Muir at 5:30. She'll be given a hold up ride and would be rated higher if not for the unseat last time out when full of running. EW at 10-1 with bookies paying six places.

The Mighty Pootter, Shishkin, Luccia treble pays around 8-1.