Cheltenham Festival Day 4

The Irish continued the domination of this year’s festival on day three. They won all but one of the races whilst it would likely have been all seven if Envoi Allen didn’t fall.

Allaho was brilliant in the Ryanair, he took apart what looked a hot renewal of the race. The Shunter winning the Paddy Power Plate ensured a £100,000 bonus was collected after winning at Kelso. Flooring Porter made every yard in the Stayers Hurdle and was very impressive.

The punting went well again, three horses given a mention in the hope of getting one in the frame. Magic Daze did that with an excellent second at 22-1 in the Mares Novice.

With Envoi Allen falling, Shan Blue really should have placed. He was sent on when the favourite came down and asked to go a crazy gallop, the rest of the field left him alone. It was no surprise to see Shan Blue fall into a hole. Lisnagar Oscar was cantering when falling in the Stayers, on another day, it could and maybe should have been three horses in the frame at nice odds.

Can’t complain on the results so far though, hopefully more of the same on Gold Cup day. We have a runner in the Martin Pipe.

It’s very hard not to back the Irish horses, the English haven’t won a race over hurdles yet!

This year's Triumph Hurdle looks the best for some time, it’s red hot. I think the Irish horses are miles ahead and if that’s the case, Zanahiyr or Quilixios will win.

For me, it’s Zanahiyr. Saint Sam who finished second on Wednesday in the Boodles, tried to go with Zanahiyr at Fairyhouse and got stuffed. Zanahiyr could be a Champion Hurdle horse in time and looks very hard to oppose. He’s shorts odds for a reason, priced at 6-5 and looks the winner.

Lucky pin job for the County hurdle. Éclair De Beaufeu I think has been set up for this. He’s very well in on past form. Gowel Road should also have a squeak. 10-1 and 16-1, both EW.

I’d love to see Adrimel run a huge race for Tom Lacey in the Albert Bartlett. The step-up in trip will suit, and he should run well at a big price. Hopefully, a good EW chance at 14-1. As for winning it, Fakiera will likely take some stopping.

A Plus Tard wins the Gold Cup.

I’ve backed Elimay at 13-8 antepost in the Mares Chase. She got within two lengths of Allaho who was so good when winning the Ryanair yesterday. She’s priced at 4-5 now and hopefully should take the beating.

The Martin Pipe Conditionals jockeys race is the last race of the Festival at 4:50. Leoncavallo is our runner. Leon was due to run in the Imperial Cup last weekend but got stuck in traffic and missed the race.

This is a huge task, however Leoncavallo is in good form and will give his all. He’s a proper battler and will run his race. Not without an EW squeak, but it’s very hard not to see an Irish horse winning.

Galopin Des Champs up in trip for the first time looks fishy, Gentleman De Mee could have pounds in hand off 139. Leon will make them work and hopefully creep into contention.