Paul Townend previews his six rides on Day Three at Cheltenham
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I start by riding Faugheen in the Marsh Novices’ Chase (1.30). He was so tough and gutsy when he won at Leopardstown the last day. All the stats are against him here but he is an exceptional horse and his record speaks for itself.
Itchy Feet was good when hewon at Sandown and Reserve Tank is another we have to be fearful of but Iwouldn’t swap Faugheen. He has been such a special horse and if he were to winhere, it would bring the house down.
Willie runs a few more in therace who just haven’t sparked. Melon wears cheekpieces for the first time overfences and that might help him focus.
I ride Relegate in the Pertemps (2.10); a spare ride for Colm Murphy. She looks to have slipped in with a nice racing weight and she’s a former Champion Bumper winner.
Willieused to train her and she’s had one run for Colm Murphy so far where shefinished fourth at Punchestown. Colm seems very happy with her so we will takeour chance. It is a competitive handicap and we will need plenty of luck inrunning but she could be laid out for this.
Min is my next ride in the Ryanair Chase (2.50). He’s ever the bridesmaid at Cheltenham. Last year’s winner Frodon just doesn’t seem to be firing this year, although his win the last day will be a nice confidence booster.
RidersOnthe Storm has done very well since coming to Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard but Iam not sure his run the last day will be good enough to mix with A Plus Tardand Min.
In the feature race, the Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30), I ride Penhill who has a good track record. He’s been getting a bit better at home throughout the season. It’ll be very hard to beat Paisley Park but I think he can run into a place. He seems to be the forgotten horse here.
In the Plate (4.10), I am on Robin Des Foret. He had a cracker here on his first run of the season back in December. He travelled very sweetly.
Hehasn’t seen out his last three runs too well and I’d imagine we will be ridingfor a bit of luck. We would be delighted if he could run on into a place.
In the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (4.50), I am on Colreevy. She found only Minella Melody too good for her at Fairyhouse. We get 5lbs off her this time so that will hopefully put them a bit closer together.
Paul
