13.30 – Turners Novices’ Chase
GREY DAWNING is a smart chaser with a fine record over hurdles and fences and should be in the mix, so he’s included. IROKO impressed on his chase debut and won at this meeting last year, while FACILE VEGA is interesting stepping up in trip and must be feared.
Tips: Grey Dawning, Iroko, Facile Vega
14.10 – Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
I really like the claims of FAROUK D’ALENE in this race. He loves soft ground and would have gone close in a Grade 1 race at this fixture twelve months ago. It seems like he’s been plotted for this race, and he should run extremely well with his rider taking off 7Ib. ICARE ALLEN also appeals. He has often promised to win a decent race for Willie Mullins.
Tips: Farouk D’Alene, Icare Allen
14.50 – Ryanair Chase
ENVOI ALLEN beat a quality field in the Ryanair Chase last year and should be difficult to topple in his defence bid. He is a three-time Cheltenham Festival winner, while PROTEKTORAT always runs his race at this venue and should get the ideal set-up to run a huge race for the in-form Skelton team.
Tips: Envoi Allen, Protektorat
15.30 – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
CRAMBO looks tailor-made for this course, and he’s already proven himself on similar ground, as well as arriving here on the back of a win in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle. He has an outstanding chance, while ASTERION FORLONGE, who has run well at the Cheltenham Festival three times, can again outrun his large odds.
Tips: Crambo, Asterion Forlonge
16.10 – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase
JAMES DU BERLAIS has shaped very nicely in two hot handicaps, the last twice, and despite his mark looking stiff, Willie Mullins’ top weight has the class to figure. SHAKEM’UPARRY has improved a lot since his third-place finish in this race last year and is a big player under favourable conditions.
Tips: James Du Berlais, Shakem’uparry
16.50 – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD carries the burden of a lofty reputation, and so far she has come up triumphant in each start. Gordon Elliott’s mare must have leading claims.
Tips: Brighterdaysahead
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Richard Hoiles: My 4 selections for Saturday’s racing
The post Richard Hoiles: