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Festivals

Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Recap

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Cheltenham Festival's third day saw numerous exciting competitions, with Liam Prenderville Uzizandre emerging as the winner of the Ryanair Chase. The race saw a stunning ride from AP McCoy, who was visibly emotional as they collected their trophy. Uzizandre led the way, despite Balder Success almost falling at the second fence, while Hidden Cyclone and favourite Don Cossack were in close pursuit.

The victor, Uzizandre, looked comfortable four out, holding off a late challenge from Ma Filleule to claim a fantastic victory. McCoy praised the horse's incredible performance, stating that he was relieved to have ridden him to victory, but contemplating riding him in the Champion Chase next year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Liam Prenderville Uzizandre emerged as the winner of the Ryanair Chase with a stunning ride from AP McCoy.
  • McCoy expressed relief at riding the horse to victory, but considered riding him in the Champion Chase next year.
  • Hidden Cyclone and favourite Don Cossack were in close pursuit, but ultimately failed to catch the lead.
  • McCoy acknowledged that he isn't thinking about reversing his decision to retire, stating "it's a bit sad - but sure we'll worry about that next year".
  • AP McCoy praised the horse's incredible performance, stating that it had "run away with me for a mile and a half".
  • McCoy's horse kept looking at the television camera on its inside, suggesting that it may have been conserving energy.
  • Saphir Du Rheu, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, is expected to come out on top in the Cleeve Hurdle, having beaten Reve De Sivola, Un Temps Pour Tout, and Cole Harden in January.
  • Zarkandar, the grey, reported at the top of his game, is set to profit from significantly higher odds, making appeal at the top of its game.
  • Revelation's Lieutenant Colonel, saddled to two top-level scores by Sandra Hughes after her father Dessie passed away in November, is another likely contender.

Statistics:

  • Uzizandre's final odds stood at 16/1.
  • AP McCoy has won 19 times at the Cheltenham Festival.
  • Saphir Du Rheu has won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January.
  • Horses from the Nicholls yard have four-way involvement in the Cleeve Hurdle.
  • Saphir Du Rheu had previously been aimed at a novice campaign over fences, but now targets a comeback at hurdle level.
  • The Package (Champagne James) will move up in distance for the three and a quarter-mile handicap chase.

Sources:

  • Cheltenham Festival: Day 3 LIVE: Follow all the action from Cheltenham in our rolling blog
  • Newsboy's tips for day three
  • Cheltenham Festival 2015 - Day 2
  • Newsboy's tips for day three

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