DAVY RUSSELL blog: Cheltenham Festival WEDNESDAY

I got a huge buzz from being back at Cheltenham on Tuesday and what a day it turned out to be. I thought it gave the sport a great boost of positive news. Listen, as I said in my blog yesterday, I thought Constitution Hill was a monster and that was before his win in the Champion Hurdle! In truth we were all chasing his shadow but I got a lovely spin from Zanahiyr who deservedly took third. He’s got a great attitude and always seems to run his race.

I also had great runs from Queens Brook who finished third to Honeysuckle in the Mares race and what a fairytale result that turned out to be. I’m delighted for Henry (De Bromhead) and his team.

The Goffer travelled really sweetly for me in the Ultima but just ran out of steam and finished fourth.

On now to day two and my thoughts on all the races including my four booked rides ….

WEDNESDAY

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

1:30 – AMERICAN MIKE Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

I ride American Mike ? who probably hasn’t had the best of runs this year after such a good start to his career. There are signs that he is getting back there but this might come a little quick for him. Now that the rain has come it does bring Hermes Allen into the equation dramatically. Also I have a soft spot for Good Land – I tried my best to beat him in Leopardstown the last day but he showed plenty of class when winning the Grade 1. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

2:10 – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

No ride for me here but again with the drop of rain around it should be a huge plus for Gerri Colombe ? (pictured below) for Gordon (Elliott). He has been very good all year showing his liking for testing ground. I think The Real Whacker is also a huge player with his course and distance form. Sir Gerhard is a classy horse and the rain will help – although some of his rivals have a little more experience over the fences. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

2:50 – SA FUREUR Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

My fella Sa Fureur ? has been good in his last few runs winning his last three starts but is still a novice so lacks a bit of experience and this is always tough. A couple of big dangers might be Camprond who ran well in this race last year and is off an attractive lower mark this time round. Good Risk It All needs a good gallop and the step up in trip will suit him, Watch House Cross is also for the shortlist whilst I can’t forget the top weight Fil Dor who is a great horse to ride and with the 5lb off shouldn’t be too far away. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

3:30 – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)

No ride in the feature and it’s a hard one to figure out. I think the pace angle is interesting, especially with so many confirmed front runners locking horns. I could easily see an upset and Funambule Sivola ? is not a million miles off these. He was very good in Newbury the last day breaking the track record and ran well in this last year when second to Energumene. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

4:10 – GALVIN Glenfarclas Chase (Cross Country Chase)

Galvin ? (pictured below) is a very talented horse but this is his first run over the banks fences which is always a hard assignment. Delta Work beat me on Tiger Roll in this last year and he again looks the biggest danger to us all. The drop of rain will help, as will his experience. Back On The Lash, Franco De Port, Gin On Lime and Lieutenant Rocco can all be given a squeak. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

4:50 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Gordon’s got a few here including last year’s runner-up Andy Dufresne ? who schooled really well during the week and jumped nicely. At bigger prices I like Elixir De Nutz and our horse Call Me Lyreen who if he puts it altogether could be bang there. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

5:30 – NO TIME TO WAIT Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I ride No Time To Wait ? who can get a little buzzed up and will wear the red hood down to the start as we need to keep the lid on him. A lovely Walk In The Park horse who won his bumper well last time out. It looks a really hot contest though and also wide open. A Dream To Share and Fact To File do battle again after they were first and second in Leopardstown with ground conditions now possibly favouring the runner-up but A Dream To Share is a very classy animal. We also have Better Days Ahead who Jamie (Codd) rides. He’s a nice sort and has had the two runs which I think is a plus. ⭐ STARSPORTS.BET MARKET ⭐

🧢 I’ll be back on Wednesday evening with my thoughts on day 3.

Good Luck
Davy

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