Cheltenham Festival day three accumulator tips: Matt Rennie's Thursday treble

Galileo Dame (1.20 Cheltenham)

Joseph O'Brien has already got on the scoreboard this week and the decision to target the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle with Galileo Dame instead of the Triumph can be vindicated. The four-year-old is yet to win over hurdles but has done nothing but improve in her two runs over obstacles. She was second her hurdles debut at Leopardstown over Christmas, but reversed the form considerably with that rival when going down by three-quarters of a length to Hello Neighbour in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. O'Brien is a terrific target trainer, and Galileo Dame receiving 10lb off her rivals could be key.

Protektorat (3.20 Cheltenham)

The ten-year-old was a brilliant winner of the Ryanair Chase a year ago and he looks to have been primed for this ever since by Dan Skelton. He started the season with defeats in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Peterborough Chase, but thrived off aggressive tactics at Windsor last time. Djelo, the 23-length runner-up who reopposes, has since won the Denman Chase. Fact To File is a worthy favourite to take on, while Il Est Francais should force the pace, which should set up the race perfectly.

Lucky Place (4.00 Cheltenham)

Teahupoo is the one to beat in the Stayers' Hurdle, but this deeply unexposed six-year-old could take his scalp on his first try over three miles. Trained by Nicky Henderson, he has taken his form to new levels this season with Grade 2 wins at Ascot and at this track on New Year's Day in the Relkeel Hurdle. The form of that has been boosted handsomely, with the runner-up Gowel Road taking the Cleeve Hurdle, while third-placed Golden Ace has since scooped the Kingwell and Champion Hurdles. This trip could bring out more in him and current ground conditions will suit too.

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