David Jennings is off the mark with a 5-2 winner - and he has more tips on Thursday's day three card

Deputy Irish editor and Upping The Ante star David Jennings takes you through the Cheltenham Festival card on Thursday, headlined by a wide-open Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (3.30).

Cheltenham Festival free bets: Sky Bet offer

Cheltenham Festival tips: Thursday's card

1.30 Cheltenham
Turners Novices' Chase (Grade 1), 2m4f

DJ's tip: Grey Dawning

I think Grey Dawning is the best novice chaser Dan Skelton has ever had, but more importantly Dan Skelton thinks Grey Dawning is the best novice chaser he has ever had. He might end up being better over 3m, but this is the right fit for him at this year's festival. He's one of the best bets of the day.

Grey Dawning13:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

2.10 Cheltenham
Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, 3m

DJ's tip: Gaoth Chuil

A third festival winner for Ted Walsh is on the cards here as Gaoth Chuil is an unexposed stayer who is still only six and could be a few steps ahead of the handicapper. Add in Shane O'Callaghan's claim and you have got yourself a tasty little 8-1 shot.

Gaoth Chuil14:10 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Shane O'Callaghan (5lb)Tnr: T M Walsh

2.50 Cheltenham
Ryanair Chase (Grade 1), 2m4½f

DJ's tip: Ahoy Senor

I'm ashamed of myself, so no need to tell me I'm a glutton for punishment, but has everything not fallen beautifully into place for Ahoy Senor? He's still only nine, and every start this season has been a gradual improvement on the previous one. I think the New course really suits him and expect Derek Fox to attack from the front. If he's accurate over the first four fences we could finally cash in those shares.

Ahoy Senor14:50 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Derek Fox Tnr: Lucinda Russell

3.30 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1), 3m

DJ's tip: Sir Gerhard

The juice has probably gone out of Teahupoo's price now given he was 3-1 not so long ago, and Sir Gerhard might be a better-value alternative. He's best fresh, handles the ground and has the class to have a big say. Odds of 9-1 look tempting.

Sir Gerhard15:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Paul Townend Tnr: W P Mullins

4.10 Cheltenham
TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, 2m4½f

DJ's tip: In Excelsis Deo

I was calling Harry Fry every name under the sun when In Excelsis Deo wasn't declared for the Grand Annual as I was seriously sweet on him for that, but perhaps it is the shrewdest of shrewd moves in stepping him up in trip for this as it might not place as much emphasis on his jumping. He's well handicapped.

In Excelsis Deo16:10 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Jonathan Burke Tnr: Harry Fry

4.50 Cheltenham
Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m1f

DJ's tip: Jade De Grugy

With my original fancy Dysart Enos out, some of the gloss has been taken away from this intriguing event, but it is still a sizzling showdown between Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy. At the prices, the latter looks better value.

Jade De Grugy16:50 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Paul Townend Tnr: W P Mullins

5.30 Cheltenham
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase, 3m2f

DJ's tip: Amirite

Going into this week Amirite was my strongest handicap fancy of the entire week. The only problem was that I had the Ultima in mind for him. Henry de Bromhead has wisely decided to wait for the Kim Muir instead in the hope of better ground, and that patience could pay off spectacularly. I think he's one of the best-handicapped staying chasers in either Ireland or Britain on decent ground.

Amirite17:30 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Mr N McParlan Tnr: Henry De Bromhead

Day three highlights

The big race

For all that the Ryanair looks intriguing and competitive, the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (3.30) traditionally takes pride of place on day three, and this year's running promises to be a cracker. Surprisingly, there's not a Willie Mullins-trained odds-on shot in sight.

The big horse

Some thought Teahupoo was unlucky when finishing third in last season's Stayers' when, after being sent off the 9-4 favourite, he found interference on the run-in (promoted to second in the stewards' room).  He's likely to be sent off a strong favourite again and looks to have a first-rate chance to make amends.

The big story

Will this be the day Britain emerges from the shadow of the Irish juggernaut? Grade 1 success has eluded the home team on the first couple of days, but the likes of Grey Dawning and Ginny's Destiny (Turners),  Stage Star (Ryanair) and Crambo (Stayers' Hurdle) look to have excellent prospects of reversing their fortunes.

Get £40 in free bets with Sky Bet at Cheltenham

Sky Bet are offering £40 in free bets for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

You can follow these simple steps outlined below to grab £40 in free bets to place on the big races at Cheltenham. It's fast, secure and straightforward.

1. Head over to Sky Bet through this link and click the 'Get Bonus' button
2. Create your username and password
3. Place a minimum £10 bet at odds of 1-1 or greater
4. £40 of free bet tokens will added to your balance

Sky Bet betting sign-up offer: the key terms and conditions

It's worth taking a few minutes to read through the terms and conditions associated with the new player promotion before signing up. Doing so will help you get a better grasp of the details of the Cheltenham Festival betting offer and what's expected of you as a new player.

• New customers only
• First single and each-way bet only
• Odds of 1/1 or greater
• 4 x £10 bet tokens
• Free bet stakes not included in returns
• Free bets for horse racing only
• Free bets are non-withdrawable
• Free bets expire after 30 days
• Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply

Read these next:

Cheltenham Festival day 3 tips: six horses to back on Thursday 

Paul Kealy's Cheltenham Festival day 3 racing tips: Thursday's play of the day 

Do you want £1,000+ in free bets for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.