Cheltenham Festival ground changed to soft for racing on Thursday

The action switches to the New course for day three of the Cheltenham Festival and clerk of the course Jon Pullin anticipates the opening Grade 1 Turners Novices' Chase is set to be run on soft ground.

Further rain is expected on both of the final two days of the festival, with the possibility of a heavy shower or two during racing on Thursday.

On the likelihood of rain, Pullin said: "The forecast is to be dry overnight and through the early part of tomorrow, with some light showers moving in mid-to-late morning and then perhaps the odd heavier shower in the afternoon. We're looking at totals of around 3-4mm on Thursday."

Runners will be on the outside line on Thursday before fresh ground is opened up on the inner for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, when more showers are anticipated.

Pullin added: "There might be a little bit of drizzle Thursday into Friday and then some more showers around on Friday and again a total of 3-4mm."

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'The ground will be in his favour and I think he'll take a fair bit of stopping' - insight and key quotes for the Plate 

Three hugely talented mares put their unbeaten records on the line in a barnstorming clash 

'She's in great form and the soft ground should suit' - Angels Dawn bids to break near 40-year stat in Kim Muir 

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