'I'm due one' - Tom O'Brien excited by three big Cheltenham Festival rides

Tom O'Brien believes he is due a Cheltenham Festival winner and he has three big hopes on the third day for Philip Hobbs.

The jockey, whose sole victory at the meeting came with Silk Affair for Michael Quinlan in the 2009 Fred Winter, partners Thyme Hill in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (3.30).

Thyme Hill missed out last year after suffering a minor setback but bounced back to beat Roksana in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. The eight-year-old is as short as 7-2 with bet365 this season after being beaten by Champ in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December.

"It's an exciting time," said the 35-year-old jockey. "In previous years, I never really knew who I might be riding but I've got some to look forward to. I've not had a winner for a while, so I'm due one. I'm a bit older, so I'm looking forward to it rather than feeling pressure.

"Thyme Hill ran well at Ascot and he goes there fresh. He's doing well and has the form in the book. He missed out last year after tearing a muscle but luckily he came right for Aintree. It looks open and he's faced many of them before. He should have every chance."

Thyme Hill (white cap): edged past Roksana to win the Liverpool Hurdle last seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien could also ride Sporting John, who is in the Stayers' Hurdle but is also in the Pertemps Network Final (2.10), for which he is available at 8-1 after winning a qualifier at Warwick last month.

He won the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase in January but was switched back to hurdles after two disappointing runs. He won over hurdles on his first start of the season at Cheltenham in November.

The jockey could round off a fruitful day on Celebre D'Allen in the Plate Handicap (4.10). He is the general 6-1 favourite for the Grade 3 after winning three races in a row since joining from France.

"Sporting John has course form," said O'Brien. "He was switched to hurdles to regain his confidence and he's thrived. He's prominent in the market for the Pertemps but wouldn't be out of place in the Stayers'.

"Celebre D'Allen came over from France and has done really well, with two victories over hurdles and a good win in the Warwick Castle Chase a couple of weeks ago. He should go there with a big chance."

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