Thursday on ITV Racing: armchair guide to each Cheltenham Festival race
1.30 Cheltenham
Marsh Novices' Chase, Grade 1, 2m4f
Five years after winning the Champion Hurdle, Faugheen will bring the house down if he can maintain his unbeaten record over fences at the age of 12 and complete a Grade 1 hat-trick.
2.10 Cheltenham
Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, Grade 3, 3m
Barry Geraghty rides his winning partner of last year Sire Du Berlais over JP McManus's other contender, Grade 1 winner Unowhatimeanharry. Sire Du Berlais's trainer Gordon Elliott seeks a third consecutive win in the race, having won with Delta Work in 2018.
2.50 Cheltenham
Ryanair Chase, Grade 1, 2m4½f
Another potential feelgood factor if Frodon and Bryony Frost can repeat their heroics of last year to put racing on the front pages again, but they face another festival winner in A Plus Tard, ridden by Rachael Blackmore.
3.30 Cheltenhan
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, Grade 1, 3m
Paisley Park is a banker for many, not only for the day but the whole festival. The Emma Lavelle-trained stayer has proved peerless in eight races, including this feature last year, since being beaten in the 2018 Albert Bartlett.
4.10 Cheltenham
Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase, Grade 3, 2m4½f
Simply The Betts immediately became a stronger favourite for this race after Imperial Aura's impressive win in the 2m4f novice handicap chase on Tuesday. He is sure to remain popular to give trainer Harry Whittington a first festival winner.
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inPreviews
- 6.37 Sandown: 'He should have a big chance' - can the Hannon yard add to outstanding record in National Stakes?
- 7.07 Sandown: 'The trip will really suit him' - is a new staying star about to emerge in the Henry II Stakes?
- 8.12 Sandown: 'The idea is for this and then Royal Ascot' - Heron contenders on trial for big-thinking connections
- 7.37 Sandown: 'This is not the be-all and end-all' - will hot favourite Royal Rhyme see off his Brigadier Gerard Stakes rivals?
- 3.20 Ayr: 'He won't be sending her up there for no reason' - Red Danielle could be the answer to competitive Listed race
- 6.37 Sandown: 'He should have a big chance' - can the Hannon yard add to outstanding record in National Stakes?
- 7.07 Sandown: 'The trip will really suit him' - is a new staying star about to emerge in the Henry II Stakes?
- 8.12 Sandown: 'The idea is for this and then Royal Ascot' - Heron contenders on trial for big-thinking connections
- 7.37 Sandown: 'This is not the be-all and end-all' - will hot favourite Royal Rhyme see off his Brigadier Gerard Stakes rivals?
- 3.20 Ayr: 'He won't be sending her up there for no reason' - Red Danielle could be the answer to competitive Listed race