Rest of Cheltenham

We can certainly expect some Irish successes on St. Patrick´s Day and hope that German-bred Noble Prince (Paul Nolan/ Tony McCoy) can get them off the mark in the opening Jewson Novices Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 14.30 CET. He has been running really well on ground that was too soft for him, and today´s conditions should be ideal. Wishfull Thinking (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) is the obvious danger.

The Ryanair Chase also over 2 1/2 miles at 15.40 is the main supporting feature and looks really tough with 12 runners, including the first 3 from last year Albertas Run (Jonjo O´Neill/ McCoy), Poquelin (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and J´y Vole (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend). German-bred Gauvain has an each-way chance, but we like Albertas Run, another one that will appreciate the better going.

Two more German-breds with possibilities are Heavenly Blues (Ted and Katie Walsh) in the handicap hurdle at15.05 and Fredo (Ian Williams/ Josh Moore) in the Kim Muir (the amateurs Golf Cup) at 17.40. However these, together with the handicap chase at 17.00, are the toughest races of the day with over 20 runners and wide open.
The day ends with a new event, the St. Patricks Day Derby, a charity flat race at 18.15. This is not a serious race, but it is all in a good cause and the course has done well to attract Henry Cecil who saddles Plato (Lorna Fowler).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Wishfull Thinking - Noble Prince - Robinson Collonges
2. Race: Chartreux - Sivota - Barafundle
3. Race: Poquelin - Kalahari King - Albertas Run
4. Race: Big Buck`S - Grands Crus - Mourad
5. Race: Aigle D`Or - Quartz De Thaix - Hollo Ladies
6. Race: Junior - Galant Nuit - Pomme Tiepy
7. Race: Plato - Super Collider - Fool`s Wildcat