Ryanair Chase + Stayers Hurdle in focus

Cheltenham, Thursday 17 March: Great steeplechase racing will also be on offer on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival.

In the Ryanair Chase (3rd race/15.50/370,000 pounds/4139m) Willie Mullins` Allaho (Paul Townend) could add his name to the winners` list for the second time. Twelve months ago he won by a superior twelve lengths and currently he is also in the best position with two successes. At Punchestown, the eight-year-old pinned the John Durkan Memorial Chase (Group 1) against Janidil (Mark Walsh) and Melon (P. Mullins) to his banner. The latter came to an unchallenged victory in the Red Mills Chase (Group 2). Janidil lost in the Irish Gold Cup (Group 1) recently in the fight for second place only by a razor-thin margin. The win went to Conflated (Davy Russell), who is tipped to be a big opponent for Allaho. Shan Blue (Harry Skelton), apart from his last appearance at Wetherby, runs reliably up front and, like Eldorado Allen (Brendan Power) who romped in the Denman Chase (Group 2), deserves increased notice.

The Stayers Hurdle (4th race/16.30pm/320,000 pounds/4785m) is headed by Flooring Porter (Danny Mullins), who won the fixture last year and was beaten two lengths by Klassical Dream (Paul Townend) on his last start in the Christmas Hurdle (Group 1). The Mullins charge won the Supreme Novices Hurdle (Group 1) here three years ago. Two months ago, the eight-year-old had no chance of winning the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle (Group 2) against Royal Kahala (Kevin Sexton) and Home By The Lee (J. Slevin). Champ (Jonjo O`Neill Jr), Thyme Hill (Tom O`Brien) and Paisley Park (Aidan Coleman) took the top three places in Ascot`s Long Walk Hurdle (Group 1). The latter won the Stayers Hurdle three years ago.