Stayers Hurdle + Ryanair Chase with strong line-up

Cheltenham, Thursday 16 March: The next highlights await at Cheltenham today, where Flooring Porter (Danny Mullins), successful in the last two years, will be aiming for the treble in the Stayers Hurdle (4th race/16.30/325,000 pounds/4785m).

The eight-year-old lost twice to Home By The Lee (J. Slevin) in the preparation, who also sent Ashdale Bob (Keith Donoghue) to the losing end in the Christmas Hurdle (Group 1). Bazing Khal (Phili Byrnes) will be the favourite to win. He was in a class of his own in the Boyne Hurdle (Group 2), scoring his fifth goal in a row. Also unbeaten this season is Teahupoo (Davy Russell), who battled it out with Klassical Dream (Paul Townend) in the Hattons Grace Hurdle (Group 1). Both left none other than Honeysuckle behind. Gold Tweet (Johnny Charron) ran into favour with the bettors by winning the Cleeve Hurdle (Group 2). Paisley Park (Aidan Coleman) and Sire du Berlais (Mark Walsh) are getting on in years. Neither is out of the world because of their class.

In the Ryanair Chase (3rd race/15.50/375,000 pounds/4139m), a duel between the in-form Shishkin (Nico de Boinville) and Blue Lord (Paul Townend) looms. The former currently won the Ascot Chase (Group 1), while his opponent suffered defeat in the Dublin Chase (Group 1). Janidil (Mark Walsh) was a winner in the Red Mills Chase (Group 2) and could steal the show from the two favourites.