Betting

Cheltenham Festival Day 3: One Favourite, One Value Pick and One Longshot to Consider

A promising talent, a C&D winner and a former Festival runner-up make today’s selections at the Cheltenham Festival

Published

3 months ago

March 18, 2021

Reece Charlton

Happy Diva ridden by Richard Patrick (right) jumps the last to win The BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap during the November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham.

St Patrick’s Thursday possesses several exciting contests for punters on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

With the likes of Envoi Allen and Paisley Park stepping on the stage of the Greatest Show on Turf, it could be another cracking day at the Gloucestershire track.

Here are three selections to think about for today’s racing at Prestbury Park.

Favourite: Imperial Alcazar – Pertemps Final (11/2 @ Coral, Ladbrokes, William Hill)

Fergal O’Brien has never had a Festival winner, but he stands a strong chance with Imperial Alcazar in the Pertemps Final.

*Can Fergal O’Brien claim his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon?*

The seven-year-old has made significant progress, landing three wins in his six starts over hurdles this term.

The gelding bolted up in the Pertemps qualifier at Warwick in January, comfortably claiming victory by 2 ¼ lengths.

Imperial Alcazar will have to contend with the winning qualifiers hoodoo in this contest, but he could easily bat that away here.

Value Pick: Mister Fisher – Ryanair Chase (17/2 @ Paddy Power)

A Cheltenham course and distance winner, Mister Fisher could hint at some value in a fiercely competitive Ryanair Chase.

*Britain are toiling in their battle with the Irish contingent; can Peterborough Chase winner Mister Fisher claim Ryanair glory for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville?*

The seven-year-old has recorded two victories at the Gloucestershire course, the latest coming in the form of the Peterborough Chase in December.

The progressive sort could well have more to offer and has the ability to produce a big performance here.

Longshot: Happy Diva – Paddy Power Plate (16/1 @ Various)

A worthy second in this contest last season, Happy Diva could go one step further this time around.

The 10-year-old was 4lb heavier when finishing runner-up last year, and she did win the BetVictor Gold Cup off a mark of 143 back in November 2019.

*Kerry Lee’s Happy Diva finished second in this race twelve months ago*

She has been below her best this season, but Kerry Lee’s mare has proven to be a lover of Cheltenham with two wins and two places in seven starts at Prestbury Park.

At 16/1, Happy Diva could be worth some each-way value here.