Cobden to close the gap on an open third day 

We take a quick look at the main rides for the leading David Power Jockeys’ Cup jockeys on day three of the Cheltenham Festival following the six-day entry stage.     

Harry Skelton 

Best ride: Protektorat in the Ryanair Chase 

Last year’s Ryanair Chase winner Protektorat returns to defend his crown after an emphatic all-the-way win at Windsor last time out. He faces last year’s runner-up Envoi Allen once more, though may have more pressing claims trying to repel Fact To File who heads the betting for the powerful Willie Mullins stable. Festival hero Langer Dan comes alive at this time of year and may bounce back to form in the Stayers’ Hurdle, though he will need to in order to lower the colours of favourite Teahupoo. 

Harry Cobden 

Best ride: Jubilee Alpha in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 

Paul Nicholls looks to hold a strong hand in Thursday’s opening contest but Harry Cobden sticks with the progressive Jubilee Alpha who has won both starts since an eye-catching hurdling debut at Newbury in November. The Ditcheat handler also looks to have several of interest in the novices’ handicap chase, most notably the expensive purchase Caldwell Potter, while Cobden could also pick up some points with Monmiral who has entries in both the Pertemps and Stayers’ Hurdle. 

Sam Twiston-Davies 

Best ride: Gowel Road in the Stayers’ Hurdle 

On the face of it this could be the lowest-scoring day for Sam Twiston-Davies, who has no leading contenders, for all Gowel Road should be suited by the forecast good ground in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Master Chewy is unproven over this trip but connections are expecting a good run in the Ryanair Chase, while Guard The Moon (Pertemps) and Weveallbeencaught (Kim Muir) only appear to have outside chances in their handicaps. 

Nico De Boinville 

Best ride: Lucky Place in the Stayers’ Hurdle 

The recent spell of good weather should aid Lucky Place who has a progressive profile heading into the Stayers’ Hurdle, and he looks the pick of Nico De Boinville’s Thursday rides, for all the Seven Barrows jockey has some interesting handicap options. Both Jeriko Du Reponet and Shanagh Bob have caught the eye in their Pertemps qualifiers, while First Street (novices’ handicap chase) is unexposed over fences and his fourth to Leader In The Park looks strong form. 

Conclusion 

Day three provides current Jockeys’ Cup second place Harry Cobden with strong claims of closing the gap on leader Harry Skelton. Jubilee Alpha looks to have been brought along steadily and looks the leading British contender in the mares’ novices’ hurdle, one of the weaker races of the week.