17th Mar 2016 | Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Day 3 Sectional Timings Preview
Kilcooley stands out on the clock in the World Hurdle whilst Vautour could be given a fright in the Ryanair.
Our sectional speed ratings proved informative on day 2 with Yanworth and Yorkhill battling out the Neptune as expected. It also pointed to Sprinter Sacre’s renaissance after he ran an adjusted speed rating of 152 at Cheltenham earlier in the season.
1.30 JLT Novices’ Chase
An open race as the betting suggests. Bristol De Mai has run two good speed figures in a row, Garde La Victoire has three to his name. Even outsiders like Three Musketeers have a good number in their back-form. It could down boil down to who is best suited by conditions on the day.
2.10 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
A difficult handicap to solve because nothing has really impressed on the clock. Saddlers Encore and Join The Clan both dipped into the 120s when finishing 1-2 at Sandown. After that you’ve got a gap to the 116 Mall Dini clocked four starts back.
2.50 Ryanair Chase
Much to the chagrin of antepost punters, Vautour pitches up in the Ryanair and his 151 mark earned in the King George makes him the one to beat. Connections of Al Ferof will be cursing having finished behind Vautour at Kempton but he has run two excellent races in a row. Champagne West has ability (hit 149 three starts back) but his jumping is an issue
3.30 World Hurdle
The World Hurdle market is dominate by Thistlecrack but the clock tells a different story. Colin Tizzard’s hurdler ha been visually impressive but his best sectional adjusted speed rating this season is 126. Perhaps he hasn’t been fully extended yet.
From a time perspective Kilcooley stands out. He thrashed Rock On Ruby on his reappearance earning a massive adjusted speed rating of 150. He’s had niggles since but if he turns up 100% fit he could be a contender.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 03:09 17th Mar, 2016 but subject to change
