Horse Racing analyst Will Smith previews Saturday's Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot and provides a 25/1 each-way ante-post selection.
Use the search filters below to find a tips by day or by race
Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ginnys Destiny View Tip |
9/1 | Ante Post
EW 3 Places / NRNB Will Smith Turners Novices Chase |
Place Bet | |
Gaoth Chuil View Tip |
8/1 | Ante Post
EW 5 Places / NRNB Will Smith Pertemps Network Final |
Place Bet | |
Theatre Man View Tip |
6/1 | Ante Post
EW 4 Places / NRNB Will Smith Plate Handicap Chase |
Place Bet | |
Shakem Up’Arry View Tip |
10/1 | EW 5 Places Will Smith Plate Handicap Chase |
Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 03/01/2024
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (08:00 03/01/2024) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. #ad
The third day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival takes place on Thursday 14th March and is opened with The Novices’ Chase at 13:30. Highlights of the day include The Ryanair Chase at 14:50 and The Stayers’ Hurdle at 15:30.
Ante-post tips for day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival are available for free here at WhichBookie. All of our racing tips are provided by WhichBookie racing tipster Will Smith. You may have seen Will featured on Racing TV and William Hill Racing.
Will provides free racing tips throughout the year and puts a lot of effort into monitoring the form and odds of horses leading up to the Cheltenham Festival.
View Will’s tipping stats here.
All Cheltenham Festival ante-post tips for day 3 will be published on this page when available. You’ll find these tips at the top of the page marked as ‘ante-post’.
The main advantage of ante-post betting is that you can often get a much higher price than the final odds. However, there are disadvantages to ante-post betting with the main one being that it’s possible that your horse gets injured or is withdrawn from the race before it starts. You also may not qualify for certain racing offers with ante-post bets such as Best Odds Guaranteed or extra places on each-way bets.
WhichBookie racing tipster Will Smith will also be providing tips closer to the time of the festival. When these become available, they will also be published at the top of this page but not marked as ‘ante-post’.
Here, you’ll find betting tips for a selection of races taking place on Thursday at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival such as The Ryanair Chase, The Stayers’ Hurdle, The Marsh Novices’ Chase and more.
Details of all day 3 races at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival can be found below. Click on a race to be taken to the individual race tips page where you’ll be able to read full write-ups and reasoning behind the selections.
Cheltenham Festival Day 3 Tips Thursday 14th March 2024 |
|
---|---|
1.30pm - The Turners Novices’ Chase | 4.10pm - Magners Plate |
2.10pm - The Pertemps Network Final | 4.50pm - Mares Novices’ Hurdle |
2.40pm - The Ryanair Steeple Chase | 5.30pm - Challenge Cup |
3.30pm - The Stayers’ Hurdle |
Want to take a look at our tips for the rest of the festival? Click on a day below.
2024 Cheltenham Festival Tips | ||
---|---|---|
Day 1 Betting Tips | Day 2 Betting Tips | Day 4 Betting Tips |
Day 3 of The 2024 Cheltenham Festival features another 7 races which include the Ryanair Chase and The Stayers Hurdle which have combined prize money of £675,000.
In this Cheltenham Festival Thursday guide, we’ll be sharing the details of every race taking place.
See the table below for details on all of the races taking place. Individual race details can be found further down the page.
Start Time | Race |
---|---|
13:30 | The Marsh Novices’ Chase |
14:10 | The Pertemps Network Final |
14:50 | The Ryanair Chase |
15:30 | The Stayers’ Hurdle |
16:10 | The Magners Plate |
16:50 | Jack de Bromhead Mares' Novices' Hurdle |
17:30 | The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup |
Looking for the best Turners Novices’ Chase odds? Click here.
The Turners Novices’ Chase was introduced in 2011 and features 17 fences to be jumped over a distance of approximately 2 miles 3 furlongs.
The race is currently sponsored by transport company Turners but has changed sponsorship a number of times throughout the 10 years it has taken place. Other sponsors include , Marsh, Jewson and insurance brokers JLT.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Stage Star | 7 | 15-2 | Paul Nicholls | Harry Cobden |
2022 | Bob Olinger | 7 | 6-5 | Henry de Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
2021 | Chantry House | 7 | 9-1 | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
2020 | Samcro | 8 | 4-1 | Gordon Elliott | Davy Russell |
2019 | Defi du Seuil | 6 | 3-1F | PhilipHobbs | Barry Gerghty |
2018 | Shattered Love | 7 | 4-1 | Gordon Elliott | Jack Kennedy |
2017 | Yorkhill | 7 | 6-4F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2016 | Black Hercules | 7 | 4-1CF | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2015 | Vautour | 6 | 6-4F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2014 | Taquin Du Seuil | 7 | 7-1 | Jonjo O’Neill | Tony McCoy |
2013 | Benefficient | 7 | 20-1 | Tony Martin | Bryan Cooper |
2012 | Sir Des Champs | 6 | 3-1 | Willie Mullins | Davy Russell |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Marsh Novices’ Chase live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Pertemps Network Final odds? Click here.
The Pertemps Network Final is the second race on day 3 of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and features twelve hurdles over a distance of approximately 2 miles 7 furlongs.
The race was initially sponsored by betting company Coral when it was introduced in 1974 and has had several sponsors since 1993 when Coral stepped down with the latest being recruitment firm Pertemps.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Good Time Jonny | 8 | 9-1 | Tony Martin | Liam McKenna |
2022 | Third Wind | 8 | 25-1 | Hughie Morrison | Tom O'Brien |
2021 | Mrs Milner | 6 | 12-1 | Paul Nolan | Bryan Cooper |
2020 | Sire Du Berlais | 8 | 10-1 | Gordon Elliott | Barry Geraghty |
2019 | Sire Du Berlais | 7 | 4-1 F | Gordon Elliott | Barry Geraghty |
2018 | Delta Work | 5 | 6-1 | Gordon Elliott | Davy Russell |
2017 | Presenting Percy | 6 | 11-1 | Pat Kelly | Davy Russell |
2016 | Mall Dini | 6 | 14-1 | Pat Kelly | Davy Russell |
2015 | Call The Cops | 6 | 9-1 | Nicky Henderson | Andrew Tinkler |
2014 | Fingal Bay | 8 | 9-2F | Philip Hobbs | Richard Johnson |
2013 | Holywell | 6 | 25-1 | Jonjo O’Neill | Richie McLernon |
2012 | Cape Tribulation | 8 | 14-1 | Malcolm Jefferson | Denis O’Regan |
2011 | Buena Vista | 10 | 20-1 | David Pipe | Conor O’Farrell |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Pertemps Network Final live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Ryanair Chase odds? Click here.
The Ryanair Chase is one of the highlights of the day and features 17 fences over a course distance of approximately 2 miles and 4 furlongs.
The race has taken place 16 times since being introduced back in 2005.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Envoi Allen | 9 | 13-2 | Henry De Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
2022 | Allaho | 8 | 4-7F | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
2021 | Allaho | 7 | 3-1F | Willie Mullins | Rachael Blackmore |
2020 | Min | 9 | 2-1 | Willie Mullins | P Townend |
2019 | Frodon | 7 | 9-2 | Paul Nicholls | Bryony Frost |
2018 | Balko Des Flos | 7 | 8-1 | Henry de Bromhead | Davy Russell |
2017 | Un De Sceaux | 9 | 7-4F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2016 | Vautour | 7 | 1-1F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2015 | Uxizandre | 7 | 16-1 | Alan King | Tony McCoy |
2014 | Dynaste | 8 | 3-1F | David Pipe | Tom Scudamore |
2013 | Cue Card | 7 | 7-2 | Colin Tizzard | Joe Tizzard |
2012 | Riverside Theatre | 8 | 7-2F | Nicky Henderson | Barry Geraghty |
2011 | Albertas Run | 10 | 6-1 | Jonjo O’Neill | Tony McCoy |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Ryanair Chase live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Stayers’ Hurdle odds? Click here.
The Stayers’ Hurdle is the feature race on day 3 of The Festival and features 12 hurdles over a course distance of approximately 2 miles 4 furlongs.
The race dates back to 1912 but was dropped from the festival twice between 1928-1929 and 1939-1945.
Take a look to see which horses our WhichBookie racing analysts have tipped in the 2024 Stayers’ Hurdle.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Sire Du Berlais | 11 | 33-1 | Gordon Elliott | Mark Walsh |
2022 | Flooring Porter | 7 | 4-1 | Gavin Cromwell | Danny Mullins |
2021 | Flooring Porter | 6 | 12-1 | Gavin Cromwell | Danny Mullins |
2020 | Lisnagar Oscar | 7 | 50/1 | Miss R Curtis | Adam Wedge |
2019 | Paisley Park | 7 | 11-8F | Andrew Gennell | Emma Lavelle |
2018 | Penhill | 7 | 12-1 | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
2017 | Nichols Canyon | 7 | 10-1 | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2016 | Thistlecrack | 8 | 1-1F | Colin Tizzard | Tom Scudamore |
2015 | Cole Harden | 6 | 14-1 | Warren Greatrex | Gavin Sheehan |
2014 | More Of That | 6 | 15-2 | Jonjo O’Neill | Barry Geraghty |
2013 | Solwhit | 9 | 17-2 | Charles Byrnes | Paul Carberry |
2012 | Big Buck’s | 9 | 5-6F | Paul Nicholls | Ruby Walsh |
2011 | Big Buck’s | 8 | 10-11F | Paul Nicholls | Ruby Walsh |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Stayers’ Hurdle live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
Looking for the best Magners Plate odds? Click here.
Previously known as the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate, the Paddy Power Plate and the Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate, this race was introduced in 1951 in memory of jockey Anthony Bingham Mildmay (1909-1950) who rode three winners at The Cheltenham Festival during his career.
The race features 17 fences over a course distance of approximately 2 miles and 4 ½ furlongs and will be sponsored in 2024 by Magners.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Seddon | 10 | 20-1 | John McConnell | Ben Harvey |
2022 | Coole Cody | 11 | 22-1 | Evan Williams | Adam Wedge |
2021 | The Shunter | 8 | 9-4F | Emmet Mullins | Jordan Gainford |
2020 | Simply The Betts | 7 | 10-3f | H Whittington | G Sheehan |
2019 | Siruh Du Lac | 6 | 9-2 | Nick Williams | Lizzie Kelly |
2018 | The Storyteller | 7 | 5-1F | Gordon Elliott | Davy Russell |
2017 | Road To Respect | 6 | 14-1 | Noel Meade | Bryan Cooper |
2016 | Empire Of Dirt | 9 | 16-1 | Colm Murphy | Bryan Cooper |
2015 | Darna | 9 | 33-1 | Kim Bailey | David Bass |
2014 | Ballynagour | 8 | 12-1 | David Pipe | Tom Scudamore |
2013 | Carrickboy | 9 | 50-1 | Venetia Williams | Liam Treadwell |
2012 | Salut Flo | 7 | 9-2F | David Pipe | Tom Scudamore |
2011 | Holmwood Legend | 10 | 25-1 | Patrick Rodford | Keiran Burke |
Did You Know?
You can watch The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate live on ITV or stream the race live on Bet365.
The Mares Novices’ Hurdle, also known as The Jack de Bromhead Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, is the second to last race on the 3rd day of The Festival.
The race features eight hurdles over a course distance of 2 miles and 1 furlong.
The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle has only featured 6 times at The Cheltenham Festival after being introduced in 2016 with 5 winners being trained by Willie Mullins.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | You Wear It Well | 6 | 16-1 | Jamie Snowden | Gavin Sheehan |
2022 | Love Envoi | 6 | 15-2 | Harry Fry | Jonathan Burke |
2021 | Telmesomethinggirl | 6 | 5-1 | Henry de Bromhead | Rachael Blackmore |
2020 | Concertista | 6 | 9-2 | Willie Mullins | D A Jacob |
2019 | Eglantine Du Seuil | 5 | 50-1 | Willie Mullins | Noel Fehily |
2018 | Laurina | 5 | 4-7F | Willie Mullins | Paul Townend |
2017 | Let’s Dance | 5 | 11-8F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
2016 | Limini | 5 | 8-11F | Willie Mullins | Ruby Walsh |
Did You Know?
You can stream the Mares Novices’ Hurdle Bet365.
Looking for the best Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase odds? Click here.
The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase is the final race on Thursday and features 21 fences over a distance of approximately 3 miles and 2 furlongs.
Year | Horse | Age | Price | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Angels Dawn | 8 | 10-1 | Sam Curling | Pa Kelly |
2022 | Chambard | 10 | 40-1 | Venetia Williams | Miss Lucy Turner |
2021 | Mount Ida | 7 | 3-1F | Denise Foster | Jack Kennedy |
2020 | Milan Native | 7 | 9-1 | Gordon Elliott | Robert James |
2019 | Any Second Now | 7 | 6-1 | Ted Walsh | Derek O’Connor |
2018 | Missed Approach | 8 | 8-1 | Warren Greatrex | Noel McParlan |
2017 | Domesday Book | 7 | 40-1 | Stuart Edmunds | Gina Andrews |
2016 | Cause Of Causes | 8 | 9-2 | Gordon Elliott | Jamie Codd |
2015 | The Package | 12 | 9-1 | David Pipe | Jamie Codd |
2014 | Spring Heeled | 7 | 12-1 | Jim Culloty | Robbie McNamara |
2013 | Same Difference | 7 | 16-1 | Nigel Twiston-Davies | Ryan Hatch |
2012 | Sunnyhillboy | 9 | 13-2F | Jonjo O’Neill | Alan Berry |
2011 | Junior | 8 | 100-30F | David Pipe | Jamie Codd |
Did You Know?
You can stream the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase on Bet365.
That concludes our round-up for day 3 of The 2024 Cheltenham Festival. Click to view our Cheltenham Festival Day 4 Guide.
1.20 – Marsh Novices’ Chase |
---|
Having put up Shishkin and Envoi Allen in win singles and an each-way double back in April of last year, this is a defining race for the column. A slight blip in the last few weeks clearly, with Envoi Allen moving to Henry De Bromhead’s yard, but Ballyadam (who made the same move) ran well enough in the Supreme to suggest that it won’t have hindered too much. If there was one to improve on the day, and run into a place at best, then it could be last year’s Champion Hurdle third Darver Star. |
1.55 – Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle |
---|
No ante-post bet for this fiendish handicap after Honest Vic wasn’t confirmed, although no loss as it was advised NRNB. As things stand, the three market leaders look solid and I wouldn’t put anyone off backing any of Imperial Alcazar, The Bosses Oscar or Champagne Platinum.
However, keeping the mantra about Festival form repeating itself time and time again in mind, I can’t resist suggesting backing last year’s sixth in the race, Kansas City Chief, at a whopping 66/1 each-way with Betfred, who are 6 places for each-way terms. Sky Bet are offering 7 places, but are 50/1. Kansas City Chief hit the front way too soon last year, and given that the likes of Sire Du Berlais, The Storyteller, Tout Est Permis and Third Wind have since been competitive in or won graded races since, it has the look of extremely strong form. Factors have been against Kansas City Chief since then, but has shaped very much as if the ability remains, and the booking of Millie Wonnacott is a very good one. If Kansas City Chief was a 7 or 8-year-old, as opposed to 12, then he would be less than half the price, so at 66/1 with Betfred he is the each-way bet of the day. |
2.30 – Ryanair Chase |
---|
This looks a brilliantly competitive renewal, and there isn’t a single horse in the field that would surprise me if they were in the frame. The very definition of a no bet race for me, just watch and enjoy! |
3.05 – Stayer’s Hurdle |
---|
From being one of the nicest ante-post positions a couple of weeks ago, sadly the non-declaration of Diol Ker, and the setback to Thyme Hill has left the way clear for the 25/1 on Sire Du Berlais to fly the flag.
A horse closely matched with Sire Du Berlais on last year’s Pertemps Final form, is The Storyteller, and he is taken to give Denise Foster a very strong hand in the race at 11/1 each-way with Betfred or BetVictor, who are both 4 places each-way. Fury Road completes the trio from Cullentra Stables, and wouldn’t be out of it at all on his Albert Bartlett run last season. However, The Storyteller is a versatile, tough and very high-quality horse, who is absolutely thriving at the moment. A Grade 1 winner over fences in the autumn, he has since placed second in Grade 1’s over hurdles and fences, and gets on famously with Keith Donoghue. |
3.40 – Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase |
---|
Nothing solid I’m afraid here, but it is a race that will have a fair share of intrigue, as The Shunter goes for the £100k bonus for connections, after winning the Morebattle Hurdle just under two weeks ago. |
4.15 – Dawn Run Mares’ Novice Hurdle |
---|
Again, another fiendishly competitive race, with so many improving and unexposed mares lining up. If you had to pin me down to one, then perhaps it could be Roseys Hollow, but by no means is that a solid opinion. |
4.50 – Kim Muir Handicap Chase |
---|
Unfortunately, another no bet race, with drying ground potentially being against some of the more fancied runners. |
Faugheen – 6/1 (Betfair Sportsbook)
Yes, you have read that correct… the mighty 12-year-old Faugheen can win a Grade 1 novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival. And no, I have not gone all sentimental.
Consider the facts – he is a dual Grade 1 winner in novice chases in Ireland this season, he is a nine-time Grade 1 winner over hurdles – his class and ability has never been in doubt. He won a point-to-point before joining Willie Mullins and is bred for fences, borne out in how he has jumped better with each chase start this season.
He has only had 25 career starts – the same number as 8-year-old stablemate Bapaume, while 8-year-old Melon has had 21 starts and 7-year-old Midnight Shadow has had 20 starts. In racing terms, Faugheen is lightly raced and clearly retains all the requisite zest.
To my eye, if he was an 8-year-old, and given he is to be ridden by the number one jockey in the Mullins’ camp Paul Townend, should the two-time Cheltenham Festival winner not be 3/1 favourite?
In addition to our 8/1 about Itchy Feet, advised a few weeks ago, I strongly suggest adding Faugheen at 6/1.
Sire Du Berlais – 6/1 EW (Skybet 6 places)
The Storyteller – 7/1 EW (Skybet 6 places)
Skandiburg – 12/1 EW (Skybet 6 places)
Combination Trifecta – Tote
At first glance, backing three in one race when two of them are single figure prices is the stuff of madness. But at the Cheltenham Festival, the place terms offered are often a nice cushion to allow such methods to flourish. Skybet are 6 places here, and that should do nicely for these three selections.
The cream often rises to the top in this race, and in the Gordon Elliott-trained pair of Sire Du Berlais and The Storyteller you have previous festival winners, who have been given eye-catching and characteristically brilliant qualification paths. They will be trained to peak here, as they have done previously, and while Sire Du Berlais can win this back-to-back for the first time since Buena Vista did, The Storyteller is also a very classy horse who is a Grade 1 winner over fences.
It would be a lovely sub-plot should the Olly Murphy-trained Skandiburg pip them both, as he has received an equally notable preparation for the race. Clearly taught a thing or two by Elliott when he was his assistant, Murphy could be in for a good day with Itchy Feet and Skandiburg here.
As I fancy all three to run massive races, it might be wise to add the potential of a big payout should all three fill the podium spots, by placing a ‘combination trifecta’ bet with the Tote.
Duc Des Genievres – 20/1 EW (Paddy Power)
Aso – 20/1 EW (Paddy Power)
With a 5/1 ante-post bet on A Plus Tard looking pretty good going into this, it might be worth adding a couple of nice priced each-way selections to our armoury, in the shape of last year’s sensational Arkle winner Duc Des Genievres and the 2019 Ryanair Chase runner-up Aso, both at a massive 20/1.
Duc Des Genievres ran away with last year’s Arkle on soft ground and should get enough dig on Thursday to think that he could produce something resembling that run. If he does, (a time of just under half a second slower than Altior ran when winning the Champion Chase the day after on similar ground,) then he will be in the shake-up.
Aso has finished in the places in this race for the last two seasons, and will be coming here fresh and in first-time blinkers. He was only just touched off by a thriving and brilliant Frodon last year, and there are reasons to think that he could turn that around.
With doubts about Min producing his best at Cheltenham, and Riders Onthe Storm backing up three weeks after the mother of all exhausting races at Ascot, the Ryanair looks at the mercy of A Plus Tard or a couple of ‘under the radar’ horses in Duc Des Genievres or Aso.
Kilfilum Cross – 12/1 EW (Skybet 6 places)
Fingerontheswitch – 25/1 EW (Skybet 6 places)
With the Stayers Hurdle sure to go to Paisley Park, and no strong opinion in the Plate and Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, it is left to the closing race on the card for the last bets of the day.
The Kim Muir is often a fascinating race, with a mix of long-range plots and seemingly exposed hard-knocking handicappers.
It is a couple in the latter category that I would rather side with. Kilfilum Cross was a cracking second to Any Second Now in this last year, and sparked back to life in the cheekpieces, which are retained here, at Kempton a month ago. At 12/1 he’s hard to force out of the frame, ridden by the very capable Alex Edwards.
The other dart is firmly in the aforementioned exposed category, but conversely is in the form of his life – which can count for a lot. Fingerontheswitch has struck up an amazing relationship with now regular pilot Millie Wonnacott, and I expect them to hunt round, jump soundly, and be played late – hopefully picking up a few scraps once a few of the other amateur jockeys have gone at it.