Shishkin and Mighty Potter set to star on Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival 2023
Shishkin and Mighty Potter set to star on Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival 2023
It's set to be another cracking day of action at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival as the nation waits with bated breath to see the performances of Mighty Potter and Shishkin this afternoon.
The former has been a popular bet in the build up to the Turners Novices' Chase and is unbeaten in his last four starts.
Mighty Potter's form has been franked by Gaillard Du Mesnil's win yesterday in the National Hunt Cup,who he beat back in December at Punchestown, and it looks as though Gordon Elliott's horse is the one to beat at odds of 11/10.
His main rivals look likely to be fellow Irish raiders Bainbridge (10/3), who won the Martin Pipe at last year's Festival, and Appreciate It (9/2), while the leading British hope is Paul Nicholls' Stage Star, who can be backed at 10/1.
It's set to be another cracking opener, and Virgin Bet are offering 'Money Back as a free bet' up to £10 if your horse fails to win*
David Pipe's Thanksforthehelp leads the market in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle, where Virgin Bet are paying 6 places instead of 4, but then it's all eyes on whether Shishkin is back to his best as he looks to win the Ryanair Chase.
Nicky Henderson's horse won the 2021 Arkle Chase at the Festival, but pulled up in last year's Queen Mother Champion Chase.
It's been a tough road back, but he looked somewhat like his old self when winning the Ascot Chase last month and is an odds-on favourite to follow that up with success this afternoon.
If he's not quite right, there's plenty of Irish horses fighting it out with Willie Mullins having Blue Lord and Janidil, while Gordon Elliott has Fury Road, and it will be interesting to see what shape Envoi Allen is in for Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore.
It looks set to be a very open Stayers' Hurdle with Blazing Khal, Teahupoo, and back-to-back winner Flooring Porter leading a strong Irish contingent, but a popular winner would be the fans favourite Paisley Park, who won the race back in 2019.
Ironically So Scottish, trained in Ireland by Mullins, is the favourite in the Magners Plate Handicap Chase where Virgin Bet customers will get paid for 6 places instead of 4. Sir Alex Ferguson, who missed out on a winner yesterday with Hermes Allen, has another go with 7/1 shot Il Ridotto.
Virgin Bet are offering your money back as a free bet if your horse fails to win the first race of every day of the Cheltenham Festival*. Click here to check out the market.
*Max Free Bet £10. Bet must be placed within 48hrs of 1st race each day - 1st cash bet on the 1st race each day of Cheltenham Festival (main market, ex antepost & specials). Win part e/w bet. Selection must lose. Free Bet: non-withdrawable, use in 7 days on sportsbook only. Stake not returned. T&Cs apply.
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Featured Image Credit:Tom Green