Horse racing predictions: Thursday’s Cheltenham tips

There are three more Grade 1 contests to savour on Thursday as well as some competitive handicaps on the seven-race card for day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

We’ve provided selections for every race, including a couple of each-way fancies at double-figure prices.

Cheltenham racing tips – Thursday March 14

Clive Gildon has recommendations for all seven races today and you can read the analysis behind his selections below. 

Add these tips directly to your bet slip by clicking on each pick.

Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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1.30 Cheltenham – Turners Novices’ Chase

Paul Nicholls won this Grade 1 contest 12 months ago with Stage Star and he runs a similar type in this year’s renewal. GINNY’S DESTINY leads from the front, just like last year’s winner did, and also seems to be a specialist at this intermediate trip. 

He arrives on the back of three course victories and, given that he seems to be improving with every run, he could take some beating if he gets into a nice rhythm. He also has a linking for the New Course, on which each of his previous two wins have come.

Selection: Ginny's Destiny @ 4/1 with BetMGM

2.10 Cheltenham – Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle

This is always one of the most competitive races of the week and this year’s renewal is no different.

One that can go well at a price is LE MILOS. He warmed up for this with a low-key effort at Ascot but that was just a pipe-opener and he is likely to do much better now. He is rated 8lb lower over hurdles than fences and the recent rain that has arrived should really bring his stamina reserves into play.

Selection: Le Milos @ 12/1 with BetMGM

2.50 Cheltenham – Ryanair Chase

Envoi Allen finds himself at the head of the market in his bid for back-to-back wins in this race but he isn't always convincing with his jumping and it may be worth taking a chance on a longer-priced rival.

CONFLATED fits the bill. He has unseated his rider on his last two starts but both times that came at the last when he was tired over longer distances and he looks to be a major player dropping back in trip. This isn’t the strongest renewal and he may be able to land the contest.

Selection: Conflated @ 7/1 with BetMGM

3.30 Cheltenham – Stayers’ Hurdle

Last year’s winner, SIRE DU BERLAIS, seems to have been a little overlooked in the market again.

He will have needed his return at Navan when last seen and that effort is worth forgiving. He was a dual-Grade 1 winner last year and the veteran will relish the step back up to a staying trip.

Selection: Sire Du Berlais @ 16/1 with BetMGM

4.10 Cheltenham – TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase

IL RIDOTO was unsuited by a first attempt at three miles last time out and he looks like a major player back down at his preferred distance of 2m 4½f. 

He was only just touched off at Cheltenham earlier in the season by Fugitif – who is a live Ryanair Chase contender – and he’s now only 3lb lower than his mark that day.

Selection: Il Ridoto @ 14/1 with BetMGM

4.50 Cheltenham – Ryanair Mares’ Novices Hurdle

The improving JADE DE GRUGY puts her unbeaten record on the line and she could be hard to beat in her bid for a fourth success. She stepped up from maiden hurdle company to win a Grade 3 race at Fairyhouse when last seen and the yard have already made a flying start to this week’s action. 

The drop in trip is no concern for this daughter of Doctor Dino and she looks like the one to beat.

Selection: Jade De Grugy @ 9/4 with BetMGM

5.30 Kim Muir Handicap Chase

COOL SURVIVOR was a real eye-catcher at Leopardstown when last seen and he has been laid out specifically for this contest ever since.

He made up plenty of ground from the rear in a race that suited those in the front rank much better and he will relish the step back up in trip to 3m 2f on testing ground.

Selection: Cool Survivor @ 13/2 with BetMGM

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