The Cheltenham Festival continues today, with anticipation building for day three despite challenging weather conditions. Strong winds and rain are forecast, prompting a shift in racing to the New Course, and bookmakers are bracing for potential payouts as several favorites are attracting significant support. The focus is on navigating the altered course and assessing how the changing conditions will impact the races.
Yesterday’s action saw Il Etait Temps claim victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, overcoming a final fence stumble to secure a ten-length win over Libberty Hunter. The performance marked a turnaround for the Willie Mullins-trained grey, who had previously fallen at Ascot. The race also highlighted the challenges posed by the Cheltenham fences, with favorite Majborough, previously rated 179, receiving an ‘x’ symbol from Timeform, denoting poor jumping. This comes after similar issues in previous appearances at the festival, leading to concerns about his suitability for the course.
Going Report and Course Change
Racing on Thursday will take place on the New Course due to the forecast for strong winds, and rain. This change presents a different set of challenges for both horses and jockeys, with a more undulating terrain and potentially softer ground. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, and further adjustments may be made depending on the severity of the weather. The going is currently described as soft, heavy in places, and further deterioration is expected.
Market Movers and Key Contenders
Bookmakers are reporting significant market movement on several horses across Thursday’s card. While specific details on individual horses weren’t provided, the overall trend suggests a strong belief in certain contenders, leading to fears of a potential big-race treble for punters. The fluctuating odds reflect the impact of the going and the perceived strengths and weaknesses of each horse in the altered conditions.
Majborough’s performance in Wednesday’s Champion Chase has prompted a re-evaluation of his jumping ability. Timeform’s assessment, assigning him the ‘x’ symbol, underscores the importance of navigating the Cheltenham fences successfully. Dan Barber, Timeform’s Jumps Editor, noted that the fences have proven problematic for Majborough in the past, suggesting that his rating of 177 may not fully reflect his capabilities on a more forgiving course. He also highlighted Il Etait Temps’ strong performance, attributing it to the horse’s ability to handle the Cheltenham track and the skill of jockey Paul Townend.
Il Etait Temps’ Champion Chase Victory
Il Etait Temps’ win in the Champion Chase was a notable recovery after a heavy fall in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. Mullins acknowledged the difficulty of the recovery process, stating that it took the horse 24 hours to recover after the fall and the subsequent journey home. Despite the setback, Il Etait Temps demonstrated resilience and returned to the form he displayed when winning the Tingle Creek in December. The victory was particularly significant given previous concerns about his ability to perform at Cheltenham.
The Champion Chase also saw a strong performance from Libberty Hunter, who finished second at odds of 50/1, and L’Eau Du Sud, who placed third. The race highlighted the unpredictable nature of jump racing and the importance of stamina and jumping accuracy.
Looking Ahead
As the Cheltenham Festival progresses, the focus shifts to day three and the challenges presented by the New Course and the worsening weather conditions. The changing going will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the races, and trainers and jockeys will need to adapt their strategies accordingly. Bookmakers are bracing for a potentially busy day, with significant market movement suggesting a strong level of confidence in certain contenders. The festival continues to deliver thrilling racing and unpredictable results, captivating audiences worldwide.
What are your thoughts on the impact of the course change? Share your predictions for day three in the comments below!
