| Flyers over the fences DAVID
THORPE continues his look at the Cheltenham Festival with an assessment
of the top races for this Thursday and Friday.
Ryanair Chase
Thursday 2.35pm
This contest has a great chance of producing an Irish winner this year.
 War Of Attrition
is nap of the day if he contests this race. A superb jumper who has good
course and distance form it’s hard to find something against him.
Noel Meade’s Sir Oj has an excellent chance while Armaturk looks
to be the best English prospect.
World Hurdle
Thursday 3.15pm
This could produce another Irish winner. Tom Mullins’ Asian Maze
showed well in finishing a close second to Macs Joy in the Red Mills hurdle
showing she was fit and well after an absence.
Baracouda has won this race before but is ageing now. Golden Cross looks
more like an each-way prospect and My Way De Solzen usually finds one
too good. So Asian Maze is the selection.
Racing Post Plate
Thursday 4pm
An intriguing race in which Ireland’s best chance of a winner might
be Green Belt Flyer, Jessie Harrington’s fast improver has an excellent
weight.
Bannow Strand is similarly well in for Martin Pipe but the selection is
the Nicky Henderson-trained Copsdale Lad. Solid form and a trainer who
is an expert at winning big handicaps. Europa might merit each-way consideration.
The Triumph Hurdle
Friday 2pm
Willie Mullins talented Quatre Heures is a horse going in the right direction
and could go very close. Winner of both his starts this season Willie
Mullins has taken the gentle approach he adopts with all his good horses.
Bayard from the James Fanshawe yard and Blazing Bailey from the Alan King
yard are contenders while Breathing Fire is a dark horse with an each-way
chance.
The Brit Insurance novices hurdle
Friday 2.40pm
If Black Jack Ketchum runs in this race he wins, simple as that. If not
then Henrietta Knight’s Glasker Mill merits consideration. Winner
of both his recent starts he is improving at the right time.
Snow Tern is part of the huge squad of talented juveniles in Noel Meade’s
yard and commands respect. Neptune Collognes representing Paul Nicholls
has claims based on his recent win while Forth of Forth from the Joe Crowley
stable is worth noting.
The Gold Cup
Friday 3.15pm
A weak renewal of the race, War of Attrition is the selection if he runs
while Monkerhostin’s second to Kicking King in the King George leaves
him with a chance. Paul Nicholls’ talented but quirky Cornish Rebel
is certain to finish in the frame while Iris’ Gift and Beef or Salmon
have claims if they can stay on their feet. Rather unlikely I think.
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