Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: Two great chances on Wednesday at Cheltenham Festival

Sadly today’s Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase has been abandoned due to waterlogged ground on Cheltenham’s inside circuit, so the race times have been revised as follows: Race 1 – 1345, Race 2 – 1430, Race 3 – 1515, Race 4 – 1600, Race 5 – N/A, Race 6 – 1650, Race 7 – 1730.

 

13:45 (Cheltenham) Handstands

I kick off with Handstands in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle. I think he’s a really nice ride to pick up and I don’t think any of us know quite how good he is.

He impressed me last time and this doesn’t look a strong race outside of Ballyburn. He looks very good but we aren’t scared of one horse and we’ll give it a good shot.

I’m very much looking forward to it and he’s got a great each-way chance.

14:30 (Cheltenham) Stay Away Fay

Next up is Stay Away Fay in the Brown Advisory and I can’t wait for him. We’re putting cheekpieces on him for the first time just to sharpen him up a bit. He’s in really good form and the pieces should help him travel a bit better.
 
I’d be lying if I didn’t say he was my best chance of the week and the experience in the Cotswold Chase should stand him in really good stead here.
 
Fact To File looks our main rival but I wouldn’t swap my lad for anything. He’s got a great profile for the race and we think he’s got a bit more to offer.

 

16:50 (Cheltenham) Libberty Hunter

I’m then on Libberty Hunter in the Grand Annual. He looks like he’s been trained for the race and his run at Cheltenham last time was very, very good.

I’ve got some good rides in the handicaps this week, but I’d say this is my best. The trainer is very bullish and that’s a positive because he’s not usually!

17:30 (Cheltenham) Teeshan

My final ride on Wednesday is Teeshan in the Champion Bumper. I picked him over Quebecois just as he was a little more impressive in his Point-to-Point and the judges tell me he’s very good and there is lots of scope for improvement.
 
He rides like any other horse to me but that’s not a bad thing as it’s quite often the good work horses that disappoint you on the track.

They both look to have very good chances and I wouldn’t be surprised if either won.

 

READ MORE: Cheltenham Festival ITV racing tips: Best bets for day 2 on Wednesday, March 13