WE'RE at the halfway point of Cheltenham now as we enter day three.

The rain played a big part in yesterday's results - although we still managed to find a couple of winners.

However, although the horses will be racing on the new course today, it will still be testing...

1.30: Turner Novices Chase

Only four runners is a shocking turn-out, but it still promises to be a great clash between two top horses.

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS has proven devastating in his two starts over fences this season and looks to be heading for the very top.

However, Bob Olinger has also done precious little wrong in winning six of his seven starts, including last year’s Ballymore Hurdle.

A thrilling clash can go the way of the Willie Mullins charge.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Galopin Des Champs
  • 2 Bob Olinger

2.10: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle

A wide open affair where we take a chance on BORN PATRIOT.

Although well beaten in a Group 3 hurdle at Sandown last time, he has winning form on heavy ground and stays - which ticks a lot of boxes here.

His best work will be done in the closing stages.

Sassy Yet Classy and Tullybeg both hail from the Gordon Elliott yard and have big chances.

The former is a winner of three miles in Ireland and the latter showed progression in the autumn and has been saved for this.

Alaphilippe can complete the first four.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Born Patriot
  • 2 Sassy Yet Classy
  • 3 Tullybeg
  • 4 Alaphilippe

2.50: Ryanair Chase

ALLAHO was oh so impressive in this race last year and if he is anywhere near that form, will win again.

Conflated was touted as a potential Gold Cup horse so it's interesting connections come here.

Shan Blue would have won the Charlie Hall if he hadn't fallen, but hasn't run since, so we will select Janidil to complete the first three.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Allaho
  • 2 Conflated
  • 3 Janidil

3.30: Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle

The past three winners all take their chance here in what looks a wide open affair.

However, we think ROYAL KAHALA can join the list of champions.

Kevin Sexton's mount won over this distance in January and is clearly on the upgrade.

If she handles conditions, she can come out on top.

Flooring Porter, Champ and Paisley Park will all be popular and can fight for minor honours.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Royal Kahala
  • 2 Champ
  • 3 Paisley Park
  • 4 Flooring Porter

4.10: Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Plate Handicap Chase

Alan King, fresh from victory in the Arkle, holds a leading chance with The Glancing Queen, who put up a bold bid at this track last time out.

But ADRIMEL is two from two in blinkers and has a great record on soft/heavy ground which gives him a great chance.

Grand Paradis looks intriguing for Davy Russell, while Chinwag could outrun his odds.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Adrimel
  • 2 The Glancing Queen
  • 3 Grand Paradis
  • 4 Chinwag

4.50: Ryanair Mares' Novices Hurdle

NURSE SUSAN is around 20-1 for this, but has been seemingly saved for the race, has her ground and a pull at the weights with Love Envoi.

The duo clashed on heavy going at Lingfield and while Love Envoi came out on top, she has 5lb more here.

Dinoblue surged clear on heavy going at Clonmel in her only start and represents JP McManus so cannot be discounted.

Brandy Love can take fourth.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Nurse Susan
  • 2 Dinoblue
  • 3 Love Envoi
  • 4 Brandy Love

5.30: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

COME ON TEDDY has been aimed at this race for a long while and can reward Tom George's long-term planning.

Third in last year's Pertemps Hurdle, he has shown ability over fences this campaign, stays and could be the one to beat.

Mister Coffey was beaten by L'Homme Presse last time out, so that form looks strong and he can go close.

School Boy Hours loves soft ground and has a top amateur booked so is worth a second look.

Mister Fogpatches is prone to the odd error but has ability.

SELECTIONS

  • 1 Come On Teddy
  • 2 Mister Coffey
  • 3 School Boy Hours
  • 4 Mister Fogpatches

COMPILED BY MARK EDWARDS.