Cheltenham Festival 2023 Day 3 Tips: Shishkin to rule in Ryanair

On the third day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, all eyes will be on the Stayers' Hurdle as it takes centre stage at Prestbury Park. To ensure that you are well-prepared for the day's events and ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Thursday at the festival, Izzy Phillips has shared her top picks.

1:30 Turners Novices' Chase 

Selection: Banbridge 

It’s no secret that Banbridge has got to improve to turn the tables with Mighty Potter but I like his chances of doing so. He was fast finishing at Leopardstown over 2m 1f and should relish the stepping back up in the trip. The form of that race at Leopardstown is also franked with Banbridge having been second that day to El Fabiolo. He’s got great course form having won at the Festival last year and the November meeting. He shouldn’t mind the soft ground and could improve to take this.

2:50 Ryanair Chase 

Selection: Shishkin 

It was great to see Shishkin return to form at Ascot; it certainly seems that 2m 5f seems to have unlocked some untapped potential after he had seemed outpaced over 2m. He’ll like the soft ground which is key following the amount of rainfall. After last year’s disappointing run in the Champion Chase, he has a point to prove and I think he will have his vengeance up the Cheltenham hill this year.

3:30 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle 

Selections: Home by the Lee and Paisley Park E/W 

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Paisley Park - he is getting older and it can all depend on when he hits his flat spot in the race. However, if it all falls right he’s always a danger as he stays all day. The heavy rainfall is also massively in his favour. At the prices available, I think he’s a massive each-way chance. 

Home by the Lee was 6th in this race last year but it’s clear he has progressed and I’ve been very taken by his performances this season. He stayed on well to beat some classy opponents in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. I think he’ll like the softening ground having quite a few wins over soft/heavy.

4:50 Mares Novices’ Hurdle

Selection: Luccia 

Luccia looks like a very exciting horse. She has been very impressive with her unbeaten record and I cannot see a single reason why she does not win this. Her price suggests she’s already won the race so I think it may be worth looking at a distance bet for just how many lengths that she will win by, as she seems head and shoulders above this field.