Joe Tizzard Cheltenham 2026 day three runners blog: 'This has been the plan for this horse all season'

Joe Tizzard Cheltenham day three runners blog - March 12, 2026

Joe Tizzard Cheltenham day three runners schedule

• Western Knight - Cheltenham - 2.00 race odds

• Sunset Marquesa - Cheltenham - 2.40 race odds

• JPR One - Cheltenham - 4.00 race odds

2.00: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase – Western Knight

This race has been the plan for this horse all season, he’s won a couple of novice chases this season, and was a good second in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown last time, but they were all small fields, with three or four runners, so this will be a new experience for him, but one I’m looking forward to as I do think he could be a horse for a race like the Paddy Power Gold Cup next season, and running in a big field will teach him and us plenty.

We’ll also find out here if he needs to go three miles next season, as I do think there is a chance this trip might be a bit sharp for him, but he is a horse I like a lot, and I hope a mark in the mid 130s is just the start for him, I certainly think he’s got a big pot in him next year.

2.40: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – Sunset Marquesa

This is another race we’ve had in mind for our horse for a while, she won well at Sandown before Christmas, and has run with credit in pattern company in two runs since, not being beaten far.  She is the outsider of the field here, but only seven line up, and we’ll ride her to win as much prize money as we can.

She’s rated 129 so where else would we go with her?  In a small field it’s worth rolling the dice, and I don’t think she’ll finish last.

4.00: Ryanair Chase – JPR One

The drier the ground the better for this fellow, so hopefully the forecast rain for Thursday will stay away.  He’s in really good nick, and he needs to be, as Fact To File sets a high standard, but with a rating of 160, it was either a case of coming here, or lumping top weight in a handicap.

He proved at Musselburgh last time that he relished the 2 ½ miles trip, and I do think this was the right option over the shorter Champion Chase, as they should just go a yard steadier here, which will help him. I can definitely see him outrunning his odds, and if he does come up short, we do have the option of going back to handicaps.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.