article_snippet: Cheltenham Festival 2015 sprung to life for Paul Nicholls on day two and the son of Al Namix, who sports the same colours as SAPHIR DU RHEU (Cheltenham, 3.20) illustrious predecessor, has undergone an unusual preparation for the hurdling feature following three starts over fences.
article_snippet: It was a path also trodden by Big Buck’s and Paul Nicholls will be hoping lightning strikes twice for the six-year-old who displayed great tenacity to land the Cleeve Hurdle from Reve De Sivola in January.
article_snippet: Shark Hanlon’s gelding was runner-up in the race last year when outstayed by Dynaste and I wonder, with hindsight, if jockey Andrew McNamara may have employed a more patient ride as jockey Andrew McNamara became a sitting target late on.
article_snippet: A recent Punchestown romp should have put the selection spot-on and jockey Andrew McNamara could go one better this year and end the Irish hoodoo in the race.
article_snippet: With the Willie Mullins stable carrying all before them, Vautour will be a popular order in the JLT Novices’ Chase.
article_snippet: However, jockey Andrew McNamara will be priced accordingly and VALSEUR LIDO (Cheltenham, 1.30) looks a sound alternative as jockey Andrew McNamara was reported to be a little ring-rusty when edged out by Apache Stronghold at Leopardstown last time.
article_snippet: The selection had previously beaten that foe by an impressive eight lengths at Fairyhouse and appears to jump a shade more fluently than Noel Meade’s charge, who remains one of the chief dangers.
article_snippet: (Cheltenham, nap, 2.05) is a solid conveyance for a race of this nature and may run well at a big price.
highlights_snippet: Cheltenham racing tips: Not sure who to back?
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