2.10 Enjoy The Cheltenham Festival With MansionBet Beginners Chase 2m

Capuccimix is a lightly raced horse with plenty of scope for improvement after just five career starts. A maiden hurdle winner on his racecourse debut, connections wasted little time in switching him to fences after he struggled in Grade 3 company on just his second run. The seven-year-old has shown plenty of ability in three chase starts to date, suggesting that a race of this nature is well within his capabilities.

Great Trango was arguably the best of these over flights but is making his chasing debut now and also lacks a recent outing. If anything, he will also appreciate a longer trip, so his progress over fences should be noted.

SELECTION: CAPUCCIMIX

Next best: Great Trango

2.40 Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase (Grade 3) 2m 4f

Gallant John Joe will find life easier in this company having competed in a Grade 1 chase on his most recent start. Indeed, he acquitted himself very well in the circumstances, staying on to take third place on only his second start over fences. A former listed hurdle winner at this track, he looks the one they all have to beat in this contest.

Royal Rendezvous was behind the selection in that Leopardstown race so has work to do to bridge the gap now. He will need to improve considerably to get the better of the Oliver McKiernan-trained runner.

SELECTION: GALLANT JOHN JOE

Next best: Royal Rendezvous

3.15 MansionBet “GetItReady” For Cheltenham Leinster National Handicap Chase (Grade A) 3m

General Principle has dropped back to a very appealing mark recently and showed signs of retaining ability when fourth last time. Gavin Brouder rode a big race winner for the Elliott yard last weekend, so it is interesting that connections have plumped for his valuable claim once again. It would be disappointing if the former Irish Grand National winner cannot make a bold bid off this mark.

Cap York looks well treated over fences having run in Grade 1 company as a novice hurdler. His form over fences is arguably better than the bare figures as he has competed in some decent races in his short career. A big run now would come as no surprise.

SELECTION: GENERAL PRINCIPLE

Next best: Cap York

3.45 Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle (Listed) 2m

Beacon Edge should prove very hard to beat now having just failed to land a Grade 2 prize the over course and distance last time. Noel Meade’s horse had easily won his maiden hurdle at the first attempt, having also placed at the highest level in the Punchestown bumper. He faces a far easier task now so has to be strongly fancied.

Cedarwood Road couldn’t have done it any easier when winning at Christmas but in all probability that wasn’t the strongest of races. Having said that, he could only beat what was put in front of him. A lightly raced, unexposed type, this race has been the plan ever since his last win.

SELECTION: BEACON EDGE

Next best: Cedarwood Road

4.20 Expert Air, The International Express Delivery Experts Maiden Hurdle 2m 3f

The Very Man has been running consistently in similar races of late, despite appearing to be in need of a greater stamina test. The former point-to-point winner now gets the chance to show what he can do over further, so he looks very much the horse to beat. Indeed, his biggest danger was a long way behind him at Navan last time, so there seems no obvious reason why that form should be overturned.

Pat’s Pick has ground to make up with The Very Man on his latest run but that was just his second hurdle start so he is entitled to get a bit closer. The form of his bumper win has worked out very well so he remains a horse to keep on side.

SELECTION: THE VERY MAN

Next best: Pat’s Pick

4.50 Celebrating Women In Racing On International Women’s Day Handicap Hurdle 2m 3f

Shumaker who has some really strong form in the context of this race should be hard to beat now. Third in a Grade B handicap hurdle at Down Royal earlier in the season, he has plenty of smart form over 2m to his name. However, as a former point-to-point winner, there must be a strong possibility that he can improve further for stepping up in trip now.

Court Maid has been something of a ‘nearly’ horse in recent months, staying on late in the day in valuable handicaps. She did so again at Fairyhouse last time, having looked well beat turning in.

The application of cheekpieces could well be the answer as if they can keep her interested in the early stages, she will almost certainly be finishing better than anything else.

SELECTION: SHUMAKER

Next best: Court Maid

5.20 MansionBet Get Paid As A Winner If 2nd In Supreme Novices’ At Cheltenham Mares (Pro/Am) Flat Race 2m

Castra Vetera made a winning racecourse debut at Fairyhouse but found the step-up in class a bridge too far last time. She actually ran well enough all things considered, especially as the form of that latter race has worked out very well. With her rider claiming a valuable 7lb, she should be able to get her career back on track now.

Phillapa Sue was third on her debut last month so should be able to improve on that initial effort. Strictly on collateral form she will need to show more in order to beat the O’Brien mare, but it certainly isn’t out of the question.

SELECTION: CASTRA VETERA

Next best: Phillapa Sue