Thursday's Cheltenham Festival tips from Alex Hammond

The racing continues on Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival.

Ryanair Chase - 2m 5f This race is making up to be a cracker. Cue Card has swerved a clash with Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase to run in this and he is favourite for this event and he deserves to be. He won the Ascot Chase over 2m 5 ½ f last time out which was good to see having not stayed the 3 miles in the King George. If First Lieutenant lines up here for Irish trainer Mouse Morris he must have a great chance, he is also a leading contender for the Gold Cup. Sizing Europe sadly looks more likely to run in the Champion Chase earlier in the week. His trainer Henry de Bromhead has declared him for Wednesday's contest as he is concerned that he could face a slog over this longer trip on soft ground. He won the Champion Chase in 2011 and was 2nd to Finian's Rainbow last year. He has won his last 5 starts since over 2m - 2m 4f and seems as good as ever at the age of 11. Riverside Theatre beat Albertas Run in this last year. He was a disappointing 6th in King George last start but goes well fresh which will help him here. Champion Court represents Martin Keighley, the horse didn't seem at his best when beaten at Kempton last time as he didn't jump fluently. The Philip Hobbs trained Menorah would probably prefer better ground. He was 3rd to Silviniaco Conti in the Denman Chase last time out and is 3/6 at this track over hurdles including in the Supreme. Albertas Run loves it round here. Jonjo O'Neill has saddled him to win this twice and he was a creditable 2nd last year. He also won the RSA as a novice. He had recently gallop at Kempton but doesn't do a tap and should be lit up by a trip back to this course. He hasn't run since Aintree where he was 3rd in the Melling Chase to Finian's Rainbow. He's 12 years old now though. SELECTION: Cue Card World Hurdle - 3m The question that needs answering here is whether Oscar Whisky stays 3 miles. Nicky Henderson's charge would be suited by a 2m 4f Grade 1 hurdle race at the festival. But, in the absence of one he had the choice of the Champion Hurdle or this. I'm not convinced he stays and certainly not in a championship race, but with Big Bucks missing this year it was always worth a try. Reve De Sivola can run well for Nick Williams. He out stayed Oscar Whisky at this track in Cleeve Hurdle last time out (3 miles) on heavy ground which gave him stamina edge. As the ground could be quite dead here I think he holds the advantage once again. I'm gutted that Monksland misses the race as he was my big fancy for the stayers crown. Trainer Noel Meade said he's met a setback and although it's nothing serious it rules him out of the race. Peddlers Cross didn't convince over fences so has reverted to hurdles this term. He ran in a Jumpers Bumper (beaten favourite) then reverted to hurdles at Musselburgh where he didn't convince despite winning. Jockey Jason Maguire wasn't downcast though and Donald McCain was also fairly confident after that run. Solwhit represents Charles Byrnes. The horse showed he was no back number when winning Limestone Lad Hurdle last time out (2m 3f) and he will be aided by the ground. However, he is yet to run over this trip so that's an unknown. SELECTION: Reve de Sivola Byrne Group Plate - Handicap Chase 2m 5f Now to one of the tricky handicaps, but if the vibes are right it should be a race that Ballynagour makes light work of. David Pipe's runner is another of the so called bankers at the festival and despite numerous entries this chase always seemed to be top of his agenda. He made light of his introductory British handicap rating at Warwick on his first run for the trainer when he hacked up in a 2m 4 ½ f handicap chase. He won there off 123 and runs off 143 in this. Judging on that win his 20lb rise won't halt his progress. The stable won this last year and they should do so again. Hunt Ball has top weight for trainer Kieran Burke who says the horse has been working well recently. He would prefer better ground though. Cantlow represents Paul Webber and also holds an engagement in the Kim Muir on the same card. He has strong claims wherever he runs as he looks like an unexposed improving chaser. He is proven over this sort of trip, but has won over 3 miles in maiden hurdle company. He handles the ground and has some classy form to his name over hurdles. He makes his handicap debut over fences in whichever of the races Webber runs him in and off a mark of 143 looks interesting. I'd prefer to see him run in the Amateurs races as he won't face Ballynagour there. Tap Night travels from the Scottish yard of Lucinda Russell. Vino Griego comes here in great form for Gary Moore having won at Ascot latest and over this course and distance the time before. SELECTION: Ballynagour Kim Muir - 3m 1 ½ f Handicap Chase (Amateurs) So, let's hope Cantlow runs in this race as it looks the easiest option. Super Duty is the horse I like though for Donald McCain who has snapped up services of top amateur Derek O'Connor (9 time champion point to point rider). This is the only amateur race at the festival he is yet to win. McCain has a good record in this race and I hope he adds to that on Thursday. This horse also had the option of the RSA and given that he should run a big race. I've followed Harry the Viking this season and haven't lost heart with him just yet. His last run came in the Hennessy back in November and he could run into a place for Sir Alex Ferguson as he is still lightly raced. SELECTION: Super Duty St Patrick's Derby - 1m 5f Charity Race For me Thursday is all about the final race on the card. I'll be riding for Richard Fahey in this charity flat race and I'm hoping I can give you all a run for your money. I've obviously had my ear to the ground and been looking up the form of the opposition. I can honestly say it will be one of the most competitive races at the meeting!! It seems there are a few fancied runners and owner Andy Stewart even tipped his runner, Maxi Chop, on TV the other day. So, anything can happen, but I hope we can go well. Whatever the outcome all the riders have raised a fortune for Cancer Research UK which was the ultimate aim of this race. I, like my fellow riders, have worked hard on fitness and as you know I have been riding out for a number of trainers. Richard has kindly agreed to find me a competitive horse to ride so I hope I don't let him down! If you fancy sponsoring me please check out my webpage www.justgiving.com/SkySportsAlexH If you wanted to see who I tipped for Wednesday click here.