I might just talk about one horse in this review tonight, mainly because I said in the preview that I fancied him to run well.
Sky Pirate put in a swashbuckling round of jumping to win the Grand Annual and make Jonjo O'Neill, (and me), very happy at odds of 14/1.
Bob Olinger is an absolute machine, and bolted up in the first with Rachel Blackmore on board, who's had some start to the festival.
It wasn't to be for Bravemansgame who led for a long time before being swamped by his Irish challengers.
The second race went to Monkfish who put in some rather sketchy jumps on his way round, especially at the last, but he still showed what a talent he is.
In the third it was a great moment for Richard Condon on Heaven Help Us who led from start to finish to steal the Coral Cup.
My selection could only manage seventh but my luck changed in the next when Nube Negra put in a mighty effort to finish second in the Queen Mother.
Put the Kettle On was the winner and was brilliant all the way for Coleman, but I thought he might have folded up the hill and let Nube Negra in but that wasn't the case unfortunately.
The Tiger roared back in the next, with an effort which might leave people questioning why did they take him out of the National?
I'll discuss that in more detail at the end of the week but he was back to his best here and showed his pure class.
Sky Pirate like I've already mentioned, was simply brilliant in the Grand Annual and his experience going 3 mile came in handy when he had to stick his neck out up the hill.
It was great to see Nick Schofield ride a winner though after he suffered that horrific injury a while back and you could tell afterwards how much it meant to him.
My third winner of the day came in the bumper with Sir Gerhard who stole the race on the bend to give Blackmore and Bromhead a double on the day.
Elle Est Belle ran third at 16/1 in my other selection in the race, and if Blackmore hadn't stolen such a lead then, who knows where we might've finished.
6 winners from 14 so far is a decent strike rate with a few places lying around, but tomorrow is going to be difficult so, I would be happy if one won.
As always though, sit back again and enjoy day three of the Cheltenham Festival!
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