I’VE RARELY enjoyed a day’s racing as much as day two of the Cheltenham Festival. The spectacle of Sprinter Sacre’s demolition of Sizing Europe; the brilliant turn of foot of The New One and the desperate hard luck stories of Boston Bob and Tofino Bay. Allied to that was backing a 33/1 winner in the shape of mini marvel Medinas, one of this blog’s horses to follow. Thursday has a lot to live up to…

1.30 Jewson Novices Chase: There is more quality here than what was on show in the RSA. I think Dynaste would have won the RSA but he is no value here. Preference is for CAPTAIN CONAN, who has done nothing wrong and should be absolutely spot on for this.

2.05: Pertemps Hurdle Final:  I’ve been waiting for STONEMASTER since he flew home in the Coral Cup last year. Conditions are perfect and Davy Russell is in the saddle. Sam Winner has to be respected but is too short in such a competitive race.

2.40: Ryanair Chase. Another quality race where any of the eight could win. You could throw a blanket over the first three last year and the same could happen again. If the ground continues to dry out it would be no big shock if Albertas Run ran a huge race. FIRST LIEUTENANT deserves to win a big one after being mugged by Tidal Bay last time out and gets a tentative vote.

3.20: Ladbroke World Hurdle: SMAD PLACE has been laid out for this after a fine third last year where he finished in front of Oscar Whisky. Alan King was bullish about his wellbeing yesterday and he is solid each-way value at 12/1. The ground is drying out too much for Reve De Sivola while Peddler’s Cross would be one of the week’s most popular winners.

4.00: Byrne Group Plate: Fiercely competitive. Wayne Hutchinson has opted to ride Bless The Wings over Walkon and he should run very well. But the bottom weight TARTAK ran a blinder last time over 3m and if the ground continues to dry out he looks worth a sporting each-way punt over his optimum trip. Tartak (pictured above) was 27lb higher in the ratings 18 months ago.

4.40: Kim Muir Chase: I can’t see past SUPER DUTY here. He will have the ample assistance of Derek O’Connor and despite a lot of weight he will be hard to beat. Same Difference could run a very big race at a decent price and is an each-way alternative.

5.15: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase: There is a lot of Irish confidence behind ARABELLA BOY and Nina Carberry should gain compensation for her defeat on Tofino Bay.

Best of luck!