2021 Cheltenham Festival: Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does the 2021 Cheltenham Festival take place? Tuesday 16th March – Friday 19th March, 2021
What time does the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase start? Thursday 18th March, 2021 – 15:40 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Cheltenham Festival? The 2021 Cheltenham Festival will take place without spectators
What TV channel is the 2021 Cheltenham Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the first six races of each day, while Racing TV subscribers will be able to watch all of the action
Where can I stream the 2021 Cheltenham Festival in the UK? The first six races of each day can be streamed live on the ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can live stream all of the action
THE LOWDOWN
Another big field will compete for the Plate Handicap Chase and connections of The Shunter will be desperate to see their horse prevail in order to earn a £100k bonus after winning the Morebattle at Kelso last time out. His fortunes have dramatically improved since moving yards just over a year ago but he may have to find a little more when chasing having managed just one win from five starts. Farclas won the Triumph back here in 2018 and impressed over his first three starts over fences, claiming three successive victories. That success has deserted him this year having failed to get his nose in front but they were high-quality handicaps and the form stacks up well for this race. Joseph O’Brien’s A Wave Of The Sea is another to shortlist being a Grade 1 hurdle winner and he also recorded a win in his last outing when chasing which came at Leopardstown last month.
THE PREDICTION
The Shunter is likely to go close here but he may find one better in Farclas. Denise Foster’s horse is a former Festival winner and while he is yet to win this season, his performances have still shown his class which can translate into a victory here. Farlcas made a great start to chasing and while he is yet to win over this distance, he is more than capable of winning this one.
Tip: Farclas (ew) @ 13/2 – CLICK HERE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PARIMATCH’S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30!)
