Sean O'Keeffe: Il Est Francais Can Set Up Ryanair For Fact To File

Yesterday was one of the best days I have experienced in my career.

We all dream of having a winner at Cheltenham, so steering Lecky Watson to victory was something special.

I knew when I had been given the ride on him that he had a chance, but it still came as a bit of a shock.

It is hard to explain the feeling of crossing the line at the top of the hill in front.

To top it off, I witnessed Marine Nationale winning the Champion Chase later in the day.

It was an emotional performance, and I'm sure Michael O'Sullivan was looking down and smiling on a horse he loved.

It is hard to believe that we are already past the midway point of Cheltenham.

They say time flies when you're having fun, which is definitely the case at the Festival.

We can't say we have not had much drama, and hopefully, there is more to come.

Day three sees another high-class day of racing, and I will give you my views on the big ones.

I will also talk you through my rides on the day, one of which has a great chance.

Fact To File To Benefit From Il Est Francais Front Running

The Ryanair is a fascinating contest on day three.

Il Est Francais is sure to make the running, set a strong pace and jump well.

He will put many of these horses under pressure from the start, but it may set the race up nicely for Fact To File.

The favourite should be able to settle nicely at a good gallop and see out the trip really well.

I can see him picking off the French raider on the run to the line.

Teahupoo Is The Class Horse In The Stayers' Hurdle

Last year's winner Teahupoo is a solid choice for the Stayers' Hurdle.

He may have had just one run this season, but he runs well fresh, so there are no worries on that score.

It is a very wide-open race behind him, but I do have a feeling that Rocky's Diamond could run a big one.

His trainer, Declan Queally, has done a brilliant job with him, and he is improving rapidly.

He ran well at Christmas and took another step forward to win the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park.

Still a young horse, there is more improvement to come, and he is a great each-way bet.

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My Rides On Day Three

13:20 Mares' Novices' Hurdle - Kimi De Mai

My day starts with a ride in the opening Mares' Novices' Hurdle.

Kimi De Mai was well beaten on her hurdle debut by today's rival Sixandahalf on her hurdle debut in Ireland.

However, she was a triple bumper winner in France with some decent form.

She is a good bit better than what she showed the last day.

If she can put that experience to good use, she could run well at a big price.

14:00 Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase - O'Moore Park

I ride another horse that could surprise a few people in the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase.

O'Moore Park has had three runs over fences this season, running well twice at Fairyhouse, although he fell at the last.

That was uncharacteristic, as he is actually a good jumper.

Running against some decent horses has been a challenge for him, but hopefully, now that he moves into a handicap and has a nice weight, he might not be too far away.

14:40 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle - Feet Of A Dancer

Feet Of A Dancer is the horse I have been looking forward to the most this year.

She qualified for this race when she finished third at Leopardstown at Christmas.

That was her first time running over three miles, so if I can get her to settle and relax, she will see out her race a bit stronger.

She is on a very nice mark and I give her a big chance of giving me a winner.

16:40 Plate Handicap Chase - An Peann Dearg

I finish off Thursday with a ride in the Plate Handicap Chase.

That is on Paul Nolan's An Peann Dearg, who has won his last two races.

They were both at Leopardstown, and he seems to have improved greatly.

Stepping up in trip to two and a half miles won't be a problem, and he will love the nice ground.

If he keeps improving as he has been, he is another that could surprise.

I look forward to keeping everyone informed on what's happening at the Festival in my daily Gambling.com Cheltenham column.

If you want to keep track of what horses I will be riding throughout the week, you can keep an eye on the Sean O'Keeffe booked rides page.

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