Ferdy Murphy’s Cheltenham Tips: Kalahari looks a great each-way option for Ryanair Chase

He’s been placed at the last four Festivals, a model of consistency, but this is perhaps his toughest task yet.

There are about six in the race who could win, but I’m very happy with Kalahari and I’m pretty sure he will be in the first four, keeping his Cheltenham run continuing for Neil and Julie Morgan.

He’s not over big so you can’t peak him too often in the year. He’s had a little injury since November, but he’s been working really well and had days out on Redcar beach. I know he’s well when he starts rolling on the sand.

We were second last year to Albertas Run, who has a fantastic record. He has won the last two renewals, and deserves respecting. There are a lot of positive vibes from Ireland for Paul Nolan’s horse, Noble Prince, the Jewson winner last year. He’s the one we’ve all got to beat, but Kalahari King is a great each-way bet at about 20-1.

Jockey Noel Fehily hasn’t sat on him but he’s not short of confidence after winning a Champion Hurdle on Rock On Ruby.

The day starts with the Jewson and Sir Des Champs has the right profile for Willie Mullins. Peddlers Cross is a class act, and Donald McCain’s horses are running well but you have to wonder why they didn’t go for the Arkle after all the hype earlier in the season. That would be my concern.

I can’t see past Buena Vista in the Pertemps. He’s won the race the last two years and raced at the last seven Festivals. Like Kalahari, he seems to love the place – perhaps it’s the Spring air in the Cotswolds.

David Pipe has put a 10lb claimer Tom Bellamy on his back to ease his weight and you’d be happy enough with his comeback run.

The feature is the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and I’d have to stick with Big Buck’s, who is seeking a fourth win. However, he does hit flat spots in his races and Barry Geragthy might just exploit this on Oscar Whisky – he’ll know when to kick on, but I still think Big Buck’s will chase him down. Go for the dual forecast, Big Buck’s and Oscar Whisky.

In the Byrne Plate, I go for Divers, who won at the Festival last year. AP McCoy rides and he knows everything about the horse – Graham Lee, who is out with a twisted rib, made it down to Market Rasen on Sunday to brief the champ. He’d be one of AP’s better chances of a win this week.

I saddle The Hollinwell in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir and Cork Carroll, one of the top Irish point-to-point riders, takes the ride. He won at Southwell last month under John Winston, who rides him at home.

Finally, I saddle Pillar of Hercules in the charity race, the St Patrick’s Day Derby. Show-jumper James Hughes, from Doncaster, rides – it’s for a great cause, Cancer Research UK – and he’s already raised over seven grand. Good luck James.

Ferdy’s horses to follow...

1.30: Sir Des Champs (Jockey: Davy Russell)

2.05: Buena Vista (Tom Bellamy)

2.40: Kalahari King (ew) (Noel Fehily)

3.20: Big Buck’s (Ruby Walsh)

4.00: Divers (AP McCoy)

4.40: The Hollinwell (ew) (Corky Carroll)

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