Three Thyestes Outsiders – 16/1, 16/1 & 20/1 Chances!

Invariably one of the most competitive staying handicap chases in Ireland, the Thyestes Chase has been run at Gowran Park since 1954.

Won by the likes of Arkle and Flyingbolt in the mid-1960s, the race has become more of a Grand National trial in recent years, with Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde both landing the Thyestes prior to their respective Aintree victories.

Our selection – and runner-by-runner preview – for the Thyestes is available on our free horse racing tips page, along with the remaining action on a cracking day of racing at Gowran Park – with star mares Apple’s Jade and Benie Des Dieux set to fight it out in the Galmoy Hurdle.

Taking a more in-depth look at the Thyestes, we have identified three horses at healthy each-way odds who could provide value in the race – read our thoughts below.

Livelovelaugh

He does have a slightly inconsistent profile, but Livelovelaugh occupied the runner-up berth in two competitive handicap chases last year and ran better than the bare result suggests when eleventh in the Aintree Grand National.

He should strip fitter with last month’s reappearance in the Paddy Power Chase under his belt, and trainer Willie Mullins has an exceptional record in the Thyestes, having trained four of the last eight winners.

Rachael Blackmore looks a positive booking, and connections will be hoping for a positive performance to guarantee his place back at Liverpool in April.

Minella Fair

The news broke earlier that Noel Meade’s stable star Road To Respect is out for the remainder of the season, but he will be hoping for compensation in the Thyestes from Minella Fair.

This Flemensfirth gelding made a winning seasonal reappearance at Limerick in October, and he ran well in defeat in a pair of Grade 2 contests afterwards.

Last month’s run in the Paddy Power Chase was a disappointing one, but he didn’t look comfortable from an early stage there – so something may have been amiss.

On the pick of his form, this mark of 138 is unlikely to prove beyond him, and these soft ground conditions should prove ideal.

Lord Schnitzel

One of the least exposed runners in the Thyestes is Lord Schnitzel, who arrives here a nine-race maiden under rules.

Adam Short’s mount ran well in defeat behind exciting chasers Faugheen and Carefully Selected earlier this season, and although he has not quite been at his best the last twice, he looks a likely improver now handicapping over this trip.

Representing trainer Matthew Smith, who has been seen to great effect in recent years by the progressive Ronald Pump, it would be no shock to see him put up a big performance.