McNamara keen on chances
Tranquil Sea
Andrew McNamara feels the Edward O'Grady-trained pair Tranquil Sea and Alaivan are his two best chances of glory at the Cheltenham Festival.
The jockey teams up with them in the Ryanair Chase on Thursday and the JCB Triumph Hurdle on Friday respectively.
"All's very well with Tranquil Sea. He did a piece of work on Saturday. I didn't ride him but I saw him and he was in great form," McNamara told At The Races.
"His run at Leopardstown last time wasn't too hard a race before Cheltenham. He did it fairly well, so we were happy enough with him that day. He's a lovely horse and it's a great ride to have, so I'm very much looking forward to it."
Tranquil Sea defeated his main market rival Poquelin in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November, but McNamara believes his Paul Nicholls-trained rival will be hard to beat.
"I don't think Poquelin was quite himself that day in the Paddy Power. For whatever reason, he didn't travel very well. I think Poquelin was much better the next time in the Boylesports," the jockey went on.
McNamara blames himself for the defeat of Alaivan, ante-post favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, by Carlito Brigante at Leopardstown in December.
"I think we got the tactics wrong on the day. There was no pace in the race, so we decided to make our own and it just didn't work out," he said.
"I don't think the pace is going to pose much of a problem at Cheltenham. There's Westlin' Winds in the race. He's a horse with a big chance and he jumps off. I shouldn't have much trouble settling my fella."
He added of other rides: "Jumbo Rio (Champion Hurdle) is a fancy price and could run into a place. Osana (Arkle) probably has a little bit to find with the best of the Irish horses, but he was only five lengths behind them at Leopardstown."
Press Association
