The Irish will be in full voice as our Beginners Guide to Cheltenham takes a look at Jewson Novices’ Steeple Chase, which kicks off Thursday’s racing action.

St Patricks Day normally falls in the middle of the Cheltenham Festival, but this isn’t the case in 2012 and as such, punters will be celebrating a couple of days early on St Patrick’s Thursday.

The third day of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival will take place on Thursday 15th March with an Irish flavour to proceedings guaranteed.

As with every other day of the Cheltenham Festival, the build up to St Patrick’s Thursday has already begun. Many betting tips and plans for the day are being greatly discussed.

Getting things underway on the third day of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival is the Jewson Novices’ Steeple Chase. This is an extremely popular Grade 2 listed chase run over 2m 4f and is certainly a fitting way to begin the day’s racing.

It is a relatively new addition to the Cheltenham Festival schedule too with the first ever Novices’ Steeple Chase taking place in 2011. There is therefore not too much history to look back on, but it is worth noting that Noble Prince was last year’s winner, giving AP McCoy his 200th victory of the season in the process.

It was a closely fought battle with Wishful Thinking and Loosen My Load in contention throughout, but McCoy was able to push through for his first victory of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.

Things are expected to be tight in 2012 too with Grands Crus the current favourite after a spectacular year so far.

The David Pipe trained horse is expected to have a close challenger in Al Ferof though and there are already many predicting that this could be one of the closest battles at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival.

This Novices’ Steeple Chase is set to get underway at 1.30pm on Thursday 15th March 2012 with many counting down the days until this moment.

And Daves Dream (12/1 with Paddy Power) who I think Henderson may have had this race in mind for, as was just qualifying him on his last two starts, and the trainer’s runners in this race are to be noted.

I worry that Sunnyhillboy could be on the small side for a big track, and they may have shown the handicapper too much of their hand with Hey Big Spender.

Jewson Novices Free Bets

Jewson Novices Tip

• Back Rivaliste @ 13/2 with Paddy Power

Northern Alliance would worry me for the Tony Martin yard as would the in-form mare Ping Pong Sivola if this is her aim as well as top weight Massini’s Maguire if they prefer this race to the RSA Chase.