Champion rider AP McCoy is still searching for an elusive win at the final Cheltenham Festival of his career.
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McCoy is to retire at the end of the current season and is being credited with having helped bring record numbers through the gates in the opening two days of the festival.
Whilst hopeful of riding a winner on day three, McCoy is realistic about his chances.
In a column for The Times, the 40-year-old says his best chance of a race win is in the Pertemps Network Final (2.05), where he sits aboard Regal Encore.
“Regal Encore is one of the favourites and has a good chance in an open race,” he wrote.
“He was a fluent winner at Exeter last time but, unfortunately, the handicapper has pushed him up 10lb and that will make life tougher. For instance, Big Easy was not far behind him that day and gets an 8lb pull.”
McCoy, never one to shy away from the truth, gives himself “little chance” of winning the Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3.20) with At Fishers Cross.
“If At Fishers Cross were to reproduce the form of any of his runs at the backend of last season, when he was placed at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown, then he would have solid claims,” McCoy said.
“However, he’s been disappointing all year and I’m afraid I give him little chance.
“The race is a real grind and, for that reason, I prefer Saphir Du Rheu and Reve De Sivola, both stout stayers, to Zarkandar, who perhaps is not.”
Day three of the Cheltenham Festival begins with the JLT Novices’ Chase at 1.30pm.
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