Power hopeful of first festival success

Robbie Power is hopeful he can record an elusive first Cheltenham Festival success next week.

The Irish jockey appears to have a good book of rides at the Prestbury Park bonanza, including Bostons Angel in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle and Summit Meeting in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle for boss Jessica Harrington.

Power told www.hri.ie: "On Tuesday I rode work on Bostons Angel for Jessica Harrington.

"He did a really nice piece and now heads for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

"I actually think he could be a bit of a dark horse for the race. There are only three horses rated higher than him in it, so he shouldn't be far away.

"The following morning, I rode four lots at Jessie's yard, and gave Summit Meeting his last school before the Neptune Investment Novice Hurdle on Wednesday.

"He jumped well over 10 hurdles, so that was encouraging too.

"All told, I reckon I'll travel over on Sunday night with as good a book of rides as I've ever had to look forward to at Cheltenham.

"On the first day, I ride Silver Birch in the cross-country race and No One Tells me in the mares' race.

"Both have decent chances, and Silver Birch, which I won the Aintree Grand National on three years ago, won't know himself with just 10st 3lb on his back.

"He worked impressively after racing at Leopardstown last week and loves the cross-country races, so I'm hoping he'll run a big race off that weight.

"I'm also booked for two other smart rides, Shanrod for Michael Halford in the Fred Winter Hurdle and Prince Erik in the Pertemps Final for Dermot Weld.

"With a bit of luck, something might oblige for me before the close of business on Friday."