Festival Trials Day

Good Morning everybody, I trust you all slept well and werent too excited by the prospect of jumps racing returning. We have already lost the meeting at Doncaster, which is particularly annoying to me as Grandouet misses out on his prep for March. I suspect he will now go to the Morebattle hurdle up at Kelso won last year by Simonsig for the same stable.

But there are more trials at Prestbury Park today with the Cleeve Hurdle, featuring Oscar Whisky returning to three miles. He takes on long walk winner Reve De Sivola and Paul Nicholls' Kauto Stone. More importantly the 2010 Gold Cup winner returns in the Argento, of course I speak of Imperial Commander. If he were to get his head in front today there will be the biggest cheer at Cheltenham until March.

One last thing is an apology, there was no blog last week, this was a mix of two reasons, firstly that the racing was awful. Only the all weather in action due to the snow and frost, but the main reason was because I was camping. I l know, who goes camping in the winter time? Canadians apparently, but despite a little burn mark on my hand from the campfire im back in one piece.

But if it is ok with you guys, we will leave my drunken exploits behind us and focus on some racing. Here we go!

12:10 Cheltenham - Irish Saint

The first race can go to the Champion trainer who saddles the very impressive Kempton winner Irish Saint. He could hardly have been more taking that day, dealing out an 18 length victory to Mcvicar. Nicholls reported him to not be fully wound up for that race, if he has improved for the run we could be in for a real treat. He faces worthy opponents however in Nicky Henderson's 'Rolling Star' and Jonjo's 'Last Shadow'. We will take Irish Saint to make it 2 from 2 in England for our opener on trials day though. (6/4)

12:40 Cheltenham - Vino Griego

Gary Moore's runners always have to be respected here, and Vino Griego was fourth at the festival two years ago behind Divers. He has a tendency to be a bit hit and miss, but if you catch him on a going day then he can make his price look silly. today could well be one of those ocassions, at Ascot his race ended before it got going when he departed at the 2nd fence. But since he has run a great race at Plumpton behind Salden Licht and ahead of Vulcanite. That run throws him in with a real chance here and is a more than interesting each way proposition. (16/1)

1:15 Cheltenham - Katenko

Katenko is actually my Dark horse for the Gold Cup come March, he is around 50/1 for that race. Today is an easier task, he entered my reckonings when winning very well at Sandown. He looked that day as if he has bags of room for improvement, putting Johns Spirit and the reopposing Fruity O'Rooney well in their place. This is only his 3rd chase and fourth start in England, his only other chase he was runner up to Wyck Hill (another Gold Cup entrant). But off a mark of 147 this exciting young strapping chaser simply cant be ignored. Landing him the burden of being today's NAP. (5/1)

1:50 Cheltenham - Somersby

Somersby has his first run for Mick Channon today and while he is unlikely to ruffle the feathers of Sprinter Sacre, he is a tasty each way price. He is also 7/4 in the betting without Sprinter Sacre behind only Sanctuaire whom he aims to reverse Sandown form. I will quietly be cheering Sanctuaire on today but will wait for Cheltenham and Better ground to back him. Somersby won this race last year when at its usual track of Ascot, obviously that was abandoned, hence our predicament today. His stamina may just help him out in todays ground and id be surprised were he to be out of the placings. (12/1)

2:25 Cheltenham - Imperial Commander

News is beginning to come that Tidal Bay is a non runner today, if there is any truth to that then the race loses some of its gloss. But there are questions over most of the other runners today, so we take a chance on Imperial Commander. If he is fit enough and retains his ability then he should take some beating on his belated return from injury. Paddy Brennan retains the ride of course which is nothing but a positive, he knows the horse inside out and you will do well to find a better jockey riding. A tentative vote goes towards the 2010 Gold Cup hero today. (6/1)

3:00 Cheltenham - Coneygree

Mark Bradstock's gelding is one of the Cheltenham hot pots right now after his 2 wins here, one of which all but over course and distance. He is being aimed for the 3 mile Albert Bartlett however, today is only two and a half miles. He probably lacks a few gears but he will never stop running and today that could be just what the doctor ordered. Also The New One in my mind is a bit overrated, no disrespect meant to him but today will be his biggest test to date and is well worth opposing. Coneygree the selection though. (5/2)

3:35 Cheltenham - Kauto Stone

A very intriguing runner here for the Champion trainer in that Kauto Stone steps down to hurdles today. This could prove to be an inspired move as Kauto Stone has been prone to make a few mistakes. There is a Paul Nicholls horse that went from Chasing to Hurdling a few years back, but the name escapes me.... Nope cant remember, Big something? Of course I jest. But Kauto stone could prove a nice priced winner getting 8 pounds from the top two here, he is almost an each way price. Could well just have slipped under the radar here. (15/2)

4:10 Cheltenham - Mr Watson

If you are anywhere near the course today and you hear something that sounds like an earthquake, dont be alarmed, it will be Tony McCoy's Stomach. He has fasted himself down to 10-3 for this ride here today, which I am informed is his lowest weight for 12 months. The champ rarely gets himself down to a weight this low, but when he does they rarely disappoint. Mr Watson was bought for £215,000 at the Cheltenham sales and settled much better in the hood at Plumpton last time when winning. Looks a real solid bet. (5/1)

NAP - Katenko
NB - Mr Watson

Lets hope for a good day and line our pockets on the build up to the Festival in March. Personally I have booked my flights back for the 5th March, feel free to greet me at the airport.

Happy Punting guys!

Champion Hurdle 2013 Preview

Stan James Champion Hurdle - Grandouet

The Champion Hurdle this year has some odd factors to it, yet promises to be the best race of the festival potentially. The first odd factor is Cotton Mill's gamble after being made Pricewise today, he is now best price 25/1. Personally 100/1 wouldnt interest me but opinions are there to be made wrong.

The other main factor is that Darlan is 7/2. Im not disrespecting his chance but after his Christmas hurdle romp he shortened significantly. Obviously to the eye he was very impressive that day, however re-watch the race and they went an absolute crawl throughout, ending in a sprint finish. Now take a look at the horses he beat, Cinders and Ashes, Raya Star, Dodging Bullets, countrywide flame and the returning Punjabi. Now, all of them will get further without a doubt, maybe with the exception of Punjabi who is back from injury. But on that day it was just a case of, who is the fastest horse? Without a doubt that is Darlan. Rock on Ruby probably isnt a 2 miler round Kempton, he was second in that race last season. He then won the Champion, mainly because 2 miles round Cheltenham takes more stamina than speed, especially late on. That brings the others well into the mix.

Hurricane Fly is also 7/2 after his 2 wins in Ireland, one of which he was left all alone at the last when the late Go Native fell when challenging. Last time out however was the Hurricane Fly we know and love, yet again though, how many Champion Hurdle class horses did he beat? The answer is a resounding, none. Not taking anything from the style of his win, he will probably need more come Cheltenham time, and could easily take the race like in 2011.

The strongest form of the race comes from the International hurdle, Zarkandar was getting 4 pounds from Rock on Ruby and Grandouet. The former being the returning reigning Champion Hurdler, and the latter making his long awaited reappearance. Even though the result went Zarkandars way, the other two looked to need it badly. Grandouet came out of the race well after a fantastic effort going down by two lengths. Obviously in the Champion they will both be 4 pounds better off and Nicky Henderson's inmate should reverse the placings.

Grandouet is the Ante Post Selection, i'm praying he stays fit this year after last year picking up an annoying niggle just before Cheltenham. That meant he couldnt take part in the race, it could well be a blessing in disguise however meaning he is fresh and had another year to mature. That last point could be vital as he was a very slow maturing horse that only really came into himself last year. (7/1)

Saturday 15th December

Today we start on a horrible note that nobody wishes to talk about. As im sure you all know, yesterday 20 Children under the age of 10, and 9 adults were shot dead in Connecticut. Now I know this is in no way horse racing related, but I wanted to pay respects to those who will be spending Christmas this year without a family member at the dinner table. You cant imagine what the families are going through, and it is important they are shown how much the world cares.

But with heavy hearts we go on to today's racing after a very successful week on the last blog.

12:45 Cheltenham or 1:45 Lingfield - Court In Motion

Lingfield is the preferred choice for Emma Lavelle's gelding, but in case of abandonment he is left in at Cheltenham. To be quite honest, he should win either race he goes for today he should take all the beating. He was last seen behind leading 3 mile novice Dynaste at Newbury, he was the only one to make a race of it that day. Eventually he went down by 4 1/2 lengths but emerged as a top novice candidate. Our Father was getting alot of weight last time when winning here at Cheltenham, this time he concedes alot. Timmy Murphy also said he wasnt totally in love with the ground, which suggests he'll struggle today. Court in Motion wont mind the ground at either tracks and should take some beating. Cheltenham 11/4 Lingfield 6/4

1:20 Cheltenham - Oh Crick

A couple of weeks ago Oh Crick landed us an each way winning at Newbury to save us. He goes again today and is one of the only runners who is a confirmed mudlark for Alan King. He keeps Josh Newman on board to take off 7 pounds which in this ground could not be more important. This means he carries 10-4 and with a more than capable jockey should make it count. He wasn't straight when losing to Shooters Wood, id be surprised were he not to reverse that form. Really strong claims for the ex festival winner. (6/1)

1:55 Cheltenham - Coneygree

Im only writing a couple of lines on Coneygree as he is a short priced favourite and should duly oblige. He was put up on this blog when winning here impressively last time, and so far is the leading staying novice hurdler. (11/10)

2:20 Lingfield - Lamps

It will be very soft at Lingfield today (if on) and Lamps excels when puddles are visible. He is effectively raised 10 pounds today for his Sandown demolition job when heavily eased to win, thanks to Tom Cannon claiming 3. There isnt really much left to say about Lamps today other than the fact in he should win and could improve further. (3/1)

2:30 Cheltenham - Tartak

Tim Vaughan's gelding is not one id usually follow, but I have heard some pretty encouraging things from the gallops this week. On that front im willing to take a chance on Tartak. Nobody could deny his talent being a former Peterborough Chase winner (rescheduled to Newbury). He was fifth
Last year at the festival behind Salut Flo and sixth here on reappearance. He is dropped two pounds for that effort and will be much better for it, that also gives me confidence he will go in the ground. With that and stable confidence behind him, Tartak is the selection. (20/1)

2:45 Doncaster - Counsel

Counsel was a horse I followed on the flat with mixed results, he is now with Donald McCain over jumps. He started off life over hurdles in a hot contest at Aintree (Handazan won, runs in Cheltenham opener). Though in truth he probably got stuck in the mud that day and has since won nicely at Bangor on better ground. Reversing placings with Moidore in doing so. Jason Maguire comes to ride him today and his odds are a bit on the generous side right now. Useful flat performer will go well on the better ground once again. (7/1)

3:05 Cheltenham - Grandouet

Nicky Henderson's inmate is my selection right now for the Champion Hurdle in March. This is his comeback run from injury, and he must concede 4 pounds to a racefit Zarkandar which is no easy task. Last year he improved no end however and he should be straight for today, with no ground worries he should make a bold showing and solidify his Festival claims. (5/2)

3:20 Doncaster - Mr Moonshine

His eight length defeat to Bold Sir Brian isnt looking too bad now after the winner's recent Sandown win. A return to 3 miles over fences is just what the doctor ordered here though. Last time he finished very tired on very soft ground at Haydock over hurdles, he was ridden very aggresively then however. On this better ground he is an out and out galloper and wont be stopping on the front end under top weight. As mentioned previously he was one of the top staying novices of last year with a 7th in the RSA. With early market support behind him and better ground, Sue Smith could well win the finale here. (6/1)

5 winners last week so lets hope for more of the same this week!

NAP - Oh Crick and Court in Motion (nice double)
NB - Lamps

Happy punting this week guys

Cheltenham Open Meeting Day Three

Well yesterday was more like it, with the first two winning and stamping their authority for March. Far West now as short as 8/1 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle and Our Father also as short as 8/1 for the RSA. Skybet are the standout at 14/1 after his bloodless beating of Sire Collonges who in turn was miles clear of old rival Sea of Thunder.

Another top class looking Novice chase starts us off today which is where we shall start.

1:10 Cheltenham - Captain Conan

He looks like one of the standout novice chasers of this season and this should be a race to stake his claims for the Arkle. He wont have things his own way with Gary Moore Yardstick Sire De Grugy who won easily at Kempton on debut also in the field. The main danger could be from Third Intention who was probably beaten by lack of race fitness behind His Excellency here last time. Paul Nicholls won the PaddyPower yesterday and is represented by Exeter winner Rebel Rebellion, he could be biting off a bit more than he can chew here however. Last years Tolworth hurdle winner looks the one to be on today with a win on soft ground at Auteil in France. Added confidence in his Tolworth Hurdle victory was also on Soft. It will take a very good one to beat him on his reappearance today.

1:45 Cheltenham - Captain Sunshine

I fancied him for his reappearance here last time, that time race fitness told and he faded after 2 from home. He was entered last week at Exeter where he 'refused' to race, in my mind thats a bit harsh. He was subject to a big gamble and was going off 5/4 before disaster struck. Just as they were coming out onto the track he decided to go left and take a turn instead of towards the tape. In my opinion the starter should have recalled them, but hey thats not up to me. He didnt plant his feet or look unwilling to run at anypoint down at the start. Before that blotch on his CV he had shown great promise and the fact that he is turned out again so quickly shows they think he is in good heart and could be the one to beat here. Paul Nicholls' Ruben Cotter is the one for the early money. Emma Lavelle's representative looks worth another try though.

2:20 Cheltenham - Wishfull Thinking

Were the going tomorrow good instead of as testing as today he'd be opposable, it would also mean the Sprinter Sacre would be going to post however. This looks to be his day in the sun this year receiving weight from inferior rivals, unfortunately the price reflects that. Seen just the once this year at Aintree when in the Old Roan field that got slammed by For Non Stop, that was 2 and a half miles. The drop back to two miles on this ground will suit him no end and should dismiss of the reappearing Doeslessthanme.

Imperial Shabra, the Irish Raider from the enigmatic Oliver Brady yard could be the biggest danger. He was considered good enough to go for the Jewson last year but was pulled out at the last stage. He has had alot of runs since then, well into the double figures but proved he isnt in need of a break when a close third to Cristal Bonus last time out. The 'toughest horse in training' could be a tough nut to crack here today. One other bonus is that Oliver Brady does very well with his runners in England, Imperial Shabra himself has won at Stratford earlier in the year. I recall Baron De Feypo winning at the festival a few years back, that was his highest profile win. A solid each way chance.

2:50 Cheltenham - Bothy

Brian Ellison's charge made a more than pleasing comeback off topweight at Wetherby, beaten a length by the reopposing Hi Dancer for Ben Haslam. One major thing in Bothy's court today is the testing ground which everyone knows are his preferred condtions. Five pounds higher today than at Wetherby, he should strip alot fitter for his reappearance and looks the one to beat on his old form. You will remember he was second in the Totesport trophy by a short head off four pounds lower behind Recession Proof. Next time out he was 6 lengths beaten by Carlito Brigante, who has gone on to bigger and better things. A confident vote and 16/1 is way overpriced.

3:25 Cheltenham - Coneygree

He may just slip in under the radar here with bigger more powerful stables represented here, but Coneygree absolutely routed his rivals at Uttoxeter. You'd have to go back 20 lengths before you found the second placed horse from Donald McCain yard, its not the only time he has beaten a McCain horse. On his debut he handed out a beating to the expensive Dannanceys Hill. He has a bit to find with Village Vic on their Newbury bumper form and he could be the biggest threat today, after a very positive debut. Two things stick out to me about Coneygree however. The first is that he seems to excel on softer ground and is an improving horse, the second of which is his breeding. He is a half brother to Hennessy winner Carruthers, signifying he will probably need further in time and today should suit him down to the ground. The current 8/1 on offer looks a good bet and could well be the value in the race.

4:00 Cheltenham - Fascino Rustico

John Hales owned the Paddy Power winner yesterday and he could just have another good one here with Carlisle bumper winner Fascino Rustico. This will be his first start for Paul Nicholls since switching from Ron O'Leary's yard and one would think he'd improve for that. A big imposing type that is destined to try his hand in some novice hurdles later this season, and next season chasing beckons for him. He will improve for this run but looks by far the best of these and should take all the beating. This is also attheraces presenter Martin Kelly's horse to watch for the season (via Twitter)

Lets hope to follow up after a good day yesterday, a reminder that last years Champion Bumper winner Champagne Fever takes part in his first hurdle at 12:45

As always Happy Punting guys

Cheltenham Open Meeting Day Two

Well yesterday was about as bad as it gets, the closest we had was Duke of Navan who just failed to place. I must confess something though, i switched from Coffee to Buck Magic in the conditional jockeys hurdle. Apologies for the change of heart.

Today promises to be a great day of racing with a top class renewal of the Paddy Power Gold Cup, featuring the likes of, Hunt Ball, Walkon and of course Grand Crus. Lets crack on.

12:45 Cheltenham - Far West

Mcvicar was a high class flat recruit to the Alan King yard and is two from two over timber. Today however he must give 4 pounds to leading triumph hurdle hope Far West. The selection was a very easy winner at Chepstow on his first run in this country, in the process beating another useful Alan King horse in Handazan. He has since won at Aintree in a race which the form is working out very nicely (3rd and 4th have been first and second). In the past two years Paul Nicholls has won this with the high class Sam Winner in 2010 and last year with Hinterland, Far West looks set to follow in their shoes today. 7/4 is on offer at the moment and that could prove a good price. One to watch out for at a price is Mick Channon's, Foster's Road after getting his head in front over hurdles at Fakenham, and then on the flat at Wolverhampton the last twice.

1:20 Cheltenham - Our Father

He was a huge gamble when winning a handicap hurdle at Ascot last year in taking style, it appeared after then that the world was at his feet before disappointing at Cheltenham and Aintree. In truth however it has always looked as if he was a ready made chaser, and its eye catching that David Pipe introduces him here at such a high level first time. The two main rivals in the betting should be hard to beat, but both under penalties and giving Our Father weight he should be tough to beat. A big shout to the double David Pipe had yesterday which could mean a return to form for the yard.

1:55 Cheltenham - Poker De Sivola

He won the Bet 365 Gold Cup at Sandown off todays mark and Ferdy Murphy always has been a little... Let's say shrewd. But onto the form side, he turned in a disappointing effort at Newcastle first time out, he was hampered that day though and was looked after. Robert Thornton gets the leg up which is a fairly unusual jockey booking by Murphy as he is rarely used, but Poker De Sivola seems to get on with any jockey aboard him. You may remember his supreme staying performance to win the National Hunt Chase here at the festival a couple of years back. Other wins at Sandown and Hexham show his liking for undulating courses, he gets a tentative each way vote today at 25/1

Unfortuanately he is a non runner, replace him with David Pipe's Ashkazar

2:35 Cheltenham - Triolo D'alene

The Nicky Henderson representative looked an exciting French import after beating Ackertac first time at Ascot before disappointing at Cheltenham. His jumping never stood him in good health that day, but a promising reappearance at Market Rasen reinstalls confidence. The form from that race is working out quite nicely with winners and placed horses in behind next time out. He looked as if he needed that opener badly when tiring two from home and proving no match for Zitenka. Possibly the biggest eye catcher is that Barry Geraghty has starved himself down to 10-1 to take the ride today, he had the choice of good handicapper Tanks For That (non runner) but kept the faith with Triolo D'alene.

I have heard glowing reports from Tom Cooper's yard about 2009 Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer who hasnt won since his festival success. He has however been very consistent without getting his day in the sun, if anywhere back to his best he will be a serious threat to all rivals. Paddy Brennan takes the ride.

One more to keep an eye out for is Ex festival winner Finger onthe Pulse who ran brilliantly here last time (behind Nadiya De La Vega) to come third, 40/1 looks too big. Positive that top Amateur Maurice Linehan gets on very well with him.

3:05 Cheltenham - Abnaki

Jonjo's representative made a pleasing reappearance at Aintree behind fast improving Ely Brown, that was his first run since winning here at glamourous odds. If that run has had the desired affect and blown away the cobwebs, he could well upset a few major players today off a fly weight with Maurice Linehan taking off 7 pounds. One worry is that the stable are a bit hit and miss right now, but a positive is that Coffee ran a good race yesterday in a messy conditional jockeys hurdle. Not one to put your mortgage on but should go well.

Market support for ex top novice Bouggler would be interesting on his return from injury, he could potentially make his mark look silly.

3:40 Cheltenham - Tanerko Emery

He is a typical David Pipe improver whom i have been watching from the start of his career. Before his Stratford victory he had been behind some big names from leading stables, firstly at Hereford he fell behind Tour D'argent, then at Newbury he was behind Montbazon, Vulcanite and All the Aces. He is open to more improvement and past performances would suggest he isn't a 112 rated performer and shouldn't be for much longer. Today could be a great day for the Pipe Yard.

Definitely wouldnt put you off of a David Pipe lucky 31 today, some real solid chances across the card.

Our Father
Problema Tic (narrowly preferred to Ashkazar, both leading chances)
Grand Crus
Goulanes
Tanerko Emery

As always Happy Punting and here is for a better day than yesterday, it couldnt get much worse!

Cheltenham Open Meeting Day One

1:15 Cheltenham

Fingal Bay sets the standard here as far as chasing goes with a good win over Tiger O'Toole at Chepstow first time out. This however is a much better race and he must give weight to 2 main rivals. Dynaste is one of them, and last years top class staying hurdler now tries his hand at chasing. If he jumps a fence as well as he did a hurdle, he should have no problem making his presence felt. But with himself being an unknown quantity, Fingal Bay not doing much in front and the other two not looking good enough. I will take a chance with Paul Nicholls' representative, Unioniste, whose win at Aintree was no more than workmanlike. Darryl Jacob didnt really ask him for maximum effort until very late on however and in truth it was pretty comfortable. There were alot of fences shut off that day which will have held him back, as jumping looks his forte. Carlito Brigante was a long way behind then and he still receives weight for age from the top two. One last positive is that Cheltenham will be much more to his liking as he will eventually need further, but for now this is fine.

1:50 Cheltenham - Free World

Arthur Moore has one runner here all weekend with this ex Paul Nicholls inmate. He has more letters than numbers beside his name, but on his best form should take the beating, he was also still in contention when coming down 5 out in the Grand Annual. Davy Russell takes the ride and back on much preferred going, it'd surprise me were he not to find something near his best. Back in his Novice year he was beaten a neck by Araldur at Sandown, doing so he ran a faster time than Master Minded on the same day. He was then tried at the highest company but lost his way a tad, yet he still remains more than useful on his day and should be close up at the end.

2:25 Cheltenham - Duke Of Navan

Dodging Bullets looks the part here and the others could be playing for minor money after firmly putting Baby Mix and Hi Note in their places. Duke Of Navan looks to be the best each way bet and is probably too big of a price at 14/1. He was beaten 16 lengths by River Maigue in a bumper last year but pulled too hard that day and looked much improved when romping home at Newcastle last time out. He has the fitness edge over the Henderson representative today and could outdo Tominator in the jumping department. In my opinion he is the biggest threat to the favourite, again for Davy Russell and this time Nicky Richards.

3:00 Cheltenham - Sizing Australia

Henry De Bromhead's charge doesn't know how to run a bad race here and after a recent run over hurdles at Naas will have blown the cobwebs away. The connections of course had a winner yesterday with Sizing Europe romping the Clonmel Oil Chase as expected. This different destination named Sizing could well be another for the stable and owners. Should be one to go close and has a huge chance today.

3:35 Cheltenham - Coffee

As im writing this (4am England time, 8pm Vancouver time) there has been strong support for Titan De Sarti in this race. Jonjo O'Neill has been hit and miss early on this year with his string, but Coffee has been in good heart excluding his last race at Fontwell. Maurice Linehan rides Prestbury Park well and takes off a valuable 6 pounds taking the weight down to 11-1. With others in the field not in the best of form, the price currently offered for the selection looks too big (10/1 up to 14/1). As long as he can forget his last effort he should continue his progress this season and turn in another good effort.

4:05 Cheltenham - Jamsie Hall

This is one of the stronger bets of the day after turning in a good effort last time here behind Nadiya De La Vega. He managed fourth that day and was best of the hold up horses after the three front ones got away. It was no Surprise to see him staying on strongly at the end of the day last time as it was a trip far too short. the return to three miles will be right up his street after a fourth in the Kerry National earlier this year. Some of you may remember today's pilot from his Cheltenham festival winning ride aboard Character Building in 09. That is when he burst onto the scene and has remained an Amateur since, also being one of the best Amateurs in the game. He won the Kim Muir that day and has continued to ride at the top level in following years. The biggest threat to Jamsie Hall is the novice There's No Panic who is unbeaten this year.

That concludes day one at Cheltenham, but one horse I expect to go well at Newcastle is the fantastically named Lukie (wonder why?). He will have matured no end over the summer after being green in his first two bumpers. Should be an attractive price.

I will do my best to get a blog up tomorrow, but before I go today. My ten to follow this year are:

Ambion Wood (stable star)
Big Bucks
For Non Stop
Flemenstar
Cue Card
Pique Sous
Champagne Fever
Grandouet
Captain Conan
Sanctuaire

Happy Punting guys

Royal Ascot Day One

The Cheltenham Festival of the flat is finally here and the week is off to a flyer with the Worlds best racehorse running in the first race of the day. Of course I speak about the awesome Frankel who looks to have a penalty kick in the first.

2:30 Ascot - Queen Anne Stakes - Worthadd - Its not worth taking on Frankel today as it doesn't seem possible to get him beat. Sir Mark Prescott's colt could well be the each way value today however. He was beaten by Side Glance last time out at Epsom who I put up in the blog. It was clear nothing went right for him that day, he hated the course and the ground was probably a little too quick. Frankie takes the ride today and that has to be seen as nothing but a positive. Available at 40/1 tonight

3:05 Ascot - King's Stand - Bated Breath - Arguably England's best sprinter around at the moment after a fantastic performance at Haydock in the Temple Stakes on his reappearance. This was chosen as his more favoured route rather than taking on Black Caviar. Obviously the Kings Stand is a much more open contest rather than the Diamond Jubilee. He had a lot of the field today behind him at Haydock and could well improve again for the run. Before his last run you would argue that his ideal distance was 6 furlongs but today will be fine for him.

Masamah - There is a lot of potential each way bets in this race as always, but Kevin Ryan's first string looks the best value in my opinion. He ran very much like he needed the run last time at Haydock behind today's main selection. He will strip much fitter for that experience and the 40/1 being offered tonight looks like good value. He should be there at the end as long as everything goes well during the race.

3:45 Ascot - St. James's Palace Stakes - Gregorian - One that I have been waiting for, for some time now, He didn't handle the track at Chantilly last time at all coming very wide round the home bend. That run is easily forgiven and this track will be more to his liking today. I took 25s a couple of days ago and is now into 14/1 despite not being the choice of William Buick (The Nile). He will be needing every yard of the race today and he should be getting a fast enough pace which will suit him down to the ground. A good price.

4:25 Ascot - Coventry Stakes - Sir Prancealot - He looked absolutely awesome when winning the National Stakes at Sandown when overcoming a very troubled run to score with the minimum of fuss. Since then Richard Hughes has been expressing his excitement about him. Though it is a strong race this year he looks by far the best of those in the field and a straightforward run will see him go very close. 4/1 was around earlier but is now into 7/2 and the first shows of 3/1 are coming through.

5:00 Ascot - Ascot Stakes - Cosimo De Medici - One that has come in for some support tonight and is a very straightforward horse. He can run well on any going and is capable of fitting into any running style, Darryl Holland should suit this horse nicely and a recent Goodwood run should have blown away any cobwebs. He has never made an appearance at a meeting of this standard but he should be more than capable of making his presence felt.

5:35 Ascot - Windsor Castle Stakes - Hototo - In a recent interview with Attheraces Phillip Makin outlined this one as one of his best chances of the week. Kevin Ryan's Colt has improved with every run but by far his stand out performance is the one over course and distance behind Cay Verde on Soft ground. Everything about him points to a big run today after getting his head in front at the third time of asking last time out at Ayr. Huge chance, generally 16/1 but some 18s left tonight

Lets hope for a big first day of Royal Ascot to set us up nicely for the rest of the week
Happy Punting

My Attheraces Tracker Horses

I hope everyone had a fantastic time during Cheltenham Festival week, everything seems so slow the week after the Festival (almost like between Christmas and New Years). But hey we shall just have to look forward to Aintree now. Today i have decided to release the horses i have in my ATR tracker. For those of you who dont know what that is, you can have up to 50 horses in your tracker that you want to be alerted about its next run. The night before the race they send you an email with details of the horse and race so you will never miss a winner again. Here is the link, just so you know im not being asked to promote this i am doing so of my own accord as its just such a fantastic idea!

http://www.attheraces.com/tracker/myatrtracker.aspx

Ashdown Lad - This horse entered my tracker when he was 2nd to a 1/7 favourite at Lingfield by only half a length under hands and heels. That was only his second run and has since gone on to finish third at Kempton, but he didnt get the run of the race that day and i'd imagine that Lingfield will suit him much better. Definitely a winner in waiting.

Bally Gunner - I only put this one in my tracker yesterday when running at Exeter in a 2m1f Handicap hurdle. This was his first time in Handicap company but was staying on like a train and was screaming out for 2 and a half miles. The winner KATCHMORE also looks a very nice prospect from the race. But Bally Gunner will be winning before long.

Be My Light - If you read my blog a couple of weeks back you would have seen this one as the NAP of the day at a glamorous price, that day he was bang there before getting outpaced turning for home and looking well held back in the field. Up until then it looked a very ordinary run, However between the second last and last hurdle the penny seemed to drop and he stayed on in very taking fashion to land 5th place. A step up to 3 miles will be very welcome for him, should also be a very decent price.

Burke's Rock - This one has already won since being in my tracker on a Saturday meeting at Lingfield. But she entered the books for his debut run under Hayley Turner. She got absolutely murdered on the turn for home and lost all chance of a win, but Hayley rode him hands and heels to the line and she picked up to get third again. Even after winning her maiden there still looks more to come from her and she is definitely one to keep on the right side of.

Captain Sunshine - He has also won since being in the tracker, albeit at 4/9 in a weak race. But he entered my tracker due to his defeat by Balder Succes at Ascot when he was staying on very nicely over two miles, he won last time at Kempton over 2 and a half but will be contesting much hotter contests than that.

Red Inca - He was beaten soundly at Fakenham last friday but looks as if he would relish a step up in trip. Entered the books when staying on takingly to land 4th at Musselburgh 3 runs ago. He then won at Ludlow at 9/2 nicely, but as i say he was soundly beaten last time out.

Workbench - A Paul Nicholls horse that has only ran twice, the first time out was in a bumper over only an extended 1m4f. After that Ruby tweeted saying that he will be winning over 2 miles. He was stepped up to 2 miles at Chepstow last time out but seemed to get stuck in the mud under Harry Derham and was beaten comprehensively. Definitely one to consider on better ground.

I hope i can find you some winners through them lot, also a heads up, i have a very strong fancy tomorrow at carlisle so come back for a read.
Happy Punting guys

Cheltenham Festival Day 4

This blog is up earlier as im off to Cheltenham tomorrow but hopefully we can find some winners on the last day of the 2012 Festival. Id just like to say, how good was Big Bucks!!! that horse is awesome! now lets move on

1:30 - JCB Triumph Hurdle
Won last year by Zarkandar, Paul Nicholls sends two to post today in PEARL SWAN and DODGING BULLETS. The latter has had just the one run in England but was a very smart performer on the flat in Ireland, he was thrown in at the deep end first time out over hurdles and ran a very credible race when only 1 and a half lengths behind GRUMETI. He was awarded the race in the stewards room when he faced the main Nicholls horse and Ruby Walsh's mount meets him 3 pounds better off which should account for the main Alan King runner. Robert Thornton had a tough choice between him and BALDER SUCCES who has been very impressive in his two starts at Ascot but is yet to tackle a field of this size and may not be very street wise. HIS EXCELLENCY is a huge price for a Davy Russell ridden horse however he was beaten by HISAABAAT out of sight. That race also accounts for SHADOW CATCHER, COUNTRYWIDE FLAME, ASAID and UT DE SIVOLA. If that form is true today then Dermot Weld's gelding has account for a quarter of the field. He was also a useful horse on the flat which is always a positive attribute in the Triumph Hurdle. SADLERS RISK was disappointing behind BABY MIX after having such alot of potential to fill after his hurdles debut. Tom George's gelding was impressive last time and on his hurdles debut at this course. DARROUN has beaten HISAABAAT but on softer ground and the latter will be more suited to todays conditions. Which is why he is today's selection

1st - Hisaabaat
2nd - Pearl Swan
3rd - Darroun

2:05 - Vincent O'brien County Handicap Hurdle
TED SPREAD and MASTER OF ARTS were both strongly fancied in last week's Imperial Cup but both disappointed hugely. The latter has the excuse of a big layoff so should be fitter this time, but the former just didnt seem good enough. LOCAL HERO came back off a layoff with a defeat by Simonsig by 3 and three quarter lengths, he has the bounce factor to overcome today though. UBI ACE is having his first run for Jonjo O'neill today but Tony Mccoy is claimed by JP on ALDERWOOD for Tom Mullins, he has been struggling as of late and never got in to his last race at Leopardstown. HELL'S BAY reverts back to hurdles after not taking back to fences after his break from racing. RAYA STAR has been fantastic this year and again cant be too far away this time. SNAP TIE is a class horse but has to come off of a 882 day lay off and may just struggle. PLAN A was fourth in this last year and forgive his last run he should be considered off a 6 pounds higher mark than last year. IFYOULETMEFINISH is a horse i like alot and goes handicapping for the first time today, he has form with alot of the English Triumph hurdle field and could be well handicapped. OLOFI also has been running well this year and was unlucky when looking like the winner at Newbury, he is expected to again go very close. DESERT CRY will need the ground softer but the stable is in form. CITIZENSHIP is up 15 pounds for a win last time out and that could account for his claims but is still expected to go well. REDERA is a nice horse and i know for a fact that the Tony Martin stable fancy this horse strongly, which is why he is the selection for today's race

1st - Redera
2nd - Ifyouletmefinish
3rd - Olofi
4th - Ubi Ace

2:40 - Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
SEA OF THUNDER was a very unlucky loser here in December when sprinting clear and coming down at the last. He has to be fancied today even with a few strong opponents. LOVCEN is highly thought of by the King yard and has real live each way claims at a nice price. MOUNT BENBULBEN is fancied by Gordon Elliot and was runner up to BOSTON BOB on ground that the latter absolutely hated. Willie Mullins has sent him here instead of the Neptune earlier in the week and should take all the beating here. BRINDISI BREEZE would be a nice winner but he does go better on softer ground and Lucinda Russell will have been doing a rain dance this week. ROCKY CREEK is thought fairly highly of by Paul Nicholls and comes from a pointing background where Tom Malone bought him, he is very keen on him making a very nice horse, others are preferred today however. SIVOLA DE SIVOLA always seems to run his race and cant be dismissed at a juicy price however we will go with the strong favourite BOSTON BOB who looks fairly unbeatable at this level

1st - Boston Bob
2nd - Rocky Creek
3rd - Mount Benbulben

3:20 - Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase
This is the big one, the one everyone has been waiting for. LONG RUN vs KAUTO STAR. You can guarantee that there wont be a dry eye in the house if the veteran wins this race. But he would be an unlikely winner at this stage of his career as with his new tactics in hand he shouldnt stay the extended 3 mile trip. Last years winner will relish in the longer trip. It would seem that the value to be had here is through each way betting. The race looks to be set up by MIDNIGHT CHASE who loves this course but was out of his depth last year and looks the same this year. QUEL ESPRIT won the Irish Hennessy but the Irish 3 mile chasers look distinctly average at the moment as SYNCHRONISED beat them comfortably and in my opinion he is just a very good handicapper. BURTON PORT ran a cracker on his return last time behind the favourite but does have the bounce factor to overcome, if fully fit he should be right there and give the main two most to think about. WEIRD AL is the each way selection who is apparently catching pigeons at home and the yard are in very good form lately. LONG RUN should make it back to back Gold Cups today though.

1st - Long Run
2nd - Weird Al
3rd - Kauto Star

4:00 - Christie's Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup
BARBERS SHOP is by far the best horse in this field but its his mind isnt always on the job and he isnt as in Love with racing as he used to be. I really fancied JUST AMAZING in this last year but he has a layoff to overcome and is best avoided today. BLACKSTAFF would prefer soft ground for his best chance today. ON THE FRINGE was fourth in this last year and Enda Bolger says he was a baby last year and the experience will help him no end. SALSIFY will love the ground and should give his best today, a serious contender. CHAPOTURGEON is a past festival winner and has taken very nicely to hunter chasing, definitely cant rule him out without a second look. CLOUDY LANE is very fancied by the McCain yard and was a very good horse in his younger years, he is a bit old in the tooth now and he may struggle in this tougher test today. The selection is Enda Bolger's ON THE FRINGE who is looking for some respite after losing Garde Champetre earlier in the week.

1st - On The Fringe
2nd - Salsify
3rd - Chapoturgeon

4:40 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
MAKE A TRACK was my tip for the Supreme a while back but Charlie Swan brings him here instead of that option. He has been reported to be in fine form at home and looks to be solid today. TONER D'OUDAIRIES carries the second string Gigginstown Stud colours but is a shorter price in the market. I'd prefer the first string here though. ARAB LEAGUE absolutely dotted up at Taunton but didnt beat much that day, he is well in himself but this is alot tougher today. OSCAR NOMINEE is a huge price for a Henderson and Geraghty horse this week and has to be respected. He has looked a nice prospect but one or two look better in the field, very strong each way claims. GRANDAD'S HORSE had his winning run come to an end last time but that was against Fingal Bay and wasnt beaten by much in truth. Real live each way claims here today like alot in this field. ATTAGLANCE is a recent Market Rasen winner and has a very good claimer on board today. EMPIRE LEVANT was beaten earlier in the season by Rock on Ruby but he was getting alot of weight that day. The only disappointing race he has run was last time out, so he cant be overlooked. MOLOTOF has alot of weight but there is a reason for that as he is a graded winner over hurdles at Ascot earlier in the season. MAKE A TRACK is the selection today in a hope that the faster ground brings a bit more improvement in him

1st - Make a track
2nd - Molotof
3rd - Oscar Nominee
4th - Attaglance

5:15 - Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup
Nicky Henderson has gone all out this year to win his fathers race. He saddles ERADICATE, KID CASSIDY, TANKS FOR THAT, ANQUETTA, FRENCH OPERA and BELLVANO. Alot of people will have different thoughts about his best chance. Personally i think KID CASSIDY is his best chance to win the race who last time out had KUMBESHWAR behind him at Doncaster and if that form holds up he should have the beating of him again. TOUBAB has a brilliant chance but he doesnt find much off the bridle and id doubt he will be winning this on the bridle. DE BOITRON has been laid out for this race by Ferdy Murphy and Lucy Alexander gets the leg up for her first ever festival winner. Bryan Cooper really fancies LUCKY WILLIAM and he has real strong each way credentials and could even be good enough to win this race. OISEAU DE NUIT is last years winner and runs off 7 pounds higher than last year. Even with that burden he should still be right up there towards the end. We will take a chance on ASTRACAD however who loves the course and Nigel Twiston Davies hasnt hid the fact that he thinks he is his best chance of a winner at the Festival. Which is why he is the selection for the last race of the 2012 festival.

1st - Astracad
2nd - Lucky William
3rd - De Boitron
4th - Kid Cassidy

I hope i have given you a few winners over this week and you have enjoyed reading my blog
follow me on Twitter if you dont already @lukeyboy1325
happy punting

Cheltenham Festival Day 3

Day 2 seemed to be a bit more controversial than we had all thought with Wishfull Thinking falling at the 3rd, Sizing Europe and Finian's Rainbow settled down to fight it out and the defending champion looked set to go back to back turning for home. Can any more favourites seriously get beat? after all it is Big Bucks, so lets crack on with day 3.

1:30 - Jewson Novices Chase
The Alternative race for Donald McCain's PEDDLERS CROSS who looks to have made the right move in coming to this race after Sprinter Sacre's demolition job. The opposite way round and further trip than Kempton looks set to suit him down to the ground. He wont have it all his own way with the Scilly Isles winner FOR NON STOP in the field, chasing does look his game and he is a very genuine horse that always runs his race. He looks assured to put in another good effort today and had MICHEAL FLIPS 2 lengths behind him at Newbury. Andrew Turnell's horse has been a much better novice chaser than he was a hurdler and has run his socks off alot of times this season, this is a big step up in class today though. CHAMPION COURT won at this course on New Years Day and looked a very good prospect on that form, a reproduction of that wont put him two far away today. Behind him on that occasion was SOLIX who comes from a stable bang in form after dominating the card yesterday. He looks like a very good horse but shows a distinct lack of respect for the fences, better jumping will be needed to win this. SIR DES CHAMPS is a very fancied Irish runner and is unbeaten including winning the Martin Pipe conditional race last year and must have an outstanding chance of continuing his run. We are going to side with the impressive CRISTAL BONUS today though who is unbeaten over fences and since joining the Paul Nicholls stable. Lets hope these colours get a bit further than they did in the Champion Chase yesterday.

1st - Cristal Bonus
2nd - For Non Stop
3rd - Sir Des Champs

2:05 - Pertemps Final
A big field for the Pertemps this year and out of respect we have to start with the dual winner BUENA VISTA who has Tom Bellamy take off 10 pounds, he ran a much better race than his 9th place last time suggests. Donald McCain has had two winners this week and he saddles ACROSS THE BAY who cant be ruled out easily, he has been running well this year without reward and was completely out of his depth last time against Big Bucks. Big chance today. CAPE TRIBULATION is fancied today and not too long ago was considered a live Champion Hurdle contender. A return to his best puts him bang on the scene. There has been a bit of money for SERGENT GUIB'S this morning and has one of the strongest chances in the field justifying his second favourite tag. He is unexposed and inexperience comes with that which wont help in a field like this. OUR FATHER is the favourite and has been laid out for this race, he was very impressive when winning at Ascot under an ultra cool Timmy Murphy. He had an entry for the World Hurdle but was nothing more than an outside chance. RESTLESS HARRY has the burden of a top weight but is a very good horse, others are preferred today though. ASHKAZAR is a very good horse on his day but can be very in and out, it is a gamble what horse will turn up. PETTIFOUR came from a huge layoff to go down by a small distance at this track behind Dorset Square. A run like that is sure to hold him in good order. Barry Geraghty rides for Jonjo aboard THEHILLOFUISNEACH who has been in flying form this season and the ground may have been the cause for his last run. A chance today if he isnt too high in the handicap. HOUBLON DES OBEAUX beat KAYF ARAMIS here in January. The latter is better off today and both are capable of getting competitive. If RICK handles the faster ground he will have one of the leading chances after being 14 lengths behind Mourad on his last run. We will give CANTLOW another chance today though, he has been dropping down the weights but has run some very good races this year.

1st - Cantlow
2nd - Rick
3rd - Pettifour
4th - Houblon Des Obeaux

2:40 - Ryanair Chase
SOMERSBY has come in for notable market support and also even stronger on the exchanges today, he is also my bet of the week and his form took a huge boost yesterday with Finian's Rainbow now champion chaser. He wont have things his own way though with RIVERSIDE THEATRE a good favourite today and I cant have people who say he wont enjoy Cheltenham after flying up the hill in the Arkle in his only appearance at the track, he was 8 lengths behind Sizing Europe that day. But he is an improved horse now and 2 and a half miles is much more his distance. NOBLE PRINCE won the Jewson last year and has made a good step up to be a second season chaser but has found winning hard to come by. Another renowned runner up is FORPADYDEPLASTERER but isnt the horse he used to be, and there are one or two better today. RUBI LIGHT is another with a huge chance today but would be alot better on softer ground, saying that he did run a stellar race in this last year at fancy odds. I think Alan King chose the right option in sending MEDERMIT here instead of the Gold Cup, but i think he is just a tad short of being top class but has live place credentials. ALBERTAS RUN has won the last two renewals of this contest and is an admirable horse, he has won his only start this season at Aintree, but that wasnt a strong race really, however the festival brings him alive with 3 festival wins to his name. CAPTAIN CHRIS disgraced himself a little last time in the Argento but before that ran a brilliant race to come third in the King George, if he runs how we know he can then he has a live shout. SOMERSBY will take all the beating today though.

1st - Somersby
2nd - Riverside Theatre
3rd - Medermit

3:20 - Ladbrokes World Hurdle
Usually with the name BIG BUCKS in a race it would seem a formality but the name of OSCAR WHISKY makes you second glance. The latter has unconfirmed stamina doubts but his 2 and a half mile form suggests he should have no problem in getting the extra trip. Whether he has the class to beat the Paul Nicholls' horse is a big worry though. MOURAD was third in this last year and bounced back to his best last time out, he has the potential to make his tag of 22/1 look very silly for each way punters. VOLER LA VEDETTE is a gorgeous mare but realistically is only going for the places today much like the others in the field. THOUSAND STARS won the Morgiana hurdle earlier in the year but last time didnt jump like he can last time and that cost him 2nd place as he wouldnt have got near Hurricane Fly. Another that has real live place claims is 2011 Neptune third SO YOUNG who has been running well this year and it would be no surprise to see him make a really good impression of himself today. My each way preference is for DYNASTE today though after looking to have BIG BUCKS measure for a few strides turning in last time but then having no answer when he quickened. David Pipe will have him spot on for this race today.

1st - Big Bucks
2nd - Dynaste
3rd - Oscar Whisky

4:00 - Byrne Group Plate Handicap Chase
NOTUS DE LA TOUR could have gone for the Jewson but opted for this handicap today, his best run to date was over fences was his first run in Ireland when 2nd behind Blackstairmountain but this is his first handicap and whether he is good enough is in the air, he should make a good account of himself. This looks a hard race to win off top weight for TARTAK and even though CRACK AWAY JACK has some fancy form he may struggle today. HECTORS CHOICE looked to have Nacarat beat at Kempton when they swung for home but quickly emptied out over 3 miles, a return to this trip puts him in the mix. SALUT FLO'S second to Prince de beauchene looks very smart now and he must have a great chance. DIVERS will be at peak fitness for this race and Tony Mccoy on board isnt exactly a negative, but he is without a winner this week and may be worth avoiding. THE COCKNEY MACKEM has been running well this year but doesnt find much off the bridle, like last time when he was ran into the ground at Doncaster by Quentin Collonges. MAD MOOSE has a habit of making a mistake that costs him a race and round Cheltenham that really cant be done. HOLMWOOD LEGEND is already a festival winner in this race and the trainer has had a winner this week already. If Tom Taafe's FINGER ONTHE PULSE runs to his best then he will give his claimer a huge ride round Cheltenham and as anyone who reads this blog knows, im a huge Maurice Linehan fan. NICEONEFRANKIE has a fantastic chance and will be my choice today, he has improved no end this year and is due to be raised 3 pounds in the future. His win at Newbury suggests he still has a bit in hand so we will take our chance on him.

1st - Niceonefrankie
2nd - Notus De La Tour
3rd - Hector's Choice
4th - Salut Flo

4:40 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
MOSTLY BOB is a course winner and caught the eye that day but he is prone to making a few mistakes through his races and he would be a tentative selection. However i do fancy him to run well. FAASEL loves this race and found the winning way last time after a long losing streak. He has been running well for a long time though and should make a good account of himself again. ADAMS ISLAND has improved no end since moving to Paul Nolan's stable but may find this test a bit too much, and is also prone to the odd mistake during a race. BENBANE HEAD is a course and distance winner although it is hard to see him getting competitive today. MIDNIGHT APPEAL won last time up at Sandown and is a very strong leading chance after being ultra consistent this year. YOUR BUSY has a live outside chance and has been second here but looked like he needed further that time, this is a very live outsider. BE THERE IN FIVE was 3rd in the 4 miler last year but since then hasnt completed a race, he must show alot more to even think about getting competitive. EXMOOR RANGER won at Ascot earlier in the year but never runs two races the same and since then has fallen and come fifth, if he is having a going day then he could be a lead contender. Its hard to trust him though. SUNNYHILLBOY has been backed in this morning but he usually struggles in these big handicaps, and will place at best. Nina Carberry rides START ME UP who won a good ground bumper at Cheltenham in 2009, his recent form will give him a chance today but others are preferred, the jockey is a positive booking. The selection today is SWING BILL who won the amateur riders event in November at this track after making an awful mistake on the second circuit. He is usually a sound enough jumper and we take a chance on the good ground to bring a win from him.

1st - Swing Bill
2nd - Midnight Appeal
3rd - Your Busy
4th - Faasel

bet of the day - cristal bonus and somersby double
Happy Punting

Cheltenham Festival Day 2

A huge shock on day one with the mighty Hurricane Fly being beat into third by Rock On Ruby and Overturn in the Champion hurdle. You just got the feeling that he was never really going too well before turning down the hill and finding very little compared to what he usually does. But in the good part of the day Cinders and Ashes landed the Supreme Novices for the blog and a heart warming family success for Hunt Ball in the last on the day, my bank balance profited yesterday but hey today is a new day.

1:30 - Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase
The usual marathon to start off day two in the National Hunt Chase and as always the Irish challenge is a strong one. But the home challenge is lead by HARRY THE VIKING from the Paul Nicholls yard and ridden by Will Biddick, he has done nothing wrong this year and has been in fantastic winning form at Doncaster. My only worry is that he doesnt do alot when he hits the front and you cant do that at Cheltenham. SOLL leads the away teams charge and has been tipped up by Pricewise, an absolute mountain of a horse and a winner of 2 out of his 3 starts but is still to prove himself on good ground. STRONGBOWS LEGEND stays absolutely all day but really doesnt look good enough. TEAFORTHREE also stays all day and is only a novice, he has won some really strong events though and looks to be one of the horses to beat in the race. IRON CHANCELLOR and LIVELY BARON look to only be playing to place chances today but both represent big name stables. UNIVERSAL SOLDIER has a strong chance but does seem to run best with more give in the ground. FOUR COMMANDERS is ultra consistent and always seems to run an honest race but when he has tried good ground he hasnt loved in and like many here looks more at home on a softer surface. The same cant be said for BLENHEIM BROOK who seems to go on absolutely any surface and isnt without a chance today but a place may be his best claims. OUR ISLAND finished half a length behind TEAFORTHREE in a beginners chase at the start of the year and is a much bigger price than the latter however he hasnt been in form as of late and has something to prove. This race has been planned for ALFIE SPINNER for a while and Sam Waley-Cohen gets the leg up today, he is a serious contender and ran a blinder last time at Ascot. But preference today is for the Willie Mullins horse ALLEE GARDE who has no ground worries and has been freshened up thanks to a break since January.

1st - Allee Garde
2nd - Alfie Spinner
3rd - Four Commanders

2:05 - Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle
Rock on Ruby was second in this last year and the year before was won by Peddlers Cross, its clear recently this race has a good link to the Champion Hurdle and one that could be next making that step is SIMONSIG. Nicky Henderson turned down the chance to run in the Supreme yesterday in an attempt to sort out his jumping worries, but that is enough to oppose him today for me, saying that he is a very strong horse and is a worthy favourite, as im writing this BATONNIER has been confirmed as a non runner. In strong opposition to the favourite today Willie Mullins sends over SOUS LES CIEUX who has done nothing wrong in Ireland and suffered from a slow pace last time out but was getting there late on. It was mistakes that cost him that day and will need to be better this time and is a serious contender. NAGPUR has been running well lately but against much weaker competition and will need to improve considerably to land a blow. Towards the start of the season SECRET EDGE had some fancy form after winning the Wensleydale and is now the stables number one entry in this race. He has been freshened up since running here on trials day but looks to be playing for a place. NELSON'S BRIDGE beat Dualla Lord last time out and is yet another with strong place claims. MONKSLAND shot into the picture with a decisive victory at Naas in January, he is yet to encounter fast ground though and is best watched. He was ahead of Lyreen legend that day who had MAKE YOUR MARK behind him at Leopardstown. Its no secret Davy Russell fancies him and he has encountered fast ground in which he won on before. More will be needed though. John Ferguson has had a brilliant season and a notable Jockey booking on his horse COTTON MILL in Barry Geraghty. He won a trial for this race at Warwick and is well in with a shout today. Im going to take the value on FELIX YONGER however who hasnt done anything wrong since changing to the Mullins yard and will improve no end for good ground. An attractive price of 20/1 and 25s can be found in places, there is value to be had in this race and im siding with the Willie Mullins second string to give us a big race winner.

1st - Felix Yonger
2nd - Cotton Mill
3rd - Simonsig

2:40 - RSA Chase
Alot of horses with huge potential in this race none more so than GRAND CRUS who was argued to go for the Gold Cup and looks the one they all have to beat. He brings the best hurdle form to the table by far and has gone from strength to strength over fences. He had BOBS WORTH 5 lengths behind him in the Feltham at Kempton when really it could have been much further. Nicky Henderson's charge has been a bit disappointing over fences are promising so much over hurdles last year, but there could be more to come from him and is a contender. Mouse Morris really fancies FIRST LIEUTENANT to spoil the party for the big guns today but needs to show more here than he has at home. He beat Rock on Ruby here last year who won the Champion Hurdle yesterday. Another horse strongly fancied by connections is JOIN TOGETHER who is already a course and distance winner when he beat a useful field in November. He has won here twice this year and there is no doubt he loves the course after not being unplaced in 3 starts at Prestbury Park. MR MOONSHINE was my fancy a while ago and is a lovely bold front running type but does look out of his depth here, Shane Byrne gets the leg up today which is a positive from Henry Oliver. Alan King has a live outsider in WALKON who looks as if he really needs 3 miles to produce his best over fences. He will however need to produce a career best today. CALL THE POLICE ran a cracker on his comeback run and as long as the bounce factor doesnt affect him he should have live each way claims. Its very hard to see past GRAND CRUS though

1st - Grand Crus
2nd - Call the Police
3rd - First Lieutenant

3:20 - Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase 
Here we go then another Irish Banker in the main race on the day and again he looks pretty bomb proof. SIZING EUROPE'S best performance came in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December when destroying a very decent field which included back in second KAUTO STONE. He burst onto the scene at Down Royal with a big reputation and didnt let down his supporters, since then he ran second in a Tingle Creek and disappointed on his step up to two and a half miles at Ascot. A drop back in trip shouldnt be enough to see him win today but strong place claims are there. Disappointing in the Tingle Creek was WISHFULL THINKING who didnt enjoy leading that day and since the change of tactics in holding him up he as been a different horse. Second to FINIAN'S RAINBOW at Kempton before disappointing at Ascot. The latter mentioned went down a gallant second to Somersby in the Victor Chandler and cant be dismissed easily. You get the feeling he will just need to step up on what he has done so far though. BIG ZEB has been here and done it after winning this race 2 years ago, an 11 year old now though he could be getting a bit long in the tooth. Though he always gives his all and is definitely a contender. REALT DUBH hasnt run this season but is reported to be in good order and has 'never felt better' according to Paul Carberry. He may just need this race today though. Each way claims though. IM SO LUCKY ran a good race here last year but isnt good enough whereas GAUVAIN probably needs further. SIZING EUROPE should make is two years in a row and a 3rd successive festival win.

1st - Sizing Europe
2nd - Kauto Stone
3rd - Finian's Rainbow

4:00 - Coral Cup
Only the 28 horses go to post for this years Coral Cup and they are head by Betfair Hurdle runner up GET ME OUT OF HERE who was badly hampered by Darlan falling in front of him that day and he may have won had he avoided that trouble. CARLITO BRIGANTE won this last year and is undoubtedly a very good horse but was no match for Big Bucks when they met at Aintree. There arent any horses of that caliber today though and he should be there at the finish. BALGARRY sneaks in at the bottom and could be anything after an impressive win at Newbury. That was his first run in England but they do have the bounce factor to overcome today though. SPIRIT RIVER is another that has won this before when getting home in front here 2 years ago but seems to have lost his way lately since trying chasing. CONSIGLIERE will want it softer and the same may go for TENOR NIVERNAIS. Brendan Powell has a live chance in his first festival ride aboard ACT OF KALANISI who runs well in these handicap hurdles, but there may be others that are better in the field. THIRD INTENTION was the very impressive winner of the National Spirit hurdle at Fontwell but hasnt really shined in big handicaps this season. DARE ME ran a nice race at Taunton and was squeezed out when passing a hurdle, whether he would have won that day is doubtful and doesnt look good enough for today. CAPE DUTCH has been improving all year and runs off a career high mark which looks testing enough even with Jack Quinlan's 5 pounds off. Chris Honour has one more win before he rides out his claim and retires, he rides his beloved POOLE MASTER and isnt without a chance but preference is for MEGASTAR to return to form with a bang. I just feel that a return to a big field will help him concentrate more on his racing and reproduce his best form. Saying that he could drop himself out and sulk.

1st - Megastar
2nd - Balgarry
3rd - Cape Dutch
4th - Carlito Brigante

4:40 - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Alot of ante post bets have been for Alan King's VENDOR after he has been talking it up like defeat is out of the question. Comparing him to Grumeti and Balder Succes. Racing off 129 he could take all the beating. SOLIWERY was behind COLEBROOK at Sandown but he may be better for that run as he was very green and just couldnt get past. Saying that the latter mentioned was very tough and looks to have a live outside chance and could hold on for a place. LEMON DROP RED is fancied by Paul Webber after getting off the mark over hurdles last time at Southwell. He may just be a bit short of the best in this race however. ULCK DU LIN is somewhat of an unknown quantity in the fact that he hasnt been seen in England but was a smart horse over hurdles in France and if translating the form he is in with a great shout. GORGEOUS SIXTY was outclassed last time in a grade one and has quite a bit to find but a positive is that Ruby has chosen him over the others available to him. ARDLUI won really well at Newbury first time out but  disappointed at Doncaster next time out, a return to his debut form would put him bang there and has a great shout. Noel Meade has booked Maurice Linehan to claim 7 pounds off his BAT MASTERSON which is a notable jockey booking. He seemed to fancy his horses chance but on the form book he may have something to find on the main protagonists. KAZLIAN hasnt beaten much so far but its the fashion he has won it in is that has caught my eye. He is really fancied by David Pipe and should go very close. Im going to take a chance on Ardlui today though as Alan King's second string.

1st - Ardlui
2nd - Vendor
3rd - Bat Masterson
4th - Ulck Du Lin

5:15 - Weatherbys Champion Bumper
Last year this was the only race won by an English trained horse on this day, hopefully today is a bit different. But Hobbs and Johnson could hold the key to this race again this year with VILLAGE VIC who has been running well in all races, just touched off last time at Newbury he could take the beating today. NEW YEARS EVE is a nice horse and is unbeaten but may be a bit inexperienced, saying that i fancy him to run a strong race. THE NEW ONE won a bumper here on New years day but im just questioning how strong that race really was with the selection beating chancery by further than the twiston davies horse. CHAMPAGNE FEVER is bought over by Willie Mullins and is ridden by Paddy, this will be the first time he has encountered good ground and could be anything really. SIR JOHNSON is probably the most experienced in the race but has won 4 from 4 and 12/1 does look a big price. ROYAL GUARDSMAN has lost to SIR JOHNSON and there is no real reason why he should reverse that form. But Village Vic is the selection.

1st - Village Vic
2nd - New Years Eve
3rd - Champagne fever

happy punting everyone

Cheltenham Festival Day 1

Ladies and Gentlemen, its here! The 2012 Cheltenham Festival begins today, a day where all the hype comes to an end, when all the talk finishes and the action begins. Sixty Thousand spectators are expected to take to Prestbury Park today. So without further ado lets kick on to the first day of the Cheltenham Festival

1:30 - Supreme Novices Hurdle
19 go to post for this years Supreme and it looks full to the seams of class, DARLAN is favourite for the race after his tumble last time at Newbury, if all is well with him he should go very close but the hill may find him out in this classier race. Two that are guaranteed to get up the hill are STEPS TO FREEDOM and PROSPECT WELLS who fought out a finish here in November in which the former got his head in front. Jessica Harrington's horse was giving away 3 pounds that day but hasn't run since, he should be fighting fit and Robbie Power thinks he has an outstanding chance. Paul Nicholls won this race last year with Al Ferof and has only one runner this year. Despite going down to his rival today he ran a race too bad to be true in a slowly run Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown, it turned out he suffered an injury that day and will be alot better today. He was behind runner up COLOUR SQUADRON that day who threw the race away by hanging violently to the left, this is the other way round today so that wont be a problem. The most worrying thing was his fall last time out and may struggle today. There is some each way support behind Noel Meade's DYLAN ROSS who has made a habit of coming second in big races, one of them seconds was behind MIDNIGHT GAME who carries the Gigginstown stud second colours today. His chance really depends on how he handles the better ground today but looks a bit short of the main characters here. The first string of the Gigginstown colours are carried by Davy Russell on TRIFOLIUM who entered notebooks for his display last time out when winning a Grade 2 at Punchestown, ground is an unknown though. Behind him the last day was SIMENON who was classy on the flat but needs to improve to get competitive today. TETLAMI is unbeaten over hurdles and is an excellent second string for Nicky Henderson, it would be no surprise to see him ruffle a few feathers today but may be short on class today. He has beaten VULCANITE who has done nothing wrong over hurdles since switching from the flat but will need to prove he is capable of winning a race of this quality. Last time out he was behind MONTBAZON who is held in high regard by Alan King and has gone from strength to strength. He emptied out quickly in his first run this season here but that could be to do with fitness, he does however need to prove his love for the course. GALILEO'S CHOICE was a good second in the Royal Bond before winning a Novice Hurdle very impressively, in truth he didnt beat much though, very strong each way claims but Dermot Weld thinks his chance may be hindered by inexperience of the hurdling game. Charlie Longsdon is a trainer in form and he saddles HAZY TOM in this race who looks exposed after losing the last two races and should be out of his depth here. ALLURE OF ILLUSION'S jumping let him down last time when he dead heated in a maiden hurdle, unless he improves its hard to fancy him today. Im going for Donald McCain and Jason Maguire to get off to a flyer with CINDERS AND ASHES who has had a more laid back campaign than some of the others in this race and has done nothing wrong on ground he doesnt really like. An unfortunate runner up in his hurdling debut after being murdered at a hurdle by Ted Spread and losing the best part of 10 lengths. He was still only beaten a length by Broadbackbob but since then is unbeaten and a return to good ground will bring endless improvement. Hope you were on ante-post when mentioned previously.

1st - Cinders And Ashes
2nd - Tetlami
3rd - Prospect Wells

2:05 - Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy
Only six go to post today in what you would imagine is down to the presence of the immense SPRINTER SACRE who has been electric in all his chases so far and claiming some notable scalps on his way. These include seasoned chaser French Opera in the Game Spirit at Newbury when winning effortlessly on the bridle. The worry the last couple of weeks has been if he will get up the hill after emptying out last year in the Supreme quickly. He looks a different horse than last year and is a year older though and is probably just hype in trying to get him beat. His main opponent is Paul Nicholls trained AL FEROF who won the Supreme this day last year. Unbeaten in Novice company this year but was beaten last time out against more experienced chasers in Somersby and Finian's Rainbow. Looking at it that was a really good performance to come third to them two considering what prices they are in their respected races. A good pace looks assured courtesy of CUE CARD who may help set the race up for Paul Nicholls charge however jumping doesnt come as natural to him as it does the other two. MENORAH was a high class hurdler for the past two seasons but has never really taken to chasing making notable mistakes in all his races when unseating at Exeter and falling at Doncaster last time out. For the last month the only thing he has done is jump fences and should be alot better today, but is still opposed. BLACKSTAIRMOUNTAIN was 7th in last years County Hurdle and looks up against it today. FOILDUBH looks to be here for minor place money but is no slouch. I find it very hard to take on Sprinter Sacre today though and the first banker should go in.

1st - Sprinter Sacre
2nd - Al Ferof

2:40 - JLT Specialty Handicap Chase
The first handicap of the 2012 festival and an ultra competitive one at that. We will start with the top weight QUANTITATIVEEASING who won the the Spinal Research handicap chase here in December he is up 10 pounds for that victory and for that rise looks up against it. The other Nicky Henderson horse is the novice MOSSLEY who hasnt taken to fences as would have hoped but isnt short on ability and any improvement should see him go close under a fighting weight. HOLD ON JULIO is potentially well handicapped and has won all his chases under rules including two big handicaps at Sandown. He should go very close today and will have no trouble up the hill after his Sandown wins and could bag back to back wins in this race for trainer Alan King. Nick Gifford has TULLAMORE DEW in this after he ran a blinder at Ascot last time out and it would be a fairytale were he to win today. FRUITY O'ROONEY has been in fantastic form this year and may have been closer last time out if it werent for a slipping saddle. He looks set to run another bold race but may struggle to get his head in front where it counts. PENTIFFIC ran a fantastic race in the Grimthorpe last time but did have a tough race that day and may just need a break after 2 quick runs. THE PACKAGE was done on the line at the Festival 2 years ago and hasnt been seen for 493 days, but fitness shouldnt be a problem here and if at his best should go close. NOLAND is getting a bit old in the tooth now but if he runs anywhere near his best today he should take all the beating and is an attractive each way price. ALFIE SHERRIN is a pound out of the handicap and gets in off a low weight but hasnt been in sparkling form, a return to his best will put him close in Jonjo's only runner of the day. OUR MICK ran a fantastic race last time out in the Scilly Isles behind For Non Stop and has been in really good form so far this year, so its hard to see him out of the places. Last years RSA 4th MAGNANIMITY has run some decent races this year but mistakes look to cost him each time, a clear round will take him close. A very strong preference is for BAILE ANRAI who was running a big race last time in the Reynoldstown when coming down, if he had stood up there he would be rated alot higher and off a fly weight today looks a steal. He was second behind Fingal Bay over hurdles beaten 6 lengths and Ian Williams was praying for him to get into this race. Best bet of the day

1st - Baile Anrai
2nd - Our Mick
3rd - Hold on Julio
4th - Noland

3:20 - Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
HURRICANE FLY looks good to take a step towards joining the greats today when looking to land his 2nd Champion hurdle. Off the course for a while he came back with a huge bang at Leopardstown when destroying a good field in the Irish Champion Hurdle. In that field was OSCARS WELL who hated the ground that day and will be much better for the better ground today but should still come up a bit short against the favourite today. Willie Mullins gelding's main threat today should be BINOCULAR who won this race 2 years ago and couldnt run in the race last year by no fault of his own. He looked back near his best when winning the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last time. In that race was CELESTIAL HALO who is a more than admirable horse, not the force of old but proved he still has some sparkle when winning a handicap under top weight at Newbury. This however may be too much for him. Another horse that has seen BINOCULAR'S backside this year is Christmas Hurdle runner up ROCK ON RUBY who will be more suited by 2 miles round here than the same trip at Kempton. Probably not good enough to win today but has strong each way claims. OVERTURN is one of the toughest horses in training and has beaten Nicky Henderson's horse this season in the Fighting Fifth. A break since his last run in the Christmas Hurdle when looking like he needed a break badly, a fresh horse should make a bold show but shouldnt be good enough here. A neck behind him in the International Hurdle was BRAMPOUR who has won 2 big handicaps this year and was running on under top weight last time out behind ZARKANDAR in the Betfair hurdle at Newbury. Last years unbeaten Triumph hurdle winner should give a good account of himself but may find it a bit tough at the end of the race. ZAIDPOUR is a very good horse in his own right but looks totally ground dependent and this is not what he wants today. KALANN is the other runner in the field and is a huge price for a horse that is a course and distance winner and prefers good ground. Saying that he is out of his depth here and shouldnt land a blow. HURRICANE FLY should take all the beating today.

1st - Hurricane Fly
2nd - Rock On Ruby
3rd - Binocular

4:00 - Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase
A race dominated over the years by Enda Bolger and JP Mcmanus, as of late they havent had it their own way though since Willie Mullins has entered these races. WEDGER PARDY will take them along today and was running a big race when all but 3 of the field took the wrong course at Cheltenham in the last cross country race. That was eventually won by GARDE CHAMPETRE who could probably run round this course blindfolded he has done it that many times, he is looking a bit old in the tooth now and shouldnt reverse the form with SCOTSIRISH who was fancied in a Ryanair at one time in his career. Strongly fancied by the Irish he looks to have an outstanding chance and should take all the beating. GONE TO LUNCH tries this race for the first time in his career and will be interesting if taking to the fences, but it is a gamble however. DOUBLE DIZZY always runs his race and was 3rd here in November, on that form he is a very live contender and should not be dismissed. DREAM ALLIANCE has won a Welsh National but should struggle against these opponents today. BALTHAZAR KING has never completed a cross country race when leaving Richard Johnson red faced after taking the wrong course and taking most of the field with him last time. UNCLE JUNIOR has won over this course and distance today and is very high in the weights, even with Emmet Mullins taking 3 pounds off his back. Last years winner SIZING AUSTRALIA should be bang there at the end and he loves this course. A positive prep run over hurdles he should be very fit today and go very close. Preference today is for last years 4th horse who has been laid out for this race all year, this horse is MALJIMAR who should go very close

1st - Maljimar
2nd - Double Dizzy
3rd - Sizing Australia
4th - Garde Champetre

4:40 - OLBG David Nicholson Mares Hurdle
Well this race shouldnt take too long to evaluate as nothing should get near the superstar mare QUEVEGA who has beaten everything to come at her in this race for the last 3 years without lifting an eyelid. It would be one of the major shocks of the festival were she to get beat. In theory the others are playing for the minor prize money. SHOP DJ is one coming in for each way support this morning after a season chasing. She won her prep race at Dundalk on the flat and should be in with a very strong each way chance. WHAT A CHARM won the Fred Winter last year but since then has been a bit disappointing and will need to improve to land a blow here. KENTFORD GREY LADY has gone from strength to strength this year and looks the strongest chance of a place in this field. She was behind VIOLIN DAVIS at Ascot but that wasnt a true run race and it turned into a sprint at the end. ALASI is a gorgeous mare and was just run out of a place last year and should run her race again this year after going chasing. SWINCOMBE FLAME won the Lanzarote in brave fashion before a 3rd at Ascot, she may struggle today when upped in class and others are preferred. but QUEVEGA is the obvious selection and should win her 4th consecutive race.

1st - Quevega
2nd - Alasi
3rd - Kentford Grey Lady

5:15 - Pulteney Land Investment Novices Handicap Chase
HUNT BALL carries 12 stone here but he doesnt actually have to give too much weight away with the bottom weight carrying only 11-4. Upped 70 pounds this year it would take a monumental effort to win today but has shown no sign of stopping his improvement yet. TRIOLO D'ALENE looks set to go off favourite and has had only one run in England which he won at Ascot, in that race he beat ACKERTAC into second place after producing a better jump at the last. Nigel Twiston Davies' charge has to be considered after Sam said it was his best chance on the first day. BLESS THE WINGS has won over course and distance and looks set to run a big race again and form could be franked by Our Mick earlier on. THAT'LL DO runs for the Champion Trainer and has to be respected, vibes from this stable are good about the horse so expect a good show from him today. VINO GRIEGO is a pound lower than he was when second at Ascot should run a good race again, but he has been out of form since his 2nd behind The Minack. BATTLE GROUP has a mind of his own and cant be trusted, if he puts his best foot forward though he could win this easily. MIC'S DELIGHT is a horse going the right way over fences and although the big step up in class he should give another good account of himself, but may find one or two too good today. Aidan Coleman has claimed CARRICKBOY as his best chance of the first day and a win at Hereford the other day boosts his credentials, five pound penalty carried today though. EDUCATED EVANS has been in flying form this year and if all is well with him should be bang there, though he is Twiston-Davies' second string. We will take a chance on ACKERTAC today though.

1st - Ackertac
2nd - Triolo D'alene
3rd - Carrickboy
4th - That'll do

I hope everyone has a fantastic cheltenham festival and lets give the bookies a bashing!
Happy Punting

Sandown Park - Imperial Cup Day

A good day of racing at Sandown today to warm us up for Cheltenham in the right fashion. Most notably the Imperial Cup which is the first part of the £75000 Sunderlands bonus if the winner of the race today can go on and win any race at the festival next week. Without further ado lets crack on with the first race.

2:05
A big handicap to start the day off and a few very interesting horses, none more so than DUALLA LORD from the Paul Nicholls yard and has been running well as of late. He was highly tried earlier in the season when running over fences against Grand Crus but unseating that day. first time in a handicap today and should go close but a place may be his best claim today. AMBION WOOD takes a drop in trip today but is off top weight and may find life tough despite being in great form this year. However in truth he doesnt have to give too much weight away. PRESENTING ACE is the one all the money has come for this and like the first mentioned is in a handicap for the first time, his novice form hasnt been too flattering but the market support is very interesting. ELSAFEER has been finding life a bit tough off his higher handicap rating but is slipping down to a winning mark. JUMPS ROAD hails from the in form Colin Tizzard stable and is highly thought of but has a bit to find on Warwick form with a couple of today's rivals. OFF THE GROUND won a Novice Handicap round here last month and is up 6 pounds for that win, the second has since franked the form, though not in a good race. With that he may be found wanting here. Nicky Henderson has two in the race with his first string being SPEED MASTER who also goes handicapping for the first time today, he has been winning Novice events nicely but in truth they havent been the strongest races and this is a big step up in class on them performances. Henderson's second string is THANKS FOR COMING who has been running well as of late and isnt without a chance at a big enough price. CARRIGMORNA KING won a competitive novice hurdle at Newbury back in January and like alot of these goes handicapping for the first time and has the burden of carrying the 'Pricewise' tag. MERRY KING had JUMPS ROAD back in third in his last run and the latter should reverse that form on paper. But with 17 points in between them in the betting you'd feel that Jonjo expect a bit more from his horse. Preference is for Nick Gifford's KUILSRIVER who is yet to win a race in his career but has been running in some very good company. He ran well in the Lanzarote hurdle off a 3 pound higher mark than today and should go very close.

2:40
All the money this morning has been for DOVER'S HILL who is down to a winning mark nowadays after just slipping down the handicap slowly but surely, however he hasnt really been running with much encouragement lately and may be best watched. BALLYFOY ran a very good race at Fontwell over hurdles in the week just failing to get up on the line, as long as that race hasnt taken too much out of him he should be thereabouts. THE SAWYER is an admirable sort who returns to more realistic company today and has been running well this year, he always gives his all when he runs and loves this rider, one for the shortlist. He was ahead of PROPHETE DE GUYE last time out and it should be the same outcome today, whether they are good enough to get involved when it matters is another question. QHILIMAR has top weight to worry about but loves it round here and shouldnt be too far away. Sue Smith brings down AURORA'S ENCORE who usually comes into his own this time of year but has been badly out of sorts as of late and has something to prove. RICHARD'S SUNDANCE is 6 pounds better off with MARTY'S MISSION today than when they last met at this course, and for that reason we shall side with the former today. Not a young horse by any stretch of the imagination anymore but has been enjoying his racing this year and running some very good races in better company than this, could take all the beating.

3:15
Last week NAMPOUR got us a place at nice odds and looks set to run another nice race after finding just one too good at Newbury, he fell in the race at Taunton won by SIRE DE GRUGY who has been very well in himself this year and will be suited by a flat out gallop, only raised 6 pounds for his win and looks a good bet again this time round. Venetia Williams sends two to this race CICERON and ART PROFESSOR, Aidan Coleman has chosen the latter to ride on grounds that he is 'an easier ride'. The former won a big handicap here earlier in the year but is tough to find right and Coleman has said both are going for place claims. Nicky Henderson also sends two to post this year, his first string being CELTUS who never really took to fences last time and was soundly beaten out of sight, back to hurdles today but he will need to step up his game if he is to reverse form with SIRE DE GRUGY in his earlier years. Hendersons second string is FIRST IN THE QUEUE who's best form this season was when he went down by a head at Cheltenham and is slowly coming back down the weights while still not disgracing himself. Looks to be up against it though. The Pipe family have always targeted the Sunderlands bonus through the years and this year is no different with David sending MASTER OF ARTS here who was last seen over hurdles when 11th in the Triumph hurdle in 2009. It will be interesting to see how he adapts back to hurdling from the flat but the market support this week is encouraging. ILE DE RE won here last time out but in truth it wasnt the strongest race and will have to step up markedly today if he is to land this race. DEVIL TO PAY represents the Alan King stable and is 3 pounds better off on his run behind SIRE DE GRUGY and has more of a chance than Kempton winner LUCAINDUBAI who ran well for a long way in the Kingwell last time until class told. PATEESE wants the ground alot softer than it is today but will have strong place claims whereas JOHNS SPIRIT doesnt look good enough. As much as i hate myself for it i cant get away from TED SPREAD this afternoon after seeing his last win at Taunton in his first handicap, and i would really fancy him to land the Sunderlands bonus were he to win today.

3:50
THE WEE LASS won her only start nicely at Taunton at fancy odds and is possibly over priced today, she had GOWITHDFLO behind her that day and its hard to see that form being reversed, especially if the former improves for her first run. UMADACHAR is a very highly thought of filly and made amends for fluffing her lines first time up with a win second time round and it will be interesting to see how she performs today. BUXOM beat GINGER FIZZ by four lengths on debut and improved to win again at Ludlow in her second run, further improvement would put her bang there with a chance. THE WICKED KEEPER is alot better off than CALL ME A STAR on their last run together thanks to a 10 pound claimer, there may still be more to come from Alan Kings horse today though and is fancied ahead of Martin Keighleys horse. TARADREWE won well first time out and Aidan Coleman booked to ride is a very positive booking today. She will need to improve though. A chance is taken on UMADACHAR though today.

4:25
A race that revolves all around SANCTUAIRE who was oh so impressive on his chase debut and earned quotes of 16/1 for the Arkle afterwards. Paul Nicholls has however opted not to run him there and Aintree looks the target for him. One word of warning, he can have a mind of his own and give the others a 25 length lead sometimes but was on better behaviour last time and looks hard to beat. GRACCHUS is his main rival and is a good horse in his own right but really shouldnt be good enough to beat the favourite if at his best. The same applies for the other two despite getting weight from the two mentioned.

5:00
A mix of horses that are bang in form and horribly out of form in this race today, INSIDE DEALER is one of those in form and can be forgiven his last run. Would maybe have won at Kempton in December but for being murdered by Fruity O'rooney 2 from home. COOL FRIEND ran into the huge improver Hunt Ball last time and on that form easily holds PANJO BERE who doesnt look the force of old. The former looks well handicapped after not being raised for his 2nd last time out. CALUSA CALDERA and COIS FARRAIG have been badly out of form lately and need to prove alot today. ALDERTUNE always seems to find one too good in a race and today may not be any different. Sue Smiths second runner of the day is YOU KNOW YOURSELF and Shane Byrne gets on very well with him, you wouldnt imagine Sue Smith would travel all this way for nothing so he gets the nod today.

as always happy punting

NAP - Ted Spread
NB - Kuilsriver