Cheltenham – Saturday

3.10pm

Doitforthevillage

He will handle the soft ground and he definitely needed it at Chepstow earlier in the month. He was eased 1lb for that and will be fitter here, but the question in my mind is whether he needs another run to really get him straight. He has course-and-distance form and is on a fair enough mark, so he could easily go well in a competitive race.

4.55pm

Garo De Juilley

The track wouldn’t have been ideal for him at Cartmel and we didn’t see the best of him over hurdles at Chepstow last time. But he was a very good hurdler on his day, finishing sixth in the Long Walk, and hopefully he can progress over fences. This looks a pretty hot race, though.

5.30pm

Butte Montana

He is a monster of a horse, and one we think a lot of. We are excited to get him out and see what he can do on the track. He is by Presenting though, so the rain would be a negative. He could handle it, but it probably isn’t ideal.

Aintree – Sunday

12.40pm

Imperial Alcazar

He showed a lot of promise in his three bumpers and he is a horse that I think an awful lot of. I love him. He is the horse that I am looking most forward to riding this season, as I think he has it all. The 2m4f trip with cut in the ground is just what he wants at the moment and, although this looks a very competitive maiden hurdle, I expect a big run.

1.50pm

Theatre Guide

These veterans’ races are great and he comes here with a solid chance. He has had the benefit of a recent run at Chepstow and he came down 2lb for it too, and he has good claims on his Newbury second for me last March. If the rain arrives then he should handle it fine.