Cheltenham

1.30pm

I’m not a great watcher but I’ll be at Cheltenham, so if anyone wants me to have a chat in their box then let me know! I like the claims of Al Dancer most in the Supreme, as he ticks every box for me.  They have made a big call to ditch the hood that he has been wearing, as Cheltenham is a big occasion for any horse, but he goes into the race with just about the best form credentials, has won around here, and won’t mind the ground. He has been campaigned very well, and has that necessary touch of class.

2.10pm

I should have been given a medal for getting Glen Forsa handicapped on 114 after two hurdle defeats earlier in the season! But, to be serious, what a difference fences have made to him. He has been a joy to behold, winning over an extended 2m7f at Chepstow through to his win over 2m at Sandown last time, and I think he has a favourite’s chance in the Arkle. There are obviously plenty of other front-runners in here, but he can take a lead if necessary, and his jumping could set him apart from this field. He is a strong stayer with pace, and that could be too potent combination for his rivals to match.

2.50pm

Mister Whitaker is another horse I know very well. He hasn’t progressed as expected from his Carlisle win for me earlier in the season, as at that stage we thought he could develop into a Ryanair, and maybe even a Gold Cup, horse. But I think he is well handicapped off 151, the step up in trip will suit him and Brian Hughes has a real good ride here. He obviously knows him well, having won the Close Brothers on him here last year.

3.30pm

I think the favourites will fill the first three places in the market, but I fancy Apple’s Jade will lead them home. She was astonishingly good in the Irish Champion Hurdle last time and that 7lb sex allowance could make the difference. It would be a great story were either she or Buveur D’Air won.

4.10pm

All the talk has been about how far Benie Des Dieux will win this by, but I like Lady Buttons each-way. She bypassed the Champion Chase for this and she is just one progressive mare over fences or hurdles, with a high cruising speed.

4.50pm

Cubomania comes in here after some solid races in defeat and I think the return to softer ground could suit. He has a fair each-way chance.

5.30pm

I’d be worried about Ok Corral lasting home over 4m on soft ground as he can be too keen – he also showed a fair bit of pace to win over 3m on good ground at Warwick last time – so I am happy to take a chance with Impulsive Star each-way. He showed that stamina is definitely his forte when winning the Classic Chase over 3m5f at Warwick last time, and finished fourth to Rathvinden in a stronger renewal of this race last season.