I was very pleased with Jonbon in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last week and I’m delighted to say he has come out of the race in great shape.

Obviously, I was keeping a close eye on the Irish action on Sunday and saw El Fabiolo in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork. Considering the ground, and the fact he was making his seasonal debut, for various reasons, I don’t think they, or us for that matter, were entirely at their best, so I thought it was Even Stevens at close of play on Sunday – I don’t think you can really say one did better than the other.

Watching both races I don’t think either of us will need to run a mile from the other, but I’m sure Willie Mullins has a lot more up his sleeve, and so have we, I genuinely believe.

Our plan after Saturday was to go to Ascot for the G1 Clarence House, but now Mr Mullins has got the cheek to say he is going to come himself which, I’m afraid to say, is not acceptable! Joking aside, we won’t be making any rush decisions because we also have the option of the Game Spirit at Newbury, and I have said it will be either/or, but I would like to go to the Clarence House, yes.

CHELTENHAM – FRIDAY

12:05

Kintail (Nico De Boinville)

He appeared to win with a fair bit in hand on his first run over hurdles at Warwick, and the second has won since, so the form has a strong look to it, and he’s a person we’ve always thought a lot of, but I will say his jumping does need to sharpen up and I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t. This is a very competitive race and the drop back to two miles won’t be an issue on this course.

1:15

Doddiethegreat (Nico De Boinville)

He’s done nothing wrong so far and I was impressed with him at Ascot on his first run back in yonks, and while he was pretty tuned up for that, he might come on a small amount for it, mentally if nothing else. He’s gradually creeping up the ladder and this will tell us a lot more.

3:35

Bold Endeavour (Freddie Gordon)

He is very consistent which is why the handicapper still has him on 142, but Freddie’s 5lbs claim does at least help bring him down a bit and he’s now joint top weight with Captain Morgs! He’s not quite graded class so unfortunately is in no man’s land, and we’re forced into these sorts of races.

Captain Morgs (Nico De Boinville)

He won this last year off a 3lbs lower mark, and I rather think he’ll like the switch back to Hurdles. The ground is a little cause for concern because he does seem at his best on Good, but he won his novice on soft which gives us hope and he’s in good shape.