Cheltenham

3.00pm

Hijack

He was a big, backward baby last year, more mentally than anything physical, and he improved for the summer off. I liked the way he stuck at it when second over 2m3f at Fontwell on his reappearance, where I suspect he bumped into one, and a 2lb rise was probably to be expected. I think this extra 2f on a stiffer track will suit him, and I can see him going well, though this is obviously a hugely competitive handicap. The recent rain is a further plus.

4.10pm

Pipesmoker

He is by Authorized, a sire I love, and he clearly ran two hugely promising races in defeat against very smart horses last season. Both of those performances were of a similar merit but I loved the way he finished off his race and came up the hill behind Chantry House here last season. You never know what you will come up against at this time of the year, but he clearly sets a high form standard for the others to aim at, and he has an obvious chance in this maiden hurdle. I sat on him and schooled him earlier in the week, and all went well. We like him.