1.30pm
Balco Coastal
We all have Mighty Potter to beat but I like to think we have a fair shot at him with Balco Coastal. Sure, he needs to improve but he is progressing fast. The form of his Kempton defeat of Solo has worked out very well and he stepped it up another level when second to Gerri Colombe in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown last time. The most pleasing aspect of the Sandown run was actually that he had a right blow afterwards, so hopefully that means we can make him better, sharper and fitter here. I’m not confident of winning, but I do think he will run very well.
Unibet are BOOSTING the favourite in this race (from 10am)
2.10pm
Walking On Air
We thought we had a Cheltenham horse on our hands after he won at Newbury last season but things didn’t go to plan, and he has taken a while to find his stride this season. But he put it all together at Exeter last time and I think he is still competitively handicapped off a 5lb higher mark. There is more to come from him.
Unibet are paying EXTRA PLACES (six) in this race
2.50pm
Shishkin
I know some people are worried about the relatively quick turnaround for him after Ascot, and you never know until you race – the Champion Chase last season showed you that – but I can tell you that he is in absolutely tremendous form at home. It was some training performance from the boss to get him back in the form he showed at Ascot last month, and he is clearly the one to beat on that performance, a run that showed that this trip is needed now. If he runs his race, then something has to improve at least 7lb to beat us.
4.50pm
Luccia
As everyone probably knows now, I was very keen to run her in the Supreme with the 7lb sex allowance, but I was summarily outvoted! I do think she is close to be being the best novice hurdler in Britain though, as she was so impressive at Newbury and at Exeter. I think she is a huge talent and hopefully she will prove that here. But I am sure the Irish will have plenty to say on the matter.
Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE (four) in this race
