Cheltenham Festival Thursday

1.30pm

Mister Fisher

We were toying with running him in the Arkle, but we plumped for this test over 2m4f.  I’d have been very happy with whatever challenge was chosen for him to be honest, as he showed he had plenty of pace when beating Al Dancer in the Lightning Chase at Doncaster last time, and he won over this trip here in December. He is versatile as regards ground too, but I certainly wouldn’t mind it if dries out as he does have a turn of foot. You have to respect plenty in here, but I’d be disappointed if I am not in the first three if all goes to plan and hopefully even better. I imagine a few will fancy they have a winning chance, though.

2.10pm

Welsh Saint

He shaped well for me over 2m4f here on New Year’s Day and he proved his stamina for this trip when winning well in deep ground at Haydock last time. He has gone up 4lb for that win, but that wouldn’t bother me, especially as the runner-up is a progressive horse, and you can certainly give him every chance. He is unexposed over this distance, and better ground won’t be a problem either, so there are plenty of positives about him.

4.50pm

Floressa

We were all gutted when a setback ruled Marie’s Rock out of this race last month, but Floressa is no second-string substitute. It would have been a very difficult choice between the pair, which shows you how much I rate this mare. She has had a run around here in a bumper and steady progression has told the story of her hurdling form this term. She was very good when beating Jeremys Flame at Newbury in November and she was unlucky not to finish a lot closer when third to Lady Buttons at Doncaster last time. She is a very quick hurdler with a real change of gear, and the better the ground the better her chance. I am hopeful.