THE POL SUGGESTS ANOTHER FRY WINNER

February looms and with this, the Cheltenham countdown can really start to begin. Many horses have ran their final race before the Festival whilst others are still to grace the racecourse once more. Some of these run today, including at Sandown, where the preview commences...

The 3:00 looks a wide-open affair but the favourite POLAMCO has won his last two races and still looks fairly treated at the weights. On the other hand, most of his opponents appear to be in the grip of the handicapper. His victory over Morito Du Berlais is arguably the best recent form on offer so you would have to fancy him to continue Harry Fry's decent form.

Polamco (orange and black)

1:50- BRICK RED has been performing consistently of late, with two second place finished behind the classy Mr Mole. Venetia Williams' raider hasn't got Paul Nicholls' enigmatic animal to deal with today so has to be respected, although Ballygarvey will not be a pushover.

2:25- This renewal of the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase could well be a duel between Irish Saint and Champagne West. However, at the prices, Grade 1 novice hurdler GRUMETI cannot be discounted. His four length defeat by Vibrato Valtat isn't the worst form around and his comprehensive beating of Sail By The Sea, who sluiced up at 1/6 yesterday, was also a useful performance. If he can handle the step up in trip, he could make a mockery of his position of being the market outsider of five. As for the remaining pair, Splash Of Ginge has a lot to find on form with Champagne West given Philip Hobbs' runner beat him comfortably at Cheltenham whilst Gitane Du Berlais represents Willie Mullins, who has a lowly strike rate of 2 winners from 19 with horses in the UK this season. Both of those winners were the imperious Faugheen.

3:35- This handicap chase is a real humdinger to decipher. JUST A PAR has seen his official rating tumble this season; it hit its lowest yet at Cheltenham last time out where he finished a respectable 4th off 140. His rating was left unchanged after that but he has 2 furlongs less to contend with today which will be massively in his favour. Course specialist LE REVE is also a big player in this- his recent third behind The Young Master looked a solid run. Something similar should be expected today. Others to keep an eye on are Theatrical Star, There's No Panic and Bertie Boru.

Just A Par non runner- BERTIE BORU selected instead. Ran a good race behind Unioniste at the course last time out, won two in a row before that. Only raised a pound for latest run, should give Richard Johnson another good spin

4:10- In the Esher track's finale, British debutant AIGLE DE LA SEE could prove to be thrown in off 119 for Nicky Henderson. His French form looks relatively solid and could be another smart acquisition for Messrs Munir and Soeude. AMIDON is also a big contender here based on his second behind Caracci Apache at Plumpton. Furthermore, by my reckoning, his 1 1/4 length defeat behind Mr Grey would suggest that he is about six pounds well in at the handicap. Mr Grey has a rating of 127 and given they ran off level weights when they faced each other, Amidon should only have to carry four pounds less (my calculations for the length he was beaten) but instead carries ten pounds less. Richard Johnson a positive booking too.


Ffos Las hold their Welsh Champion Hurdle fixture today. In the feature race (2:05) the selection is FORYOURINFORMATION. Due to Silsol's inclusion in the race, he gets in off a nice 10-4 weight. His form behind Out Sam, Thomas Brown and Tea For Two at Newbury now looks very strong and his two wins on this ground at the course show that he's adept to coping in these conditions.

In the West Wales National (2:40), you're looking for a strong stayer. GLOBAL POWER fits this criterion and has good form on bottomless surfaces. GORGEOUS LLIEGE will stay all day as well and also wants it like a bog. The only time he ran a bad race was when he was pulled up over 4 miles on good ground at Exeter.


The Towton Novices' Chase (3:20) is quite a weak Grade 2 in all honesty, partly down to RSA hopeful Kings Palace not being declared. NED STARK could well prove to be good enough on ground he'll love. Alan King's inmate has steadily been improving in novice chases this season and although he missed out on the four-timer at Cheltenham, it was behind the top class pair of Ptit Zig and Champagne West. He travelled well for a long way that day so should find this task a lot easier.

2:10- PEPITE ROSE now only carries one pound more than his last handicap win after slipping down the weights whilst competing in some quality two mile events this season. She was always like to find a few too good in the Haldon Gold Cup and the Tingle Creek which she did. Today's race is a much simpler proposition and she should have enough class to win this despite top weight. MIDNIGHT BELLE cannot be discounted either- her second behind useful handicap chaser Big Water isn't all that bad plus she goes on the ground.

Two more selections:

LYRICAL THEATRE in the Grade 3 Novices Hurdle at Fairyhouse (1:55). She will need to put in a career best to beat Morning Run and Carrigmoorna Rock but she looks to be a progressive sort and is well worth a chance at 8/1.

GHAAMER in Meydan's 1:20. Ran a decent race behind Not A Given last time out so his recent form cannot be questioned whereas others in the field have ran poor races lately.


Have a good Saturday


Happy Punting!

THYME FOR ANOTHER ELLIOTT BUMPER WIN

Now, I'm well aware that there are bigger races at Leopardstown tomorrow than their concluding bumper but the top races tomorrow ought to be won by short priced horses, which as you probably know by now, is not what I'm about. The shorties in those races will be opposed but not with masses of confidence so instead, I'm leading with a horse that looks to have a big chance.

Last week, I commented on how many bumpers seemed to be battles between Messrs Mullins and Elliott. Because of Mullins' record in races of this nature, other trainers horses including Elliott's, can find their prices a little underpriced. Today seems to be no exception as the unraced Fugi Mountain (4/5) goes up against ROBIN THYME (6/1), who ran a respectable third on his debut behind Champion Bumper candidate Up For Review. He travelled well for a long way then; providing he comes on for the run, he should be able to follow in the footsteps of recent bumper winners for the yard which include Jetstream Jack, Tombstone and Myztique (all of whom beat fancied Mullins runners).

Can Gordon Elliott continue his good form in bumpers?

One of the aforementioned hotpots running is Arkle fancy Un De Sceaux. He participates in the Irish equivalent today (1:40) and should prove tough to beat. He's unbeaten barring a fall on his chase debut, where had the race at his mercy. That could be the only chink in his armour but if his sloppy jumping in places was to play a role, his adversaries looks sure to capitalise on it. Neither Gilgamboa nor CLARCAM are slouches. The former hosed up in a Grade 2 chase at Limerick on his latest start whilst the latter beat the mighty Vautour by 17 lengths (thanks largely to some bad jumping and heavy ground). It was still a brilliant run, however, and his 5 year-old weight allowance of 10 pounds will help him be competitive.

It's Hurricane Fly vs Jezki: Part VII at 2:45 in the Irish Champion Hurdle. Out of the two, preference would be for the 21-time Grade 1 winner. There should be no reason why the reigning Champion Hurdler will reverse the Christmas course and distance form; his time looks more likely to come at Cheltenham as he looks to hold on to his crown. However, purely at the prices, they'll be opposed with the horse who finished third behind them both in that Ryanair Hurdle, ARCTIC FIRE. He was a fast finisher that day and it appeared as though, if only for a brief moment, that he was about to reel in the famous duo. That run surprised many and made plenty take notice of him. In truth, today probably won't be his day but he'll have a big day sometime.

The Grade 2 Novices Hurdle at 3:15 looks a tasty affair, with No More Heroes being a worthy favourite. He puts his Albert Bartlett credentials on the line today but there's the small matter of today to get over too. WINDSOR PARK looked classy on his hurdles debut, staying on well at the finish. Master trainer Dermot Weld will have him nicely tuned up for this and will definitely give Gordon Elliott's horse plenty to think about. OUTLANDER could also run a big race. His form over two miles was solid; his first run over 3 miles last time out suggested that it was not quite his distance. He was outstayed by Martello Tower, who re-opposes today, however that horse may want further than today's 2m 4f trip. On the other hand, Outlander should relish the 4 furlongs less and could be capable of giving a good account of himself. Killultagh Vic rates the main danger- he looked a useful prospect and was not disgraced behind Supreme Novices Hurdle fancy L'Ami Serge. The only horse to have won this race in recent years carrying the biggest weight in the race was Boston Bob. But he was unbeaten up until that point, a Grade 1 winner, a 9/4 favourite who ended up finishing 2nd in the Albert Bartlett as a 6/5 favourite. Let's get this straight, No More Heroes would be a serious horse were he to win this.

Over at Sedgefield, point-to-point winner KILAS GIRL is taken to beat Aqalim (1:25), who he receives the best part of a stone off. John Ferguson's runner clearly has the best form on offer but John Quinn's inmate could be anything. Jason Maguire looks an eye-catching booking; bearing in mind his 30% strike rate at the course.


Enjoy your Sunday (or at least try to enjoy it if you're an Aston Villa fan, as we're not going to be in the FA Cup at 5 o'clock this evening. Bournemouth rate superb value at around 2/1 in my opinion. They can score, we cannot. Simple.)


Happy Punting!

RICHARD'S ROYAL RUMBLE AT DONCASTER

Cheltenham's been previewed, so now it's time to take a look at races from the other meetings today, including Doncaster's Skybet Chase.

Phillip Hobbs looks to have a strong hand in the race formerly known as the Great Yorkshire Chase (3:15). IF IN DOUBT looks a potential improver and AP McCoy in the saddle is a big plus. ROYAL PLAYER also seems to be a horse going places. His bold jumping should put him right in the equation.

1:30- ROYAL REGATTA ran a decent race behind Far West at Newbury last time out and has found a nice race here to notch up another win. This could be another good Saturday; as so many have been for Richard Johnson this season.

Hopefully Richard Johnson can continue his scintillating form that has made
this season so successful for him.

2:05- Analifet could be hard to beat but NYANZA has a nice weight and has the beating of another contender today, Intense Tango. Johnson looks a good booking.

2:40- Blaklion could prove a tough nut to crack but CARACCI APACHE has won his last two nicely. A Sandown win was followed by a procession at Plumpton- a replication of these two runs will give the Twiston Davies horse a lot to think about.


At Lingfield, ASTRAL WEEKS runs in the opener (12:50) for Michael Bell on his second run. His horses often need their first outing so she could be one to keep an eye on. Frankie Dettori only comes here for one ride so MESSILA STAR certainly needs an eye kept on him in  the 2:35.

Finally, at Navan, SARWISTAN brings some very useful hurdles form to their concluding bumper (4:15) and could be hard to beat. Augustin rates the main danger.


Have a good Saturday


Happy Punting!

DE SIVOLA TO REVE UP CLEEVE

Tomorrow sees Cheltenham hold their last raceday before the Festival. Although it is built up as a "Trials Day" for the four days in March, the races often have little bearing on the showpiece events. However, there are a handful of horses putting their Cheltenham Festival credentials on the line, so lets have a look at their chances then and more importantly for now, tomorrow.

The Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle (3:35) does not look as enthralling as it had the potential to be, with the likes of Beat That and At Fishers Cross not turning up. Both of the market principals look vulnerable in my opinion. Firstly, there's Saphir Du Rheu, who runs here after an up and down campaign over fences. It looked as though the novice chasing world was his oyster when he bolted up at Exeter but his most recent run saw him fall in the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day, where he appeared to be struggling before his early exit, never travelling with any zeal. I'm not the biggest fan of horses that revert to hurdles after sketchy chase campaigns and despite there being some high profile exceptions, he is far too short at 6/4 for me, given he needs to have that put his mediocre last run firmly behind him.

Next there is Un Temps Pour Tout. Trainer David Pipe has reported him to have improved plenty over the summer but you would have reservations about him being victorious on his seasonal reappearance. There could also be question marks as to whether his form is good enough; his seven-length third behind Deep Trouble does not really put him into the mix here.

A horse with far stronger form is REVE DE SIVOLA. Claims that he wasn't the horse he once was were quashed when showing a tenacious quality to beat Zarkandar in the Long Walk Hurdle. Admittedly, his form can be inconsistent but that Ascot run is the best recent hurdles performance on offer here and has to put him into the reckoning.

Reve De Sivola tasting victory in this two years ago

The victory of COLE HARDEN ahead of Medinas and At Fishers Cross at Wetherby could be criticised, as both horses he beat that day needed the run. However, his third behind Rock On Ruby and Vaniteux looks rock solid and definitely makes him a contender here.

Cole Harden

Olofi and The Druids Nephew, although smart on their day, look a little out of their depth here.

There's a slight worry that my two selections will chop each others heads off by trying to get an easy lead but I'm confident that, if one of them can dictate proceedings, they have a big chance.


The BetBright Chase (1:50) has been dominated by 9 and 10 year olds in recent years, whilst horses carrying the maximum 11-10 have struggled. The two selections for this fit one of those criteria each. SMAD PLACE could make his weight of 11-2 count, providing he comes on for his Hennessy run. But with the likes of Djakadam and Unioniste winning on their next run after that race, there seems to be no reason why Alan King's grey cannot do the same. Last year's winner, 10 year-old THE GIANT BOLSTER, has a big chance here based on his Cheltenham form. He rarely runs a bad race here and you'd be surprised if he wasn't in the thick of things again.

Smad Place

The Giant Bolster

Dynaste clearly has a chance and is deserving favourite; his Cheltenham festival target hasn't quite been finalised yet. Many Clouds beat Smad Place in the Hennessy but he had the benefit of having his seasonal reappearance that day so there is a strong possibility that the form could be reversed. Black Thunder would need a career best here as would Theatre Guide, but slight preference would be for the latter from that pair.


The Grade 3 handicap chase at 2:25 should see LITTLE JON go close, providing he can complete the race. Twice this season he has been in the process of running a big race here but he's found some way to unship his jockey, if he can keep Sam Twiston Davies aboard, he could be capable of taking advantage of his nice weight. SEW ON TARGET has always promised a win at Prestbury Park and he didn't disappoint, scoring nicely on his latest run. A similar run will see him there or thereabouts at the finish.


The opening race is a Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle trial (12:40). Whereas some races on this card aren't proper "trial" races for the Festival, this one certainly is. It features plenty of horses that have a chance in the opening race on Gold Cup day, including favourite Peace And Co. He's definitely looked like the best juvenile around but he cannot be backed at 1/2. It's not even as if he is up against trees; BIVOUAC brings strong form to the table with his two English wins, including when defying a big penalty at Kempton whilst IBIS DU RHEU represents top connections in Nicholls and Hales and warrants a degree of respect on his debut in this country. Karezak has never ran a bad race over hurdles, with seconds behind Hargam and Bristol De Mai. Zarib won nicely on his hurdles debut and even Storm Force Ten is no slouch based on his narrow second behind main selection Bivouac. It's safe to say that the winner of this will be in warm order for the Triumph.

Bivouac

Ibis Du Rheu

The 1:15 looks a hot handicap. STELLAR NOTION won like a fastly improving horse at Kempton on Boxing Day- further improvement will see him go close here. NED STARK was a little out classed behind Ptit Zig and Champagne West recently but his performances before that give him a top chance here, as he too looked a progressive horse. Barry Geraghty looks an eye-catching booking.


Many people, including myself, will be surprised if Value At Risk gets turned over in the Grade Novices Hurdle at 3:00. However, 6/4 doesn't interest me for this, he may be of more interest come the Albert Bartlett. But don't get me wrong, this is far from a walkover. ROBINSFIRTH looked a dour stayer behind Thomas Brown on New Years Day and could give Dan Skelton's favourite something to consider.


The day concludes with a Class 2 handicap hurdle (4:10). There are question marks against plenty of these. For example, Royal Irish Hussar and Diamond King are having their seasonal reappearances whilst Dell' Arca has looked out of sorts in his runs this season. In recent renewals of this, the highest weight a horse carried to win equated to an official rating of 130, so it could pay to side with horses at the bottom of the handicap. One whose form you cannot question is LIGHTENTERTAINMENT, who has to cope with a step up in trip but has held all before him this season and it will take a good horse to stop him winning his fifth race in six outings.



Happy Cheltenham Punting!

DODGE SPRINTER WITH BULLETS

Today sees the return of arguably the most talented yet mysterious horses in training. Of course, I am referring to Sprinter Sacre. We have had updates, racecourse schooling sessions, aborted comebacks, rumours, hearsay and more. But the past 386 days have come to this. The question is, is he the same horse as the one that shook the world of horse racing in 2013? I am pretty sure that almost everybody would like to see him back to his best. However, you cannot just forget about the heart problems which ruled him out of the whole of last year and away from that, there is the possibility that he will come on for the run (that is if he isn't quite the 190 rated animal he once was). The softer ground is also a concern.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd quite happily oppose him only for him to hack up and go into the Champion Chase as a hot favourite. But, oppose him I will, with DODGING BULLETS. Paul Nicholls' horse won the Tingle Creek last time out which, although not the strongest renewal of the race, he won with some ease. This strong traveller's form is known to drop off in the spring so this may be his best performance of the season. If Sprinter Sacre doesn't fire, he's sure to capitalise.

Dodging Bullets

Twinlight is a hit-and-miss performer, he either seems to win or get pulled up. On his day, he is very smart. This is proven by his win in the Dial-a-Bet at Leopardstown last time out when rather unfancied in the market; a replication could see him in the mix. An interesting stat is that, this season, Willie Mullins has had 17 runners in Britain. Only two of these won- these were both Faugheen.

Somersby was behind Dodging Bullets in the Tingle Creek and even though he's consistent, Mick Channon's inmate is not getting any younger and a better surface would have been preferable. Grey Gold looks out of his depth, plain and simple.

Simply, if Sprinter Sacre is "back", he wins this at ease. That is a big "if" though.

The Mares Hurdle at 1:50 (Grade 2) looks a decent affair. Carole's Spirit brings the best form into the race and is clear on the ratings. However, she will need to defy a five pound penalty to be victorious and the opposition aren't going to be pushovers. BITOFAPUZZLE has looked a smart horse in her runs so far, which have included a stunning performance in a Cheltenham bumper and a second to Alan King's useful The Pirate's Queen. On that latest run, she lost her unbeaten tag. But that took nothing away from her, in fact you could argue it was her best effort to date. She goes on the ground too, which could prove vital. MISCHIEVOUS MILLY. Her latest run was after a 329-day absence, where she ran third behind the Group 1 runner-up Aurore D'Estruval. That was a respectable run; she should come on for that and looks likely to overturn the form with Dark Spirit.

Another Grade 2 Hurdle next up (2:25). Greatwood winner GARDE LA VICTOIRE has the burden of top weight here but ran well carrying cloth number 1 in the Ladbroke. He has a touch of class and Richard Johnson will be sure to get everything out of him. Down towards the bottom of the weights, David Pipe's British newcomer WILLEM could prove good enough to exploit his featherweight. He is four pounds out of the handicap but if he repeats the best of his French form, he may be thrown in. He will want to avoid a British  debut like Le Mercurey's, who cannot be fancied based on that (although he will no doubt come on for it). Lyvius always runs his race but looks a shade high in the weights now whilst Abracadbra Sivola probably is not good enough. Baradari has promised quite a lot but has ultimately delivered little when it has mattered.

The handicap chase at 3:35 is very competitive. NICEONEFRANKIE looks to be going from strength to strength this season with two easy wins in hot races. He's defied weight rises that have been thrown at him, a further seven pounds to contend with may not be enough to halt his progress. Unbeaten in two races at Ascot too. BALLINVARRIG loves cut in the ground and showed willingness to win at Kempton recently. Paddy Brennan was seen to good effect that day, he will be hoping he can see him to the winners enclosure again. The danger could be Bobcatbilly. A ten pound rise won't make life easy but Barry Geraghty is an eye-catching booking. 

Haydock hold a Champion Hurdle trial which is only deserving of that title in name only. Should be expecting nothing more than a racecourse gallop for The New One; given that he is the only one in this field that will be able to rub shoulders with the likes of Faugheen, Jezki and Hurricane Fly.

1:30- This supposed trial for the Supreme Novices Hurdle is unlikely to have any bearings on the Cheltenham race. Aso and Kiama Bay bring a solid level form to the race but nothing overly flashy. Therefore, it may pay to side with an unknown quantity in QEWY. He was a listed level winner on the flat for John Oxx, where he showed he could go on a heavy surface. Obviously, the extra distance to contend with is not going to make life easy but he's got that touch of class and could prove to be good enough.

3:15- I was disappointed to see Broadway Buffalo had been withdrawn as he looked to have a big chance. SHANGANI has form on this surface and could have been deemed a tad unlucky to go down fighting against Ballinvarrig at Kempton last time out. This is going to be attritional, as most long distance handicap chases in this ground are at Haydock but Venetia Williams' runner may be enough of a battler to succeed.

Quick round up of my other selections...

1:25 Lingfield- Emirates Skycargo will take all the beating but could face some useful opposition including Rockfast, Goathand and DANSILI DASH. The latter of the trio is a half brother to Barshiba and Dashing Star, so is certainly bred for it. Today might not be his day but he's definitely one to keep an eye on.

2:00 Lingfield- HISTORY BOOK represents Adam Kirby and Charlie Appleby, who are constantly firing in the winners as a double act on the all weather. If she's got enough pace to cope with the drop to six furlongs, she could well keep the duo's bandwagon rolling.

4:10 Naas- So many Irish bumpers this year have been Mullins vs Elliott and I'm siding with the handler at Cullentra House Stables, courtesy of TOMBSTONE. He ran a nice race over hurdles on debut and could be good enough to beat Potters Point, who was runner up on his sole point-to-point start.

2:15 Taunton- Richard Woollacott is in flying form and BANG ON TIME should be a lot better than his opposition today, especially based on his latest win.

12:10 & 12:45 Meydan- Mike De Kock can be an unstoppable force in Dubai at times and I like a couple of his that are owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum. The partnership who had Soft Falling Rain team up with MASTERMIND (12:10) and ALAREEF (12:45). They will both come on for the run but they look a lot better than what they face and could be well up to winning these.


Enjoy your Saturday

Happy Punting!

NEW YEAR, NEW RACECOURSE

2015 sees the dawn of a new(ish) racecourse; the course that was once Great Leighs is now Chelmsford City. Their first meeting contains some decent races with powerful connections being presented. I hope all goes well for the course and that it might become the second best all weather course in the country, behind my beloved Wolverhampton (of course haha).

1:50- I'll refer to back to Wolverhampton for my selection in this race. It was just before Christmas and there was a decent looking maiden there with some useful looking sorts in there, including well fancied inmates from Marco Botti and Roger Varian. So, in the closing stages of the race, I was surprised to see the purple silks of 66/1 shot LUIS VAZ DE TORRES coming out on top. However, this Tagula colt won nicely and given that it appeared as though it was a fairly decent race he won, he looks well capable of following up here. Robert Cowell has recent added Exceedingly to his ranks and could be the danger here.

Luis Vaz De Torres

2:20- SERENITY SPA won nicely at Dundalk last time out and could be up to winning this here. A couple of recent tilts at Listed company exposed her a little but she looks well at home back in handicap company. 

2:50- At the prices, it could well be worth taking a gamble on Godolphin's apparent second string TEMPUS TEMPORIS. Blinkers well and truly worked the oracle last time out, scooting away to win by 6 lengths. It's a step up admittedly but he looks smart and this son of top all-weather sire Dynaformer should give Super Kid plenty to think about and could give John Gosden his first winner in the Godolphin royal blue.

3:20- The penultimate race is a wide open mile handicap. Lunar Deity, Norse Blues and Rightway all have chances based on recent form but preference is for RIZAL PARK, who looks like he is improving all the time.

3:50- Based on his latest run, the unexposed SILENT PURSUIT could have a part to play off a handicap mark of 57. His latest run came after a 227 day absence, so he should come on for that. The step down from a mile also seemed to help him; if he can run anywhere similar to that level again, h could be thrown in here. Sprint king Robert Cowell is represented by Copper Cavalier although stall 1 isn't ideal over this trip.

To summarise

1:50- LUIS VAZ DE TORRES

2:20- SERENITY SPA

2:50- TEMPUS TEMPORIS

3:20- RIZAL PARK

3:50- SILENT PURSUIT

Have a great Sunday

Happy Punting!

2015- CHEER FOR CHELTENHAM

Horse racing's New Year detox comes in the form of a quality card at the home of National Hunt racing, Cheltenham. Selections for all seven races are coming your way.

12:10- This looks a very warm race to kick start proceedings. Different Gravey could well prove to be exactly that- his debut over Rules was very solid and improvement is to be expected. However, 2/1 in a race of this calibre is short enough. Neil King's stable star Zeroeshadesofgrey is on quite the run at the moment. He hasn't beaten much but he's beat it well. There's no knowing how good he really is, hopefully today's race can give us an insight into his ability. Brother Tedd has clocked up two wins at Kempton for Phillip Hobbs but he is another who faces his stiffest hurdles task to date. THOMAS BROWN is one that certainly appeals at the prices. He appears to need a sound surface, which he should almost certainly be getting. His hurdles runs have been full of promise, the latest of which being a respectful second behind the potentially smart Out Sam. He was giving the winner 8 pounds that day and sloppy jumps at a couple of the obstacles were enough to stop him from winning. He's on level weights to the main players in this field and providing he jumps with more efficiency, he's got a big chance. At the prices, recent Sandown winner AS DE MEE has a squeak, although he'll have to improve on that run.

12:45- THEATRICAL STAR will see out the trip well and could well take the glory in a race where many of the competitors lack either a recent win or decent form. He could well take this en route to a tilt at the Grand National.

1:20- CHAMPAGNE WEST faces a difficult challenge courtesy of Ptit Zig but he's looked a smart prospect over chase fences. His last two successes have come at Prestbury Park and he could well be capable of making it three in a row. Ned Stark could make his presence felt but may prefer softer ground.

Champagne West

1:55- Another chance is taken on CAID DU BERLAIS. Hopefully he can get over his recent poor performance when pulling up here at the water jump (he looked in trouble before that). Slicker jumper and anything close to his Paddy Power performance should see him go mightily close here. Grade 1 placed ROLLING ACES has been knocking on the door a lot recently, he deserves a victory. The talented Sean Bowen takes five pounds off- he's certainly weighted well for it. Here's hoping Paul Nicholls can win the race. Likely threats include Splash of Ginge, Hunt Ball and Tenor Nivernais.

2:30- ULZANA'S RAID has looked as game as they come in his two latest successes over the course and he looks well up to taking this contest. KNIGHT OF NOIR had a tough task off top weight on seasonal reappearance last time out. The proposition looks a lot easier this afternoon.

3:05- This is a fascinating little contest. Vaniteux has the best recent form in the book with his second behind The New One in the International Hurdle. Barry Geraghty chooses him over twice Grade 1 winning Beat That, he will more than likely need this race. 2012 Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby looks more at home back over hurdles whilst Bet365 Hurdle winner Cole Harden has a chance, although it did appear as though he beat two horses at Wetherby that day that really needed the run under a smart front running ride. SILSOL is an unexposed sort at this level and may not prove good enough but he's beaten all before him in his last few races and is worthy of the step up in class.

Silsol (foreground)

3:40- Past winners of this race have all had past experience so even though Camlann and Barneby may well be useful, it could pay to stick with horses that have seen the course before. WISHFULL DREAMING, a half brother to Wishfull Thinking and DANDY DUKE, a solid second on debut, are selected.

Away from Cheltenham, Musselburgh hold an exciting looking card. In their Hogmaneigh Hurdle (2:10), Fred Winter winner at the Festival HAWK HIGH clearly has the best form on offer and is 2 from 2 in handicap hurdles whilst STEPHANIE FRANCES could make her presence felt off bottom weight.

Exeter 2:55- LAST SHADOW won nicely last time out and AP does the steering. EXMOOR MIST won when well fancied and if he can replicate that; leaving his form from last season behind him, he has a chance.

Exeter 4:00- Nicky Henderson's horses always need to be monitored in the bumper sphere so half brother to Don Poli MAD ABOUT THE BOY is chosen. The booking of AP McCoy aboard MIDNIGHT GYPSY looks positive, whilst Bella and Midnight Mint have chances too.

And in Fairyhouse's bumper (3:40) point winner JETSTREAM JACK is the pick.

Have a great New Years Day


Happy Punting!