The Youngsters

One of Cheltenham's most pleasing aspects is the continuity from year to year. To that end the novice/juvenile races while not always the easiest to fathom, are definitely worth careful scrutiny. Festival form is very much an important factor when assessing a horse's chances.

First up, is the Supreme over 2m. Some great horses have won this without ever striking again while others such as subsequent Gold Cup winners (Best Mate and War of Attrition) have been beaten. This year's renewal sees Dunguib, odds on and on form, head and shoulders above his rivals. This corner (albeit biased having been on in the Bumper last year) sees no reason why he can be beaten, particularly having witnessed him saunter around Leopardstown last time. There are probably a few dark horses lurking with Loosen the Load an interesting longshot.

The Neptune over 2m5f looks a lot more competitive. Rites of Passage (3rd last year's bumper) is favourite but at this stage chances have to be given to Quel Esprit (4th in bumper), Quanttativeeasing, Finian's Rainbow, Peddlars Cross and Summit Meeting.

Since winning at Limerick, Enterprise Park has been in the notebook for the Albert Bartlett and I was pleased to note Willie Mullins' comments this week.

The Triumph since being elevated to graded status has become a very interesting race although due to bad weather it looks less competitive this time. Alaivin (ex John Oxx) looks the best horse and will be hard to beat if he gets home.

Lastly but not leastly, is the Bumper. Personally I have a soft spot for this race while understanding other's aversion. Dunguib flying up the hill last year will be of my most treasured memories from expeditions to Prestbury Park. It usually pays to support an Irish trained runner, in particular from the Mullins' yard with a A Day in a Lifetime, looking the best so far. However Sunday's Leopardstown winner, Shoot from the Hip put in a most striking performance (went off at a good gallop and had plenty in the tank at the finish) and if he travels, might be well worth supporting.

cheers...