Noble is, Noble does...

Two days down, no joy so far, but big guns come out to play this afternoon. Strong fancy today and all winter long for Noble Prince in the Ryanair Chase. He has followed the same path as when winning last season's Jewson, but enthusiasm has been tempered somewhat by the rather competitive field assembled. Nevertheless, conditions are right and all hopes for this year's festival are pinned on his shoulders. Dangers include Medermit and wild card Captain Chris.

Sharing equal billing in this corner's notebook is Sir Des Champs (aeroplane??) who goes for the Jewson rather than the RSA. This beast could be anything but again hopes have been somewhat curtailed by the late arrival of Peddlers Cross into the picture. Nevertheless, he was paid a huge compliment yesterday and goes with a very serious shout.

On a compact but compelling card, Big Bucks is the main attraction, seeking a record breaking sixteenth consecutive win and a fourth Ladbrokes World Hurdle. It seems daft to be opposing him but on the going and up against a decent field, the price looks very short. Oscar Whisky from a red hot stable and the unexposed So Young are the likeliest.

good luck....

Bucking for Glory?

Big Bucks bids for three in a row today in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. In truth, I have considered him worth laying for the past few weeks but now reckon he will be very difficult to beat. However, Mourad still looks a great each way bet as it is hard to see him not making the frame. The Ryanair appears decidely unappealling and looks to be a race worth viewing only.

Aigle D'or was the first horse in the notebook this term following a facile win at Newbury earlier. He should give AP a winning ride particularly as the trainer is a past master in this sphere but he is a bit short for serious interest. Edgebrier is worth a look as an alternative.

The best race of the day is the Jewson with all major contenders having solid claims. It is very hard to deny Wishful Thinking his chance but Noble Prince is a serious danger on the projected quicker going.

The Pertemps puzzle is it's usual quandary. Although the stats are against five year olds, Barwell Bridge (unlucky here in December) is worth a speculative punt.

enjoy and good luck...

Cheltenham Day 3 - Stayers Hurdle

Good Morning from the billet and one can report a lack of rain and mild temperatures thus promising another day of quick going and speedy gallops. How will this affect today's hotpot, Big Bucks? While it probably will lessen his effectiveness, it should similarly hamper his main rivals. He has won on good, albeit at Aintree, but nevertheless it will take a brave man to oppose him. The faster going may give Sentry Duty a chance of getting the trip and he looks more likely than rest!!

The Ryanair is the best race today with the lack of rain bringing others into the mix while ensuring Poquelin will be warm order, now that he has his optimum conditions. Tranquil Sea was impressive when winning the Paddy Power and at Leopardstown but not sure how he will handle the faster track. Planet of Sound looks to be a contender also, which also brings in Alberta's Run. However in a race of imponderables, I am going to stick with long term fancy, Barbers Shop who should win if finding the necessary improvement. His form has been crabbed but he has run at a very high level and should be comfortable over the shorter distance this afternoon.

The remainder of the card is comprised of difficult handicaps although Alfie Sheerin looks well in, in a moderate Pertemps. The Jewson has developed nicely as a race and should give important pointers. Copper Bleu worth a small bet here.

The Plate is always very difficult to call but I'm So Lucky (ex Mark Johnson Flat horse) always shows well in this division and today finally has his going.

best of luck and enjoy.....

Boylesports Gold Cup

Another top handicap at Cheltenham today, the Boylesports Gold Cup and another opportunity for the Paul Nicholls' stable to increase their domination of the NH season. Poquelin looks the likely candidate on the book but his chance appears to be diminished by the soft going. However Nicholl's other main contender, Chapoturgeon, who fell early in the Paddy Power, should relish the underfoot conditions and is worth sticking with. His performance in the Jewson marked him out as a top class performer over course and distance and I can't see any reason why he won't be involved at the finish.

Celestial Halo following his debut at Wincanton looks too good to be opposed in the "Bula" but one wonders if he has the necessary finishing kick for the main event in March. It will be interesting to compare his run with Zaynar who runs later in the Relkeel.

good luck...

Paddy Power Gold Cup

The Paddy Power Gold cup kicks off the jumps season in earnest this afternoon at Cheltenham. It's surprising that Paul Nicholls has yet to win this and notable that he is running 3 capable performers. Chapoturgeon was very impressive in winning the Jewson at the festival and if reproducing that level of form will take all the beating. Subsequent to that running he fell at the first at Aintree and not uncommonly ran flat at the April meeting. However with Timmy Murphy on board, expect him to be fully wound up today and to go close. The slight concern is the high weight but that looks offset by the price (8/1 = excellent value!). The remainder of the card looks very trappy and one's attentions are drawn to Punchestown where Dunguib continues on his path to glory.

good luck....