1.20 – Supreme Novices Hurdle
There aren't many runners in here which means it could turn tactical and I will be amazed if For Pleasure doesn't attempt to bounce out and make all the running. Alex Hales' charge must be respected as he has proven before he can sustain the ferocious gallop that he sets so he mustn't be discounted.
I'm very sweet on APPRECIATE IT however and I think it will take something special to stop him from winning. Willie Mullins' charge has looked pretty smart on all starts so far this season and despite looking like a horse who will benefit from a longer trip he keeps delivering over the minimum trip. He looks a typical Mullins Supreme hope and I expect him to be handy enough and outstay them all up the hill.
Soaring Glory did the business for me in the Betfair Hurdle a few weeks ago and I respect him hugely. He looks a solid play for each way backers.
1.55 – Arkle Novices Chase
The defection of Energumene leaves the door wide open for SHISHKIN here. Nicky Henderson seems to have manufactured another two mile superstar in the shape of this lad and despite looking at this race from numerous angles I just can't see him getting beat. Allmankind is going to tear off in front for sure but if you were backing him you would have to have serious doubts about whether or not he will get up the hill after two blowouts at Cheltenham already on his CV.
He might just set it up for the remainder and Shishkin would almost certainly be the main beneficiary. He has bags of pace and stays all day so he boasts all the credentials of an Arke winner and I will be very surprised if he isn't in the winner's enclosure at 2.05pm.
2.30 – Ultima Handicap Chase
This looks an interesting race despite being a select field and Happygolucky looks a worthy favourite. Having said that I couldn't be backing him at 7/2 on a day where value is probably at a premium anyway.
I'd rather have a couple of darts at two at a bigger price and first on my list is VINTAGE CLOUDS who is having his 5th attempt at the race. Connections look to have geared his season around this race and he arrives here off a much more reasonable mark than the one he contested the race off last year. He looks a solid bet and although his age is against him I think he can run a solid race at a big price.
Second on my list is MILAN NATIVE who won last year's Kim Muir off an 8lb lower mark. His previous trainer would have no doubt been targeting this race for some time and his absence is not really a concern. The Irish don't have a great record in this race but that isn't a reason to discount a previous festival winner like this fellow. His main aim will undoubtedly be the Grand National but I think he will tuned up to run well here first.
3.05 – Champion Hurdle
There could be quite a burn up up front here and I'm hoping that can play into the hands of ABACADABRAS who has been crying out for this better ground. He hasn't been able to run on genuine good ground for quite some time so the fact he has been able to perform so well is testament to how much ability he has. His form in last year's Supreme is really good and a repeat performance would almost certainly see him go close here. I'm hoping Jack Kennedy doesn't get into a battle with Honeysuckle too early and instead uses his mount's deadly turn of foot to win it late on.
3.40 – Mares Hurdle
This is a race which rarely inspires me and it doesn't really catch my attention this time around but there is one at a bigger price which could hit the frame. GREAT WHITE SHARK is a classy flat mare but has shown a good amount of ability over hurdles also. Connections were concerned that the handicapper may have caught up with her so a run in a relatively weak Mares Hurdle looks a wise move. Currently 16/1 she looks a solid each way play.
4.15 – Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
This looks an absolute minefield on paper and it's normally a race which throws up a bit of a surprise. RIVIERE D'ETEL is one that catches my eye and certainly looks weighted to go well. A classy filly on the flat in France, she has taken well to hurdling so far with her former trainer keeping her hidden in novice company rather than running her against her own age. She has more than held her own in that discipline and could prove a lot better than an opening mark of 134. At 12/1 I really like her chances and I hope she can go well.
4.50 – National Hunt Chase
This got rather competitive at the last minute as Next Destination and Escaria Ten added some further depth to the race. This has certainly made GALVIN's task slightly harder but conditions look set to be ideal for him and his overall profile fits the race perfectly so he is a confident selection here. I had some slight doubts over his jumping last summer but the way he powered away up the hill when last seen here in October was pretty taking. Shrewd connections have put him away over the winter in order to come to this race fresh and his top notch Cheltenham form means he must have a favourite's chance. Solid bet despite the short price.
