1.20 – Triumph Hurdle
TRINTONIC's performance at Kempton was the best juvenile performance I have seen for quite some time and I think he will take all the beating here. The Irish are raving about Zanahiyr but I'm not convinced at all. My selection is a classy performer on the flat and being trained by Alan King he was always going to make a high quality hurdler. The fact he is trained by King excites me even more as he is absolutely mustard with these types of horses and seeing his sheer excitement at Kempton is enough for me to believe that this lad might just be a little bit special.
1.55 – County Hurdle
One of the most competitive handicaps of the week and this year's looks an absolute minefield. My pen fell down on YOU RAISED ME UP who is open to a great deal of improvement on better ground. Connections have bided their time with this fellow and had to rule him out of the festival last year at the last minute due to ground worries. He's come back this year in fine fettle and he must surely go close here with conditions set to suit.
2.30 – Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
This is a stinky race and you will need one to really stay the distance. Jack Kennedy's presence aboard Torygraph might allow FAKIERA to go off at a better price. I was really impressed with his run last time out when he stayed on from an unpromising position and his overall profile really suits this race. He has plenty of experience which will come in handy and the step up to 3 mile will bring about plenty of improvement.
3.05 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
Not many horses have enhanced their claims this year and it wouldn't be the strongest renewals. It's going to take something special to stop Al Boum Photo racking up a third Gold Cup on the bounce but I'm hoping CHAMP is just that. Nicky Henderson has long held him in the highest regard and has to a certain extent wrapped him up in cotton wool so far in his career. His win in the RSA last year will live long in the memory as he showed bundles of stamina to snatch victory in the last few strides. He returned this year over two miles and performed more than admirably when only finding the classy two miler, Sceau Royal too good. The fact Champ performed so well though shows just what sort of animal he is to handle 2 miles as well as he does 3 miles and I do believe he might just be a little bit special.
3.40 – Foxhunters Chase
I wouldn't confess to having all that strong opinion in this race but I do know the Rowley yard are certainly worth following in this event. Hazel Hill took this two years ago and is a classy animal on his day. Wishing And Hoping will love this good ground and could be overpriced at 33/1. However, I will be cheering on my mate, Lee Edwards, who rides SALVATORE. This isn't purely a heart over head matter because this lad has some strong form in the book and his win at Musselburgh last time was a really good run. I certainly think he will give you a run for your money and hopefully Lee gets a good spin around.
4.15 – Mares Chase
Again, this is a race which doesn't excite me too much. I think SHATTERED LOVE has been lined up for a pop at this and her previous course form puts her right in the mix. She has lost her way slightly since winning the JLT here in 2018 but she has shown plenty this season to suggest she is slowly building her way back to form.
4.50 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
I'm taking a punt on two here as it's such a competitive race. First up I think GABYNAKO could be weighted to go well for the Gavin Cromwell yard. He has some top novice form in the book and if you can forgive a below par run last time out then he must come here with a great chance. His trainer is very sweet on his chance and I think his faith could be rewarded.
One at a wild price which could be overlooked is DREAM BERRY who represents some very shrewd connections. He came 8th in this race in 2018 and that renewal could not have worked out any better. He comes here a couple pounds lower and you would hope it isn't as competitive as it was in 2018 which would give him a chance. He hasn't achieved much recently but I wouldn't be surprised if this race had been the plan all along.
