1.30 – This is a good renewal. I'm hoping IMPAIRE ET PASSE would be a worthy runner in some of the very best editions of this race as I think he is top quality. I'm a big believer in visual impressions and this lad left a lasting impression on me when winning well last time out. He jumped pretty much impeccably all the way around and quickened nicely and although his form doesn't stack up like some of rivals' form I think he can improve past them. Hermes Allen is a classy sort but his trainer's record with novice hurdles at the Festival leaves a little bit to be desired.
2.10 – My banker of the week is GERRI COLOMBE who looks sure to improve plenty for the step up to 3 miles. His shrewd trainer has kept him to intermediate trips so far this season with the idea of peaking here at Cheltenham. The fact he has won all his career starts to date suggests he might just be a bit special and I do like the way he just keeps winning. Nothing flashy, just a determination to get his head in front. His jumping is economical and I like the way he puts himself right when he gets one wrong. Hopefully the step up in trip and slower pace will allow him to jump accurately more often anyway. At 7/4 he looks like a good banker.
2.50 – I've got this race down to Run For Oscar and HMS SEAHORSE and I'm going for the latter despite slight concerns about his age. Not many 5 year olds have won this race but his unexposed profile really tempts me in and I love the way Paul Nolan has trained him. The prospect of softer ground also convinces me he is the one to be on. Fingers crossed I have got it right.
3.30 – I've been banging on about NUBE NEGRA who is currently 22/1 with Betway has for a few seasons now and I was gutted when he was a late withdrawal last season. I've been sucked into him again this year but again the prospect of soft ground threatens to reduce his chances. I'm hoping it doesn't get too bad as I really want to get behind him as I think he has a good chance on decent ground. If it does turn up soft I think Edwardstone will probably take a bit of beating.
4.10 – Some of you may want to get a cup of tea during this race but if you are getting involved it looks like it may pay to stick with the favourite. At his current price I can watch him win and as tempting as the reports are around Galvin he too is a little bit short. I'd rather take a chance on SNOW LEOPARDESS with a price at 16/1 with Betway who showed more signs of life around here 2 runs ago before tiring on ground probably too quick for her. Since then she has put in a big run at Haydock when finishing second to Quick Wave. If she can build on her first run over this unique course then 25/1 is a huge price.
4.50 – This looks wide open and my main fancy has failed to get in so I've had to go back to the drawing board. It's not a strong fancy but I'm pretty sure A WAVE OF THE SEA should not be 50/1. Joseph O'Brien's horse is a multiple winner and certainly has a touch of class as he just got touched off last time out when trying to win the Matheson Handicap Chase for the third year in a row. It hasn't quite worked out for him at Cheltenham the past few years but he is certainly capable and at 50/1 he is worth a punt.
5.30 – I'm going to have two darts at the board here and first up is ENCANTO BRUNO. John McConnell's charge won a decent bumper here in October and made quite an impression on jockey Tom Scudamore. There has been good vibes around him and at 16/1 he looks a belting each way bet. I was on a preview panel with Jimmy Daly (Henry's son) and he stated they never declared Bowenspark, their own smart bumper performer, because the Exors of Trevor Hemmings had a better chance with FAVOUR AND FORTUNE who is currently marked up at 33/1 with Betway. I think Alan King has a smart team of bumper horses this year so the fact he relies on this lad in this race says quite a lot in my view. He has looked a pretty good animal in his two starts so far and is certainly worth chancing at those prices.
