There is only one Irish runner in here and it's a race they have a poor record in but don;t seem to target as much as some others, no doubt not wishing to blow UK handicap marks. I think FRENCH DYNAMITE has a favourites chance, Sean thinks it's been let in lightly but I have 3 to go to war with and I'm confident we can keep the prize in the UK. If you want a saver on the favourite please feel free.

 

Slate House has back form in this but would be an unusual winner in terms of profile. I think that Nassalam needs further than this and that both Mister Fisher and Deyrann De Carjac will be seen to better effect later in the season in possibly easier races than this. Coole Cody loves Cheltenham, is sure to run a bold race as always but off a mark of 151 you'd have to genuinely think there are others better handicapped. Simply The Betts has Course form but all of its best Cheltenham runs have been on The New Course and that's worth bearing in mind for the future. Midnight River fits the second season Chaser profile that this race is known for, but I just don't think its yet good enough to take this race. Happygolucky returns off 581 days and a very positive profile, I'd just want to see what shape it's in before investing but if money talks for this one near the off don't hesitate to have a few quid on. It's definitely one to TRACK.  

 

Il Rodito is very left field for me even though PFN selects it from what would have been a long list and I find the booking of Heskin a bit strange to be frank, GA Law is another in with an excellent chance but my niggle is that all of its best form is right handed and I'm not sure how he'll handle Cheltenham and STOLEN SILVER whilst a cracking prospect for an in-form Yard and the prefect story ( Sam and Dai after their helicopter crash) just missed my final list of three, mainly on price and the lack of a run.

 

I'm very sweet on the chances of GALAHAD QUEST, an eye catcher here last year, they have had a run and the Yards horses are coming to hand and improving for a run, they have a story to tell too with Chester recovering slowly from very serious injuries and I'll be disappointed if this one isn't roaring up the hill. I think STORM CONTROL is way over-priced for Kerry Lee, its a 3 miler for sure but runs prominently an I think could lead these a merry dance. My only niggle is that it doesn't use too much energy up front too soon with Coole Cody a pace angle also but if it can just sit a length off that one and pounce at the bottom of the hill I can see a massive run. Finally I think that it's now or never this season for  UMBRIGADO and they have had a couple of prep runs, the horse will be 1005 fit and the Pipe's have a great record in this race and Tommy Scu deserves one too.