At last it seems we may be able to enjoy some top-class jump racing after Cheltenham officials gave Saturday's card a tentative go ahead on Friday.
High-quality
His main rival comes in the shape of the Mark Bradstock trained half-brother to Carruthers, Coneygree. He is also unbeaten over hurdles and although he won over three miles last time out he was successful over 2m 5f the time before. However, I think he is more effective over the longer trip and this embryonic chaser may get reeled in by the favourite over this high-quality, 2m 4½ furlong contest.
Another of Nicky Henderson's stars, Oscar Whisky, bids to win over three miles for the first time in the
Cleeve Hurdle. He is most comfortable over 2m 4f, but if he is to become a serious World Hurdle contender he will need to put up a bold show in this.
Big Buck's won this race 12 months ago, but he is sidelined at the moment and that has thrown the stayers division wide open. It's up for debate whether this horse stays three miles against the likes of Big Buck's, but his trainer doesn't think he lacks stamina.
Reve de Sivola stays well; he won the 3 mile 1 furlong Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last time out, that was his first run for a year. He didn't meet anything of the quality of Oscar Whisky at Ascot, though.
He didn't really take to chasing and a return to this sphere should see him reproduce his best. Kauto Stone is an interesting runner back over hurdles for Paul Nicholls having pulled up in the King George.
He is a dual Grade 1 winning chaser, including most recently in the JNWine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on his penultimate start. He is also a proven stayer and he will be my selection in this as the niggling doubts remain about the stamina limitation of Oscar Whisky and at the likely prices I'd like to take him on.
Irish Arkle
There is also some very good racing to look forward to in Ireland with many of the Irish Cheltenham contenders having their preps. On Saturday the
Irish Arkle has attracted a small field, but Willie Mullins will be hoping Arvika Ligeonierre can emerge as a serious rival to Simonsig in the Cheltenham two-miler.
He is currently 7/1 for the Cheltenham race with Sky Bet. Oscars Well was no match for the Mullins horse in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase over Christmas and I can't think he will reverse the placings here.
On the same card there is a classy looking
Grade 2 Novice Chase and Willie Mullins looks capable of plundering another decent prize. He saddles Marito who is unbeaten in two starts over fences for Ireland's Champion trainer.
He just held on over 2 miles last time out from another of his rivals Mount Benbulben. However, he looked to be crying out for the step up to this sort of trip (2m 5f) and I think that will put more distance between the pair. Texas Jack looks his biggest danger and can benefit from some Paul Carberry magic.
Moving onto
Sunday and Hurricane Fly is the star on show in the
Irish Champion Hurdle. He faces some tough competition, though, as Nicky Henderson sends Binocular over for his first run since last year's Champion Hurdle.
Hurricane Fly was very impressive in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle last time out where he seemed as good as ever. He should take some beating in his bid to win this race once again en route to the Champion Hurdle for which he is currently 7/2 joint favourite with Binocular's stablemate Darlan. I said earlier there was no such thing as a certainty in racing, but I think this chap falls into that category, he will be very short as a result.
On the same card I hope Urano can get off the mark over hurdles in the opening
Maiden Hurdle. He one of my horses to follow this season and hasn't done much wrong in his two hurdle outings so far just coming up against a couple of decent types.
He can win the opener for the Mullins/Walsh combination. It looks like a Willie Mullins benefit this weekend in Ireland!
Selections
Cheltenham - Saturday
Sprinter Sacre in the Victor Chandler Chase/ William's Wishes @ 12/1 with Sky Bet (each way)
Imperial Commander in the Argento Chase
The New One in the Neptune Investment Novices' Hurdle
Kauto Stone in the Cleeve Hurdle
Leopardstown - Saturday
Arvika Ligeonierre in the Irish Arkle
Marito in the Novice Chase
Leopardstown - Sunday
Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion Hurdle
Urano in the Maiden Hurdle
