12th November 2012

Flemenstar was mightily impressive yesterday landing the Fortria Chase but I wouldn't be ploughing money into the horse for the Gold Cup just yet. Any horse looking to be involved in the showpiece event come March would have done the same in my opinion leading from the front, stretching the field's stamina and winning with plenty in hand over 2 miles. At the moment I still prefer Sir Des Champs for his proven Cheltenham record and so far up also staying beyond 3 miles. I also prefer how the latter takes a fence and the thought of the two clashing in the John Durkan is a truly exciting proposition. Plenty of other horses played their opening Cheltenham cards this week and please keep checking Cheltenham Watch 2013 throughout the year to keep up to date with those that are of interest. The coming weekend is also going to show a lot of early hints with racing for the Paddy Power Gold Cup meeting, so don't be surprised that the racing in the build up to the weekend is not out of the top drawer. Nevertheless here is one selection for today.

14.25 Carlisle

I'm amazed at the price currently available on CAPPA BLEU, especially with Betfair where he is currently trading at 3.15. Arguably Evan Williams' stable star, he is going to be extremely tough to beat off level weights seeing as he is top rated and he is the most proficient jumper here, shown by his ability to finish last year's Grand National in fourth after some traffic trouble in running. The only concern is how he will cope with today's 3 miles as he is clearly a stayer and may be susceptible to a speedier sort. But in today's soft conditions this is going to be a real slug and as a result the selection looks nailed on to run well here, especially given his good record fresh and the fact his trainer scored two winners yesterday to indicate he's coming into a bit of form himself. Across The Bay was an impressive handicap winner 3 weeks ago off top weight, and the switch back to fences seems to have brought the best out of him. However at his short price he is no value against Cappa Bleu and is overlooked. Sarando is very much a hit and miss horse and although coming third in a recent flat race and a course and distance winner, he should be outclassed here by the selection. Beamazed also comes here fresh but doesn't necessarily run better like that and looks set to need the run, especially against far superior opposition. Soft Spoken Guy returns to fences for the first time since last December and there's little to suggest he'll be in the mix up here.

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer