17th November 2012

Welcome to this weekend's edition of The Horse Whisperer focusing on racing at Cheltenham where arguably the season's first big race takes place with the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Yesterday was a relatively strong day for punters with fancied horses coming out on top, and hopefully things will continue in the same manner today.

12.45 Cheltenham

A competitive affair, this Triumph Hurdle trial features some horses who have already shown they have what it takes to be involved come March, especially with the likely improvement in store. Mcvicar tops the racecard after winning twice since switching to hurdles, but the subsequent penalty he has to carry may be too much against some of these primarily Vasco Du Ronceray and FAR WEST. Both made eye catching debuts with Nicky Henderson's horse running out one of the easiest winners you will see at Hereford a fortnight ago. However preference is for Paul Nicholls' Far West to continue his trainer's fine record in the race. He won extremely well at Chepstow's undulating track which will put him in good stead for Cheltenham and the form has only been franked since, first by Handazan and then through that horse with Counsel. His jumping was particularly impressive that day and he is a worthy favourite here. Dovils Date is another improver who will enjoy going left handed and can fill out the places. 7/4 Sky Bet, Totesport, Betfred, Ladbrokes

13.20 Cheltenham

This encounter sees a few horses reoppose with the emphasis likely to be on Sea Of Thunder and SIRE COLLONGES. The two met at Cheltenham 29 days ago with the latter securing a 2 lengths victory. That race was off level weights and the 3 pounds the Gigginstown charge receives will certainly help to bridge the gap, but I'm still a big fan of Ruby's mount and will take him to confirm running. He is a better stayer than the Irish raider and as the race nears it's conclusion, should be able to see off the challenge from AP. He also would arguably have won by further if not for a rare terrible jump two out and I feel this race is still his for the taking despite the penalty. Our Father returns to action after spending the summer with Timmy Murphy so you can be sure his jockey will be wanting to win this race in particular. His trainer is in good form and it is an intriguing reintroduction to racing so he may be the one to give the selection the biggest problem receiving a handy 8 pounds. 15/8 Sky Bet

13.55 Cheltenham

It took me a while to finally come up with my selection for this race as there are plenty in with a chance but each has their own niggling doubt. Teaforthree seems an obvious starting point having won the National Hunt Chase at the Festival. I'm a big fan of his and he is my antepost Welsh National selection, but his trainer has indicated that is his target this year and he needs a couple of runs beforehand. His claimer seems in place to make this first ride back all that bit easier and although it means he will only be carrying 11 stone 1, I think he looks more likely to run into a place today rather than win, if anything to ensure his handicap mark is preserved. Any Currency won in great fashion 20 days ago at Wincanton, galloping away at the end of 27 furlongs so if he is in the right mood today he is in with a chance, but his temperament is his biggest weakness. Harry The Viking has a great record fresh, but is another with long term season plans and will struggle to reverse form with Teaforthree with the actual race weights. Bradley arrives in good form and will appreciate this step up in trip after a strong finishing 4th last time out where Galaxy Rock was ahead in 2nd. He gets an extra four pounds from AP's mount today so has a chance to reverse form, but Galaxy Rock has a great record at this trip and certainly knows his way around Cheltenham after winning the event last year so I wouldn't be surprised to see him finish ahead again. Instead I like PROBLEMA TIC who also has a great record fresh and who his trainer believes is an absolute thorough stayer. He won well at Ayr last time he was seen and although not an easy task today he will certainly be trying to win. 7/1 William Hill

14.35 Cheltenham - Paddy Power Gold Cup

The feature race of the day and there are several in with a chance here. Grands Crus was certainly value at the 6/1 available last week, and if he bolts up today like his connections think he might then 9/4 will also seem like daylight robbery. However as we have seen with this race down the years, it is the best handicapped horse not the best horse that wins and to think David Pipe's grey gelding is that is hard to believe. He is certainly a class act but the jury is still slightly out for me with him since disappointing in the RSA, although I appreciate he scoped badly afterwards. Even so I have a niggling doubt he may prefer flatter tracks and on top of the 14 pounds he has to concede to WALKON I will be taking him on. Alan King's charge fits the near perfect trends profile for the winner of this race and is definitely on a mark that suggests there could be more to come, especially at this time of the year when he is fresh and it is best to catch him. He has bags of ability and today could be his day to really shine. That's not to say there aren't others in with a chance. Al Ferof, my King George fancy, has solid each way claims as ultimately this mark may prove hard to win off against some of his rivals. Hunt Ball, the most improved horse in training last year, is another who I want to see run again before placing my hard earned money on and although the vibes from his ever colourful owner are good (feels they have a stone on the handicapper and set to win £1 million if he wins) I will be passing him over. Further down the weights Nadiya De La Vega warrants respect as the choice of McCoy and on the form of her run 28 days ago but I feel she may get outdone by the boys here and instead Micheal Flips rates a bigger threat. He beat the selection a few times last year and will be nicely ready for this after his season opener at Ascot and back at his preferred intermediary trip. Divers tries to emulate last year's good efforts but his jumping is too sketchy for my liking and Triolo D'Alene would need to be something extra special to win this at just 5 years old. 15/2 Bet365

15.05 Cheltenham

Another tough handicap to unravel, Lovcen although slightly disappointing first time out this year at Aintree, is still in with a good chance here despite carrying top weight again. Although he goes well on heavy, the race will seem a lot easier today and his stamina will come into play. His partowners also sponsor the race so I'm sure this will have been a target and his Aintree run may ultimately have been about preparing him for this. Abanaki and Buachaill Alainn reoppose from that day but I expect Thornton's ride to reverse placings. He is in a different league to most of these and back at Cheltenham class should permeate through; however he faces a progressive type in THEMILANHORSE who has also been aimed at this race and can round off a great day for Nicholls and Walsh. Monetary Fund is respected representing a hot yard at the moment. 11/2 Betvictor, Stan James, William Hill

15.40 Cheltenham

The final race of the day is yet again competitive with Roger Beantown, Buy Back Bob, Ulys Du Charmil and Tanerko Emery all expected to run well, but after seeing the way Eduard won at Newcastle yesterday I'll be sticking with IFBUTANDWHYNOT. He looks on a very decent opening handicap mark and plenty more can be expected. Although his best runs have come at Newcastle, I think he may like Cheltenham a bit more today than his previous experience in the Bumper and he rates a great value bet. 8/1 several

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer