All selections so far have been on the all-weather but even flat fans can't help but have their head turned to the National Hunt scene for the climax of the season, the Cheltenham festival. These are my advised ante-post selections for the week.
Day 1: Arkle
CAPTAIN CEE BEE - looked all over the winner when stumbling at the last and gifting the race to Sizing Europe at Leopardstown, but has since bounce back with a convincing win at Naas and a worthy favourite. 7/2 Bet 365, 0.5 pt win
Day 2: RSA
DIAMOND HARRY - has won nine of his eleven career starts and unbeaten in two over fences. Open to more improvement and has a good record at the track when running over hurdles previously. 15/2 William Hill, 0.25 pt win
Day 3: Ryanair
BARBERS SHOP - travelled really well for some way in the Gold Cup last year but failed to see out the trip, also the case in the Hennessy. Fair third in the King George and dropped back in trip may gain an overdue success at the highest level. 6/1 Ladbrokes, 0.75 pt win
Day 4: Triumph
ADVISOR - has won both starts over hurdles and held in high regard by his trainer, Paul Nicholls. The race he won last time out was the same hurdle won by last years Triumph winner, Zaynar. 16/1 SJ, 0.25 pt EW (3 places, 1/4 odds)
Day 4: Gold Cup (w/o big two)
TRICKY TRICKSTER - ran a cracker in the Aon to mug Niche Market after Denman had fallen. Has proven his stamina having won the National Hunt Cup over four miles at last years festival and should be staying on when others have raised the white flag. 10/1 Sporting Bet, 0.75 pt win/0.5 pt place (3 places, 1/4 odds).
