Update: Thursday 12th March (amended Sunday 15th March)

(L-R) His Song, Florida Pearl and Klairon Davis. Three nice Irish horseys for Cheltenham

Cheltenham hopefuls are dropping like flies with the festival under a week away. Several well fancied horses have been scratched from the lists in recent days. Jim Old has stated that he will have no runners over the three days which rules our Collier Bay, Dawn Leader and Go Now who has joined him from Tom Foley. He will return as a novice chaser and should have a bright future as Tom Foley thought he would develop into a Grand National horse. Commiserations to all owners who miss out on a runner including Gary Toal whose first horse Sarsfield The Man has bruised a foot. The American horse Lonesome Glory is lame and will miss the Gold Cup.

The rains have returned to Prestbury park and the going is currently good to soft with the odd soft patch. It could become quite testing for horses with stamina doubts such as Lucky Town in the 4 mile race or horses like Paddy's Return who would prefer it quicker. The rain will aid the chance of Klairon Davis in the Champion Chase and counts against Ask Tom. These two appear to have it between them with no Martha's Son this year. Istabraq will also relish the slower conditions and looks something near a good thing in the light of the money for him today and yesterday. Unfortunately this means he may not be a value price. The same can not be said of His Song who looks massively overpriced at 4-1 following his uninterrupted preperation for the opening race. His main danger now appears to be the french horse, Erintante.

Novice chases are always dodgy betting opportunities(Rahan Bridge fell 2 out at Downpatrick last week- should gain compensation soon) so 5-4 looks incredibley skinny about Florida Pearl having only two races over fences and none over hurdles. The value in the Sun Alliance Chase could be the mare Fiddling The Facts who was narrowly beaten by Escartefigue last time but will reverse that up the Cheltenham hill. She also holds Ottowa and others on early season form.

The weights have been published for the handicap races and a few that caught the eye were Stormtracker(WH NH Chase, 3-55 Tue), All The Aces(Mildmay, 5-05 Wed) and Alabang who on fast ground would have an outstanding chance in the concluding County Hurdle.

The absence of Siberian Gale leaves the Bumper open for Joe Mac who may have the assistance of Charlie Swan. Elegant Lord registered his third win of the season last week and should maintain his unbeaten record under Enda Bolger in the Hunters Chase although he is a very short price.

Cheltenham Selections

Tuesday-His Song and Istabraq

Wednesday-Ask Tom and Joe Mac

Thursday-Elegant Lord and Alabang

Look out for Gravity Gate at Navan(Sat 14/3/98). Good Luck!

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