by Stable Lad

Days 1-2

AS I write, the words, “Cheltenham Festival” are on every racegoers’ lips, very understandable, I would say, because this week, the Cotswold venue will be holding court to the very best horses in both Ireland and England, with a host of prestigious prizes available to the lucky winners.

We begin our Cheltenham journey on Tuesday 13^th with the Supreme Novice Hurdle, where I think that Ruby could start with a winner on DARLAN, with Alan King’s Montbazon also expected to give a good account.

On now to the Arkle Chase, and another possibility for Ruby with AL FEROF, with Sprinter Sacre hot on his heels over the last.

The Festival Chase gives a chance to KNOCKARA BEAU to come good, mainly at the expense of The Package.

Moving now to the main race, the Champion Hurdle, one would have to give the vote to HURRICANE FLY to go in again, although Binocular may have something to say about that, while the Cross-Country race, always a tough slog, may go to SCOTSIRISH, with Sizing Australia providing most danger.

2010 Champion Hurdle winner Binocular.

The Mares Hurdle looks at the mercy of QUEVEGA, who can oblige from the improving Lifestyle, while in the Centenary Chase, ACKERTAC can show the way home to Hunt Ball and the rest.

The second day begins with the Hunt Chase, which looks on for ALLEE GARDE, who could go in from the favourite Soll.

Next we have the Neptune Hurdle, which looks right for MONKSLAND, who has most to fear from Molotov, while, in the RSA Chase, BOBS WORTH can prove himself by overcoming Invictus.

The Champion Chase can provide a winning opportunity for FINIAN’S RAINBOW, with Somersby right there in the final furlongs, while, in the Coral Cup, look to MODULE as the winner, with Batonnier giving him something to worry about in the closing stages.

In the Fred Winter Hurdle, HINTERLAND has the class to prevail, with Vendor also putting in a bold bid.

The final race of the first two days is the Champion Bumper, which is the target of PIQUE SOUS, with Population the top danger.

Days 3-4

The opening race on Thursday is the Jewson Chase, in which the in-form MICHAEL FLIPS is a  good each-way bet, with Peddlers Cross also on the premises.

The next race is the Pertemps Hurdle, in which the vote goes to the prayerful OUR FATHER, who can have the last amen on these, with Sonovic the main danger.

We next go to the Ryanair Chase, in which POQUELIN appeals, with the danger coming from Noble Prince.

The World Hurdle looks a shoe-in for BIG BUCKS, with Dynaste running on well. In the Byrne Plate, the vote goes to SALUT FLO to come home in front, although Crackaway Jack always runs well over this course.

The day’s last race is the Kim Muir Cup, where SUNNYHILL BOY looks the goods, closely followed by Helpston.

On now to Friday, where, in the first race, the Triumph Hurdle, the in-form GRUMETI can come good, with Pearl Swan troubling him most.

On now to the County Hurdle, which is a bit of a puzzle, which can be solved by RAYAS STAR, with Citizenship right there over the last.

The Bartlett Hurdle is its usual conundrum, but the answer could be found with SEA OF THUNDER, followed home by Rocky Creek.

Next is one of the plum races at the festival, the Gold Cup, and a great race looks in prospect.

Kauto Star and Long Run lead the betting, but I will go for an each-way on BURTON PORT, who has come on a lot this year.

In the Foxhunter Cup, look to SALSIFY to jump these silly, with On The Fringe also running well.

The Conditional Hurdle is another cruncher, but I will take a chance with KAZLIAN to come good, followed home by Big Easy, while in the last race, the Grand Annual Chas , the improving KUMBESHWAR will give a good account, well challenged by Kid Cassidy.

Well, that’s Cheltenham 2012, hoping you have an exciting and winning week.

You will find the selections for the Saturday Television racing as follows:

Weekend tips:

Sandown: 2:05 Kuilsriver, 2:40 Aldertune, 3:15 Ted Spread, 3:50 Taradrewe.

Uttoxeter: 2:10 Luggers Hall, 2:45 Buckie Boy, 3:20 Clash Duff, 3:55 Carrickboy.