Countdown to Cheltenham

The N.H. Festival at Cheltenham begins tomorrow- the best jumps meeting by far and the biggest betting meeting of the year. Four days of top class racing, featuring the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday, the Champion Chase on Wednesday, the World Hurdle on Thursday and the Gold Cup on Friday among a host of other Grade One events. After several days of fine weather, expected to continue until Wednesday at least, the going should be perfect.

Rain is expected on Thursday and Friday, and a decision is still to be made as to whether more watering will be necessary. The large number of Irish-trained runners in just about very event adds considerably to the spice of the occasion. The Irish "banker" is Dunguib in the opening novice hurdle tomorrow, although he is not likely to represent value at the expected skinny odds. The meeting´s other bankers are all trained by Paul Nicholls - Master Minded in the Champion Chase, Big Bucks in the World Hurdle and Kauto Star in the Gold Cup, in which the only serious opponent would appear to be his stable companion Denman. These are also expected to start at odds-on ,and hot favourites often get turned over at this meeting - you have been warned!