Well the long wait is finally over and Cheltenham 2010 is upon us. The opening day has normally been my best day so hopefully that trend will continue tomorrow. My nap has to be Dunguib in the opener, the Spinal Research Supreme Novices Hurdle. This Presenting gelding is a machine and who knows his price might yet touch evens. I would not be worried about his jumping as I am sure he will jump better with the likely fast pace. Get Me Out Of Here is a big lay in this race, as I cannot see him having the class to trouble Dunguib. Blackstairmountain has an each way chance and may follow Dunguib home. I have no massive opinion on the outcome of the Arkle Novice Chase but Captain Cee Bee is my selection. This horse will relish the uphill finish which cannot be said of Sizing Europe who is a definite lay in my opinion. Sports line is a big danger and perhaps a small exacta on Captain Cee Bee and Sports line will pay dividends. On to the big one the Champion Hurdle. I am a massive Solwhit fan and must keep the faith even though I feel he needs much softer ground. There will be a furious pace on here and that will suit him perfectly. It is just possible, however, that something will have too much pace for him at the business end. I would be totally against Kybher Kim and he would rate a decent place lay in my book as I don’t think his form stacks up and would not be one for a hard battle. I was never a fan of Go Native but with the ground perfect for him I would not be surprised if he pulled it off. Expect to see a Harchibald type ride by Paul Carberry. In the cross country chase l'ami is given a tentative vote over Garde Champetre but it is not a race to be lumping on. The mares race is another race that i’m really looking forward to. Voler La Vadette is a mare I have been following all season and she would not have been out of place in the Champion Hurdle. She faces stiff opposition in the form of last year’s runaway winner Quevega who has been a massive drifter from 5-4 out to 2-1 in recent days. I have massive respect for both mares and I think I will just sit this one out.
On the amount of Irish winners I would say 8 or more over the four days. Best of luck everyone. Lets hope the dreaded bookies get whipped big style!
Bob's backs
1. Dunguib (nap)
2. Captain Cee Bee
3. Solwhit
4. L'Ami
Bob's lays
1. Get Me Out Of Here
2. Kybher Kim (in place market)
