Charlie Swan On Cheltenham: 2.00 - I won this twice on Shawiya and Scolardy and you do need a four-year-old that stays well and at the same time has the speed to stay handy.
Akilak looks the one that fits the bill better then most. A big danger could be Penzance who is a half brother to Soviet Song and has a touch of class. Faasel is another I like but Akilak will do.
SELECTION: Akilak.
2.35: Pat Fahy's runner Washington Lad must have some sort of chance but he might like a little more give in the ground. With a drying wind it should be quite quick today. Bewleys Berry is quite smart but his jumping would want to improve a bit so I'll go for Brewster who does stay very well.
SELECTION: Brewster.
3.15: The more I look at the Gold Cup the more Celestial Gold looks the one to beat. He has done it before around this course and staying will not be a problem. He was placed over four miles here last season. He also is an improving horse and I like that.
Obviously, I would love if an Irish horse won but Kicking King's recent problem would put me off a bit.
I don't think you can be as confident about him now.
Having said that Harchibald didn't run too badly in the Champion Hurdle after having been under the weather.
Beef Or Salmon is a classy horse and has his chance.
Strong Flow is definitely on the way back too but Celestial Gold is an out and out stayer and I think that will swing it his way.
SELECTION: Celestial Gold.
4.00: If this was a handicap then Sleeping Night would be topweight by some way. He looks the class horse of the race. Mary Reveley used to have him and he was a good horse for her. Earthmover and Lord Atterbury have their chances, too, but I would only give an each way shout to the Irish horses. Lord Of The Turf looks the best of them.
SELECTION: Sleeping Night.
4.40: My other runner, Oh Be The Hokey, was disappointing on Wednesday but I'm hopeful Ground Ball can do a lot better. He was runner-up in this race last year and is only 4lbs higher in the ratings. He had 10.4 on his back last year and has 10.6 this time so for a big strong horse like him he has a good racing weight. I think he is quite well in and although he likes a little dig, he should handle the ground okay.
I like my horse's chance but I do know that L'Ange Au Ciel is well fancied and Fota Island looks well handicapped. He would have a major chance but I just think his jumping might let him down.
SELECTION: Ground Ball.
5.20: Martin Pipe has a terrific record in the County and I would be happy to stick with him. He runs five this time and I would give Bongo Fury a squeak if the jockey holds on to him for long enough. But I fancy Tamarinbleu just a little bit more. I was impressed with the way he won a good race at Sandown last January under Tony McCoy. Beechcourt could be a contender on his best form but I wonder if the hill might find him out. If he comes up the straight he will have a chance too.
Selection: Tamarinbleu.
