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1629: We'll call it a day there for the blog but we'll have news on site as soon as we have it from Fontwell.

Thank you for your company as ever and I hope you've all enjoyed a fantastic weekend of racing. Until next time....

1620: There was a stricken horse being held further down the track, not all that far past the hurdle, which is why the boards were out and why the chequered flag was being waved.

The enquiry is ongoing. The mistake looked far more understandable in light of the clip they have just shown on Sky Sports Racing for all that the boards are always placed on the hurdle, not 50 yards past.

The enquiry was called at least 25 minutes ago so I'd hope we'd have some news from Fontwell fairly soon. The consensus appears to be that they have little choice but to award the race to the one runner who jumped the hurdle.

It could all have been positive news for the track too with a good winner of the National and Jamie Moore riding his comeback winner.

1615: It appears as though there were some poorly positioned racecourse staff at Fontwell, holding the arrows used to bypass flights, including one who crossed the course ahead of the flight the field was approaching.

The jockeys only have a split second to make that decision and you don't expect to see people walking across the track holding the boards used to bypass obstacles unless there's a good reason.

Oh my - I'll try and find a clip of it to post that doesn't include language that might offend.

1605: I was busy watching Hollow Games win very impressively at Punchestown so I've no idea what's gone on at Fontwell I'm afraid but it sounds rather as though we've got some controversy that may overshadow other events.

There's been a middling response to Hollow Games victory and he can still be backed at 16/1 for the Champion Bumper in March. I'd rather expected him to be a little shorter given the horses he has sent out to win the same Punchestown race recently.

They're running at Cheltenham and we could be about to see a quickfire Elliott bumper double. They're on the run to home with the two market leaders occupying the last two spots.

It's a winner for Sam Twiston-Davies and the in-form Sam Thomas with Good Risk At All carrying the colours of Dai Walters. Always well placed, the two market leaders made good ground from the back but the winner got first run. He wasn't unfancied having been backed this morning.

1554: Just the bumpers to come from Punchestown and Cheltenham.

There's an odds-on favourite in Ireland in Hollow Games who is being well supported. Filey Bay was a market mover with Sky Bet earlier today. Keep an eye on The Banger Doyle who was beaten 14 lengths behind Cheltenham Champion Bumper favourite Sir Gerhard last time. I've seen Sir Gerhard added to some pundits' ante-post lists in the last week which is fairly unusual I would think.

Elliott has won this race with Malone Road and Samcro in recent seasons. It suggests Hollow Games could be useful.

That race is due off at 1600 and the Cheltenham contest just five minutes later - it looks much brighter in Gloucestershire than it did yesterday!

Elliott is also represented at Cheltenham by Weseekhimhere who is also odds-on and he gets the vote from Martin Dixon.

There was some money around for Good Risk At All earlier in the day while Oliver Sherwood's Grandeur d'Ame was impressive on debut.

The Cheltenham race is often won by a decent sort too with Israel Champ, Ballyandy, Definitly Red and Rock On Ruby all on the roll of honour for the High Sheriff Of Gloucestershire Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.

1548: Sky Bet have given For Pleasure a quote of 33/1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March.

A little reaction to The Shunter's victory in the Greatwood with Robbie Power getting down to his lowest weight in years.

"I’ve not eaten a whole pile. I’ve eaten a bit of chicken, but very little since Friday morning. I had breakfast Friday morning and a few bits of chicken and All-Bran for breakfast in the mornings, that’s all.

“I’ve not had dinner the last two nights. I don’t like sweating as I’d rather starve than sweat. I did a small sweat this morning. I’m well hydrated as I’ve been drinking plenty of fluids.

“The eating doesn’t bother me as it’s something I’ve grown up with. I’ve probably smoked more in the last couple of days than I ever have before."

I'm not sure what the jockeys' nutritionists and health experts would have to say about that, especially the last sentence, but it's remarkable dedication to their sport.

1538: For Pleasure stills a little lead from flag fall at Cheltenham and he's built up a commanding lead by the second with the remainder ignoring him.

He must be about 25 lengths clear as they head left-handed towards the far side. He's over the fourth with the advantage unchanged. The principals aren't concerned.

The lead is dwindling as they race down the hill.

Two to jump and no cards have been played. Now Third Time Lucki is asked to go after the leader but he's still five clear approaching the last.

For Pleasure finds more and I imagine there might be one or two brickbats flying around for the jockeys in behind.

Harry Bannister was aboard the 14/1 winner. Remarkable stuff. That's a very nice winner for Alex Hales who always comes across well on camera.

The front two have finished a long way clear of the third.

1529: Dan Skelton is another who has been among the winners at Fontwell but his attention will be firmly on the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle.

The runners are in the paddock and Skelton's Third Time Lucki is the 5/6 favourite.

The well backed Charlie Siringo was in contention over the last at Punchestown but Grand Partner came flying past under young Jack Foley who, with two winners today, has taken his career tally from one to three. Remarkable stuff.

Fergal O'Brien gives Courtandbould 'a great chance' at Cheltenham. "He goes in any ground and is straightforward," he adds.

Third Time Lucki was only six lengths off Ferny Hollow in the Champion Bumper though and the form of that race has been working out very nicely indeed this season. I'm hoping that the favourite does what The Big Breakaway did in the first and wins impressively.

1525: Cloudy Glen wins the Paddy Power Southern National.

It's a second win in the race for Venetia Williams and an impressive performance from the Trevor Hemmings owned seven-year-old who rather lost his way last season. He's produced a career best at Fontwell.

There was a notable win earlier at the Sussex venue for Jamie Moore.....it would be nice for the yard if this one turned out to be as good.

1518: Willie Mullins on Fighter Allen: "He's jumped well, he looks more like a chaser but hopefully he'll have a nice season hurdling. He did one nice piece of work the other day and showed me enough to declare him and run him. He's a spring novice hurdler so we'll be entering him in all the top novice staying hurdles."

1510: Robbie Power: "Fantastic. The ground brought his stamina into play and he stayed on really strongly. It was a good performance but 10 stone on ground like that makes a big difference."

That was just the third win of The Shunter's 23 race career which has encompassed four chase starts and eight in bumpers. He was fourth in a Grade Three novice chase last time but there was no sign of him jumping too big on this return to hurdling.

Apparently The Shunter is the first Irish trained winner of the Greatwood since Sizing Europe. I can't see this fellow going on to win a Champion Chase but his connections won't mind a jot.

Off for the feature Southern National at Fontwell shortly.

1503: They're off and Tegerek has jumped with them which is good news.

Ballinsker leads from Ballyandy and Hunters Call. There must be a good 15 lengths between the leader and Edwardstone in last.

Top of the hill with four to jump. Sir Pyscho in fourth. The front three are as they were. Countister pulled up. Harambe moves up ominously. Plenty going well.

The Shunter beats Ballyandy, Tegerek third and Hunters Call. Edwardstone was fifth.

The winner returned at 13/2. Gamble landed.

Last year's winner Harambe walks away from his fall at the last.

The winner has improved in leaps and bounds since joining Emmet Mullins and was given a typically ice cool ride by Robbie Power.

1458: Mark Walsh's day hasn't got any better as he took a fall at the last at Punchestown, he and his mount where someway behind the leader at the time who was the favourite Fighter Allen.

Apparently, it's been raining since the last race at Cheltenham so it's going to get more testing with every drop. It was described as 'a gentle downpour'.

There's some money for Irish raider The Shunter who is an intriguing runner if nothing else.

Tegerek is clearly still a little tricky with Brogan not in the saddle, he's been led in to join the others.

1447: We won't worry too much about that race for the moment though as the Greatwood Hurdle is up next at Cheltenham.

Jonjo O'Neill had one run very well in yesterday's feature handicap and Tegerek heads the betting for today's heat. It's a big ride for 7lb claimer Kevin Brogan who has been enjoying a fabulous run with five winners from 11 rides in November.

He used to race a bit freely and I wasn't convinced that he was going to be the easiest to win with but it's still early days in his career and he was impressive last time.

So who wins? I'm not sure I'm the best person to ask but Edwardstone and Sir Psycho are my two against the field. It's a little perturbing that the former is proving easy to back as he has an excellent profile for this race.

Proschema and Ballyandy are both proving popular and the former was a strong stayer on the flat. I'm surprised that last year's winner, Harambe, has been completely ignored in the market again.

1445: Fighter Allen is the favourite for the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown.

As a half-brother to Envoi Allen, he's got plenty to live up to on his debut for Willie Mullins. He won a bumper in France and was then pitched into Graded company for his hurdling debut last season, finishing well beaten at 33/1.

The market expects more today.

1441: Jack Kennedy on Abacadras: "It got a bit messy from the bottom, my lad missed a couple of hurdles, and I ended up getting there too soon. I ended up there way too soon but we got away with it.

"When I switched out at the bottom, it was probably the reason I got there too soon but I was lucky not to get caught up in the mess. He wasn't getting a clear look at his hurdles when I was in behind. He wasn't getting tired. I was there too soon. He pricked his ears and was having a good look around. I'd have liked to have had a lead for longer. He's probably the best two mile hurdler that I've set on. He's going to have to keep improving but hopefully he can."

Some interesting lines in there. If he does make it to the Champion Hurdle and jumps the last in with a shout, it's going to be a hard, hard job to time the challenge to perfection.

1436: I think 10/1 is about the best on offer for the Champion Chase following Put The Kettle On's victory.

Martin Dixon is very unsure about the form and there are plenty of replays of the mistake Defi Du Seuil made at the first and pondering whether that affected the favourite. We'll find out more tomorrow or later in the week. In a way you want something to come to light to explain the performance, as long as it's not serious.

1425: Riders Onthe Storm just about leads from Put The Kettle On and Duc Des Genievres.

Surprising, at least to me, that the mare isn't leading. The Duc goes on under a tight hold. It looks like the pace quickened going downhill on the far side, they're over the water.

Duc is jumping very well in front, Riders wasn't as clever over the ditch or the plain fence that followed. Four to jump and the leader is eight clear.

Two to jump, Duc extends the advantage. Riders being ridden. Put The Kettle On gives chase from Defi.

Defi pulled up. Put The Kettle On reels in the grey. The mare is three in a row at Cheltenham. Riders finishes a distant third.

Impressive performances from the first two with the winner proving tactically versatile which bodes well for her future. Very disappointing runs from Defi Du Seuil and Riders Onthe Storm.

Winning jockey Aidan Coleman hails the winner as being "all heart. She was quite rusty but what a great attitude. She's a super jumper and she's just got a massive heart."

He's not long back from injury and pays huge tribute to the Injured Jockeys Fund.*

*Note to self - order the calendar and Christmas cards.

1423: Super race coming up at Cheltenham and will JP McManus have a happier outcome?

Philip Hobbs: "Hopefully he's back to his normal self. He's worked well and everything is well."

Defi Du Seuil is the favourite but there's money for Put The Kettle On who is likely to take this field along. She's normally a super jumper and could try to turn the screw from the front.

1420: Saint Roi did get back up for second and Ruby Walsh sticks to his guns in that the beaten favourite was the best horse in the race.

The clip is above if you want to make your own mind up.

Sky Bet have quoted the first two home at 7/1 for the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle in March.

1411: Jason The Militant leads from Supasundae over the first. Coeur Sublime brings up the rear in a tightly grouped field. The pace looks steady. Not a great deal of change in the running order; this race is going to develop and change quickly in the closing stages. There are six furlongs to run. Saint Roi poised in third but on the inside. Three to jump.

Abacadabras wins a messy race.

Thrilling finish but ooh that was horrible. We've seen it before at Punchestown where a runner gets trapped on the inside and Mark Walsh ended up in the wrong position and was shuffled back to last and not helped by a couple of modest jumps. He rallied well, as did Jason The Militant, but Abacadabras had just enough in hand to hold on.

I don't think Saint Roi's long-term supporters will be too despondent with that but as for today, well....

1406: We've got the big one coming up from Punchestown and there's some even money available about Saint Roi which I wasn't expecting.

Is that just the Elliott multiples rolling on or genuine unease?

Willie Mullins has won the last nine renewals of the Morgiana Hurdle with Solwhit in 2010 the last to break the monopoly.

Saint Roi is a general 7/1 second favourite for the Champion Hurdle behind Epatante at 7/2. Ruby Walsh reveals that he is a horse he has always liked and that it's been onwards and upwards since a disappointing Clonmel defeat that they've never been able to explain.

Abacadabras has a touch of the Harchibalds about him as he displayed so memorably in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle; he is a fascinating opponent.

1358: Four to jump at Cheltenham and Captain Drake has cried enough.

Yala Enki is joined for the lead by Ramses de Teillee as they race down the hill. Big River and Discorama begin to struggle.

Super jumps over the last by Ramses and Yala and the latter keeps responding, I think the grey has got it. Terrific stuff.

Two good rounds of jumping and two good rides.

Ramses De Teillee (11/2) has been called the winner.

Tom Scudamore: "It's great for John and great for the yard. Everyone wants a winner at Cheltenham. We'll mix and match (hurdling and chasing). The long-term plan has always been the Grand National with him. I rode him the other morning and I couldn't believe how well he was."

He is 33/1 for the Aintree showpiece.

He was 13th in the Albert Bartlett last year, a race that was just represented by Fury Road, and I had thought that he could be just the type to excel in the staying novice.

1353: They're racing at Cheltenham.

I've had a quick look at the Stayers' Hurdle market and Fury Road is as low as 12s (from 20s) after that winning return to action. There is still some 16/1 around with Paisley Park the 7/1 favourite.

1348: Three non-runners leave six to go to post for the Planteur At Chapel Stud Handicap Chase and Martin Dixon and Stewart Machin are talking up favourite Discorama. They certainly agree that this represents an easier opportunity for him than those he usually faces.

There are some confirmed staying mudlarks in against him with last year's winner West Approach, Ramses de Teillee and Yala Enki foremost among them. I wouldn't be in a rush to dismiss outsider of the field Big River who was fifth at last year's Festival and won't mind the easy ground.

1341: Two winners already for Jonjo O'Neill Jr at Fontwell and he's still got a couple of live chances on the card, including in the feature Southern National.

They're racing at Punchestown. Fury Road has set out to make all and no one has been in a rush to lay it down to the odds-on favourite who has been granted an easy lead of around four or five lengths. Circuit to run.

I think I heard the Racing TV presenters suggesting that he would stay over hurdles this season so I wonder if the Stayers Hurdle is on the agenda? We may find out in the post-race reaction, if he wins.

That was all pretty straightforward although Dewcup did get to within a couple of lengths. Easy as you like.

1335: Fury Road is a short price for the next at Punchestown as Gordon Elliott bids to record a quickfire double. It's his first start since being beaten a neck into third in the Albert Bartlett.

Robbie Power on The Big Breakaway: He jumped a bit big if you want to be critical of him. The ground was very hard work. He's a very, very nice horse. His schooling at home has been fantastic. In a better race, even back in trip, he's got a lot of pace. He's still a big baby. He's still a big, green baby.

"It's tough going, very, very hard work, especially on the chase track."

I've resisted looking for any George Dawes clips, instead here's Jack Kennedy.

1326: Some early reaction from the layers sees The Big Breakaway at 14/1 for the RSA Chase. Envoi Allen remains the 8/1 favourite.

He's got a quote of 33/1 for the Marsh Novices' Chase and he's around 16s for the National Hunt Chase.

1315: Off and racing for the mallardjewellers.com Novices' Chase with 19 fences in front of them.

They're all over the first and Soldier Of Love leads from the favourite who jumps the second beautifully.

They're all getting a good sight of their fences and have jumped well in the main, Soldier Of Love a little low at a couple and he's been passed by The Big Breakaway who goes on by two or three lengths with a little over a circuit to run.

The Butcher Said travels easily in last but I remember him doing similar over hurdles and not finding anywhere near as much as looked likely. Soldier In Love is back in front and The Big Breakaway ridden along for a few strides. They're over the water and the favourite is back in the lead.

Two to jump and they're all in with a chance.

The Big Breakaway starts to open up a clear lead. Doc Penfro and The Butcher Said give chase but the latter made a mistake as did the favourite who comes back on the bit and fairly sprints clear.

Returned at 4/9, that was an impressive performance with scope for improvement.

1313: The complexion of the race at Punchestown changed quite quickly and it's another race that's gone to the judge.

I got pretty much every call wrong yesterday so I'm going to wait for the official call.

Elimay and stable companion Buildmeupbuttercup those involved. The latter has been an admirable dual purpose mare.

Circling at the start at Cheltenham.

1304: The action comes thick and fast from now on in with the mares' hurdle at Punchestown off in a minute or two and that will run pretty much into the first at Cheltenham.

Colin Tizzard won it with Thistlecrack back in 2016 but he already had a chase win at Chepstow under his belt.

Paul Nicholls has won it with Vicente, Ibis du Rheu and Black Corton and Soldier Of Love did beat Coole Cody before chasing home Galvin here last time.

Most of the field are promising but the favourite is the one runner in the field with star potential.

1257: Latest Exhibition remains a 14/1 chance for the National Hunt Chase, a Festival race that 2012 Florida Pearl winner Back In Focus went on to win.

Battleoverdoyen won the race last year for Elliott and went on to finish fourth in the RSA Chase, that contest would seem the obvious Cheltenham race for Pencilfulloflead.

Not too long for the next from Fontwell where Kap Auteuil has only one behind him in the betting but as a full brother to A Plus Tard, he's going to be an interesting one to watch. It can't be easy having more illustrious siblings - just ask Mark Waugh.

1250: Glancing back through Pencilfulloflead's form and I note he was sent off as favourite against Asterion Forlonge over hurdles (finished second). He was never tried in graded company over hurdles but he's taken the step up in grade over fences in his stride and that was an impressive performance.

Simon Claisse is on Racing TV now and reports that it's been dry this morning bar one shower; there are more showers possible for the afternoon though. He believes the runners will chart a wide course again in search of better ground.

They try to draw him on the 'controversy' of the bumper that I can't see that there's much to get excited about there. Obviously the photo wasn't ideal but the light closes in so quickly when the weather is bad at this time of year and there's not much margin in the race times.

1238: They're running at Punchestown for the Liam & Valerie Brennan Florida Pearl and Waitnsee has made an early mistake but helps to make the pace with Brace Yourself.

Latest Exhibition is settled in a share of third alongside the two Gordon Elliott trained runners.

They've jumped six and there's a circuit to go. Latest Exhibition in a clear third and no alarms so far. Six still to jump and one or two riders are beginning to ask their mounts to creep closer with Bryan Cooper and Latest Exhibition relegated to fourth but he jumps back up into second over the fifth last.

Three pull clear rounding the home turn. Two to jump. Pencilfulloflead leads.

It's another Florida Pearl winner for Gordon Elliott and a winner for Rachael Blackmore as Pencilfulloflead returns at 11/2 and there just didn't appear to be any excuses for the beaten favourite who jumped really well.

Ruby Walsh believes Blackmore looked happier than Cooper from 'a long, long way out' and he doesn't think Latest Exhibition ever looked to be travelling completely comfortably.

1234: It looked really hard work at Fontwell and there was something of a turn-up as Furkash, under Jonjo O'Neill got the better of Lord Baddesley. Lord Accord had unseated his rider earlier in the piece.

The winner was trained by Colin Tizzard whose string is really starting to hit form as we saw with Eldorado Allen yesterday and soon it will be the turn of The Big Breakaway who is a general 8/13 chance.

1231: Latest Exhibition is odds-on for the Liam & Valerie Brennan Florida Pearl Novice Chase and it could be a good day for Paul Nolan if Discorama gains a deserved success at Cheltenham. He certainly wouldn't be winning out of turn.

Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins have rather dominated the Florida Pearl but the latter isn't even represented this year.

1222: The first at Fontwell almost looks like a match but it's not without interest as Lord Baddesley and Lord Accord both look to be promising youngsters. The former is fluctuating between odds-on and evens.

The first at Cheltenham draws ever closer and a little news from the track regarding the course's alignment. As yesterday, the hurdle course has been realigned in the home straight to avoid an area of false ground and the bends have been dolled out as below.

Hurdle bends dolled out 11 yards (except the home turn at 2 yards), adding 53 yards to races over 2m.

All chase bends dolled out 7 yards, adding 44 yds to each circuit for races over 2m and 3m and 66 yards for races over 2½m.

Distances altered as follows: Race 1 plus 88 yards; Race 2 plus 88 yards; Race 3 plus 44 yards; Race 4 plus 53 yards; Race 5 plus 53 yards; Race 6 plus 53 yards.

It could make all the difference if we get a finish as close as we did in the bumper yesterday.

1215: There's another photo at Southwell as Derek Thompson 'leaves that to the judge'.

Three in a line including Punting Pointers selection Young John. Heartbreak as Equidae is confirmed the winner with Young John second.

Jody McGarvey didn't enjoy a birthday winner at Punchestown as Chavi Artist impressed there.

1211: Nigel Twiston-Davies always seems to be a glass half-full trainer and it's a relatively big day for the yard with Ballyandy and Riders On The Storm lining up.

Amazingly it's been almost a year and 40 runners since he last saddled a winner at Cheltenham which, one imagines, might be the cause of some angst. It's certainly a little surprising.

Mind you, he's in good company with Fergal O'Brien and Philip Hobbs both 'boasting' similar records. Strange days.

1204: I haven't touched on the meeting from the delightful Fontwell Park but it's not too long until their first race of the day either. The feature contest is the Paddy Power Southern National.

At around 800 this morning Philip Hide tweeted that they had had '24mm of rain in last 24hrs Forecast further rain expected to clear by 11 with Strong winds and showers this afternoon.'

1158: Michael Shinners of Sky Bet is just being interviewed on Racing TV and highlights the firm's market movers, there were a couple later on the card at Punchestown to flag up and they are Charlie Siringo (trainer Noel Meade saddled a good winner yesterday) and Filey Bay who has been backed at fancy prices in the bumper. That's presumably each-way money given the presence of an odds-on favourite trained by Gordon Elliott, who gave him a favourable mention in his column.

1150: There's a nice touch from the team at Punchestown racecourse, acknowledging Jody McGarvey's birthday.

What price a birthday winner? He's got two rides today with Great View among the market leaders for the opener.

Ruby Walsh is currently on Racing TV and said of Saint Roi that they believe he's capable of making the step up but that he's got to go and prove it on the course. The lack of pace in the race could be an issue for Abacadabras who travels so strongly.

It's the story of a great deal of today with runners priced up on their potential rather than what they've achieved.

Runners in the paddock for the opener and Burning Ambition has just been scratched meaning they go without two of the original declarations.

1144: It's a winning start for the Punting Pointers team with Fortultous having to work harder than looked likely to see off Grimsthorpe Castle who took the outcome to the judge.

1130: There's only 10 minutes until the first at Southwell which features a selection for David Massey's Punting Pointers.

1127: There is a top class card at Punchestown and I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Elimay.

She lines up in a competitive renewal of the Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle and it's a return to hurdling for her having lined up over fences on her last two starts of the previous season. She was hugely impressive in winning those races and it will be interesting to see how she's campaigned this season - there are plenty of nice mares' races to pick up after all but it would be fun to see her in open company if she continues to progress.

1120: I could have been tempted to back Third Time Lucki in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle at odds against but he'd gone odds-on this morning.

This race has a remarkable recent history (registered as The Sharp Novices' Hurdle) as five of the last 10 winners have gone on to win a Grade One; they include Cue Card, Altior and Dodging Bullets as well as Slate House and Elixir du Nutz.

Third Time Lucki ran well in the Festival bumper, won easily on his two hurdling starts and is still in the could be anything category. Opposition looks thin on the ground.

That said, I've just glanced down the official ratings and see he's off 129 while 14/1 chance For Pleasure is 15lbs higher on 144!

1113: I note that Bryony Frost has been jocked off Sir Psycho following the withdrawal of Thyme White from the Greatwood Hurdle.

The Silver Trophy form normally works out very well and there's certainly a good deal more expected from the winner, Tea Clipper. That race suffered it's own share of non-runners due to quick ground (Goldilocks and the three bears spring to mind anyone?) so there is a slight question as to whether it will work out as well as is normally the case but Sir Psycho certainly shaped well enough at Chepstow.

Ballyandy deserves a big prize but surely isn't well enough handicapped and, of arguably more interest, are Alan King's pair. Last year's winner Harambe doesn't seem too badly treated and Edwardstone was one of the most exciting novices from last season - I could talk myself into backing him by 1500.

1104: I was intrigued to see the money for Captain Drake ahead of the Planteur At Chapel Stud Handicap Chase.

I backed him in October 2019 when he ran like a drain! He carried my money that day in part due to his trainer's record in that particular Uttoxeter contest - my memory fails me but I think that Harry Fry had won it with a decent horse or two in the past.

He did show improved form through the rest of the season and impressed on his return at Uttoxeter over hurdles. Perhaps this will be the day that he takes his form up another level?

1100: Talking of exciting chasers and The Big Breakaway is due to make his debut over the larger obstacles in the opening mallardjewellers.com Novices' Chase.

I reeled off a stat yesterday about the very low number of horses to have made a winning chase debut at Cheltenham but Colin Tizzard's charge is a short price to do just that and it's hard to oppose him on the face of it.

The Ballymore Novices' Hurdle fourth doesn't have huge amounts in hand on official figures - he is rated the same as Soldier In Love but receipts 8lbs - but he does have significantly more potential than his rivals.

It won't be the be all and end all if he doesn't win today but it would be a shame to see the bubble burst just now and victory would provide a further boon to the form of Envoi Allen, as if any were needed.

1051: Harry Whittington has been speaking about plans for his exciting chasers and, I think it's probably fair to say that things haven't gone according to plan so far.

Simply The Betts ran an odd race yesterday, coming home strongly while Rouge Vif and Saint Calvados have had their returns delayed for different reasons.

1044: It may take a while for the markets to realign but Tegerek currently holds favouritism for the Greatwood.

For details of the market movers, extra place races and offers from Paddy Power and Sky Bet, click on the image above.

1036: It's a great shame that Rouge Vif is out of the Shloer Chase as that was shaping up to be one of the races of the day. It still has plenty of intrigue but the impression that Rouge Vif made in winning a handicap over C&D was very deep indeed.

Last season's Champion Chase was already something of an anti-climax with the significant non-runners and then Defi Du Seuil went and ran no race at all. It left me feeling very flat although the person next to me who'd backed Politologue didn't seem to mind one iota. That's how it goes I suppose.

We still have an Arkle winner though, Value Bet selection Riders On The Storm and Duc De Genievres who Paul Nicholls didn't sound overly confident about in dispatches.

Ruby Walsh (above) fancied Defi at the Cheltenham preview evening which can still be viewed in its entirety on YouTube.

1025: What do jockeys and ballerinas have in common?

It's not a joke, I promise. But we are all late for class.

1022: Sadly the dastardly weather has led to a raft of withdrawals, including some very notable names in the Greatwood Hurdle.

At Cheltenham, we currently go without: 1315: The Mighty Don, 1350: Brave Eagle, Crievehill, Cloth Cap, 1425: Forest Bihan, Rouge Vif, 1500: Sebastopol, Thyme White, Milkwood, Pisgah Pike, 1605: Firestep, Masteroftheheights, Stage Star.

1017: Good morning team.

As a late friend used to say from time to time. I'll try to channel some of his bonhomie and positivity this morning and, indeed, through the day. I'm more Eeyore than Tigger.

Here's Simon Claisse with the morning going news:

Responsible gambling

We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.