COMING INTO LINE. (From Halesowen News)

COMING INTO LINE.

10:22am Monday 9th March 2009

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There’s a general complaint in this country that the build up to Christmas begins earlier every year, indeed, we are beginning to see adverts prior to the traditional watershed of Bonfire Night and most Christmas light switch-on ceremonies take place at the beginning of November rather than the end of that month as in the past.

But if you think that we peak too early where the yuletide season is concerned, it’s nothing compared to the level of anticipation felt by National Hunt Horse Racing fans like myself. The build up to this years Cheltenham Festival began as the last horse crossed the line in the final race of the 2008 meeting, and the excitement has reached fever pitch in the last few days.

In the intervening fifty one weeks, every jumps meeting across Britain and Ireland contains subtle and not so subtle clues as to the outcome of each of the twenty seven races taking place this week, and with the thousands of written articles and dozens of preview nights now behind us, it’s time to front up and put your money where your mouth is!

Questions abound; is Denman the horse he once was? Will we see a better performer than the masterly Master Minded? Will Lord Oakseys Carruthers be the sentimental winner of the Festival? Despite the studious analysis of the form book, I believe luck plays the greater role in picking horses to win races so, for what it’s worth; here are my lucky nags for the next four days.

TUESDAY I have already mentioned Calgary Bay (14.05) as my nap of the meeting in a previous blog, so the first days tip is Alan Kings Katchit to retain the title of Champion Hurdler (15.20). The horse loves Cheltenham and despite its small stature has a big heart and will run at a surprisingly big price.

WEDNESDAY There’s no value in the big race of the day with Paul Nicholls Master Minded expected to breeze home in the Queen Mother Champion Chase so try the afore mentioned Carruthers to claim the RSA Chase (14.40). I grew up watching the owner of the second favourite presenting the ITV seven, and the voice of face of John Oaksey are forever intertwined with Racing so this will be an emotional victory and the story of the Festival should his horse prevail.

THURSDAY It’s the weakest day of the Festival and I would be in favour of a return to a three day meeting to retain the quality. But, try Big Bucks in the big race (15.20). Ruby Walsh on board, Nicholls trained, previous course winner. What could possibly go wrong?!?

FRIDAY And finally, the climax of the whole shebang takes place with the Gold Cup (15.20). Negativity abounds where last years winner Denman is concerned but I’m sticking with the “tank”, out of loyalty rather than any conventional punting formula. Alternatively, if declared, Big Eared Fran could cement an already growing reputation with victory in the Conditionals Handicap (16.40).

Other tips? How about Alan King and Robert “choc” Thornton as top trainer and Jockey for the four days? Or try L’Ami to win the Cross Country race on the first day.

Of course, it’s all conjecture but what is certain is that the next week will bring thrills and spills galore, breezy days and boozy nights, and a terrible sense of loss come the first Monday back at work. But then we can start planning for the 2010 meeting can’t we?

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I usually pontificate on another sporting topic at this point but for this week only, Horse Racing rules the world and any other sports are merely side shows. Here’s to a safe and successful Festival for all, both animal and human.

Richard Nevin .

Listen to Richard Nevin every week on the Friday Sports Forum between 7 and 9pm on 102.5 The Bridge and on “442”, the post match football show on Beacon Radio every Saturday from 5pm.

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