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Captain's Blog - 11th December 2010

There was some decent and competitive action at Cheltenham yesterday, but the quality is cranked up a notch today. There is no doubt that the highlight is the Cue Card vs Menorah clash. In truth I do not think there is much between them. Cue card is a strong traveler, a speed horse whereas Menorah is a more relaxed type with a cracking good Cheltenham record. I guess we are still learning about Cue Card who is lightly raced over hurdles and it is what he will find off the bridle that interests me. I have a suspicion that he likes to race in top gear all the way and may not have another gear when let down. That of course is mere speculation and he may find loads off the bridle. If that is the case he will win, but he will have to come off the bridle today if he is going to come home first. Silviniaco Conti is the other major contender in the race. His win at Ascot last time was an impressive one and although he has to conceed weight to Cue Card he could be the real deal, if he wins under todays conditions he will be a serious Champion Hurdle horse. In short this race is a superb contest that you should not miss and its live on .

The Tingle Creek has been re-routed to Cheltenham today and although it is a very competitive renewal the way Master Minded won at Ascot last time makes him hard to oppose. He looked to be right back to his best. In short he should win but it will not be easy for him and he has run the odd lifeless race here at Cheltenham before. I liked the way that Gauvain won at Cheltenham last time and if he avoids the dreaded bounce he will run well again. Kalahari King vould be the one to push the favourite. He goes well at the track as evidenced by his excellent runin the Arkle last season. He will be ridden patiently by Graham Lee and is solid each way at around 8/1.

I am heading to the office nice and early this morning as I am presenting Mark your Card at 11.00am and will then be in the booth for the Cheltenham card from 12.00. I am hoping to fare a little better than I did yesterday when my best bet was Spirit River who ran a lifeless race in the opener and eventually took a heavy fall. His confidence looks shot to bits and a return to hurdling is on the cards. He was never travelling yesterday and two heavy falls in a row will have done him no good whatsoever. I also fancied Al Ferof yesterday who also fell. I am certain he would have won such was the exuberance with which he was traveling when he came down. He is one to be with next time wherever he goes.

Do make sure you join us on Mark Your Card at 11.00am. Dave Nevison will be my guest and Nick Luck will be your host live from the track. It really is going to be a tremendous day’s action and I look forward to your company later.

Have a great weekend

Today's Selection

1.35 Lingfield – Cardinal (7/2 William Hill )