Happy Chris-mas! Im delighted to be starting a new weekly column for Sun Racing.
With the Cheltenham Festival just around the corner, theres no better time to talk horses – lets hope I can bag you some winners.
Racing is my first love and Prestbury Park is my second home.
Theres nothing like the roar of the crowd, the luck of the Irish and the excitement of the final, stamina-sapping hill.
Ive been going to the course ever since I could walk and I cant wait for Trials Day on Saturday.
Its a cracking afternoon that really gets my juices flowing ahead of the big one in March, and, as ever, there are plenty of clues on show.
Santini is likely to go off favourite in the Cotswold Chase but Ive always loved SLATE HOUSE.
One of Colin Tizzards many stars, he looked to have the BetVictor Gold Cup wrapped up when cruising into it in November – only to hit the deck at the second-last.
Hes a really talented chaser who bowls along and jumps like a dream, so this step into open company shouldnt be too much of a problem and I reckon he can notch a fourth win of the season.
Bristol De Mai is the biggest danger but I expect Colin Tizzards chaser to be too good.
In the Ballymore Trial, Im with team Tizzard once again.
HARRY SENIOR is a horse going places and he should reverse form with the exciting Sporting John.
I was down at Exeter when the two took each other on and I knew that day both would be very classy types in the future.
Sporting John had a little bit too much gas for Harry Senior that day but the way in which Tizzards horse has improved suggests to me hes the one to catch now.
Last but not least, its the Cleeve Hurdle!
PAISLEY PARK is already 5-4 for the Stayers Hurdle on the Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival and if he wins this hes sure to go odds-on.
Emma Lavelles stamina machine is a proper crowd favourite and I expect him to strut his stuff on Saturday before taking on the big one in March.
