I’m keeping my toes, fingers and everything else crossed that the Cheltenham Festival escapes the clutches of Coronavirus.
There’s also the small matter of Storm Jorge threatening to put a dampener on things too – but hopefully we can keep the show on the road!
First thing’s first though, and there’s some quality stuff from Newbury on Saturday.
Master Tommytucker (4.25 Newbury) has fallen on three of his four starts over fences but he has a big engine and this is a much easier task than he’s had recently.
Paul Nicholls thinks he’s a class act and I reckon he’ll be very difficult to beat if he gets an easy lead.
He’s not actually a bad jumper, he’s just been a bit unlucky. This is his time to shine.
I’m also siding with Paul Nicholls up at Kelso.
You’ve always got to pay attention when he sends one that far north, and Calva D’Auge (2.45 Kelso) will surely be tough to beat in the Premier Novices’ Hurdle.
He’s progressing fast and the horse he beat at Plumpton last time, Fraser Island, is a classy sort himself.
It’ll be cold in the Scottish highlands, but Calva D’Auge should warm them up!
My NAP of the afternoon comes at Newbury, where I hope old boy HORATIO HORNBLOWER (2.05 Newbury) can sail to success.
These veteran races are always great fun and this contest is full of old favourites.
Nick Williams’ 12-year-old has rediscovered some of his fire in recent weeks and even though he’s a 10-1 shot, I’d give him a big old chance.
He’ll enjoy this stamina test and there’s still plenty of life in his legs yet.
