As Moscow Flyer returned to a reception normally the preserve of returning generals after landing yesterday's Queen Mother Champion Chase, there was no more generous applause than that coming from the man in the yellow silks at the side of the parade ring.
2.00: A very trappy race except I believe that Bizet has been trained for it and he must have a chance. But it's important to tread carefully in this. A novice handicap is one of those types of races that are exceptionally difficult to work out sometimes and this is no exception. As a rule I would prefer to look at the bottom end of the handicap and at least Bizet is in the right place there.
SELECTION: Bizet.
2.35: I'm delighted to see Rathgar Beau goes for this rather than running in yesterday's Queen Mother Champion Chase. They have made the right decision. Two miles and five furlongs around here is harder than anywhere else but I would be pretty confident he will get the trip alright.
Our Vic at his best would have a definite chance but I think Rathgar Beau has been a fantastic horse this season. He does need to be held up and that sometimes can be a problem around here. But Rathgar Beau is classy enough to travel on the bridle and that leaves a jockey with options. Shay Barry should have no problems getting a run and I give him a big chance.
SELECTION: Rathgar Beau.
3.15: Baracouda is the class horse of the race and he will do for me. I know he is getting older but he hasn't been overly raced and I don't think mileage is a problem for such a tough customer.
Inglis Drever looks the big danger. To me it looks like he has been crying out for a trip. You only have to think back to last year's SunAlliance when he was really motoring up the hill. Apparently they were thinking of the Champion Hurdle but they have done the right thing going for this race instead.
Rule Supreme has some sort of chance and I think he is running in the right race. I rode him a couple of times when he was younger and on good ground I don't think his jumping would be up to the Gold Cup. It would be a different story on soft but I can understand why he is here.
SELECTION: Baracouda.
4.00: Iznogoud is my idea of the winner but it's a very tough contest to weigh up. He ran a very good race in the Racing Post Chase when he was second to Farmer Jack and he has run well on the track before.
Palarshan is another who has done well here in the past and he could be an each way price.
SELECTION: Iznogoud.
4.40: Keepatem will be hard to beat. For me he is a handicapper racing in a novice and with John Thomas McNamara on board I think he has a great chance. You only have to think back to how he won the Paddy Power at Christmas to know that he is experienced enough for a marathon like this.
Point Barrow is an obvious danger and I suppose both he and Keepatem would ideally like a little give in the ground. But I've been out on the track a lot and there is plenty of moisture in the ground. They should be okay.
SELECTION: Keepatem.
5.20: Another very hard handicap but I fancy Oulart a little bit. He looks to have a nice weight and Dessie Hughes obviously has his horses in flying form.
Liberman is a classy sort with a low weight and he could be a danger.
SELECTION: Oulart.
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