Monkerhostin to sneak it

Charlie Swan will be disappointed if his Ground Ball doesn't make the first three

2.00 "The Triumph was always lucky for me but it's a different type of race now that the juvenile handicap on the first day is in place. It has split things up a lot more, removed a lot of the mediocre horses, and makes the Triumph easier to ride. There aren't as many hard luck stories any more.

"I think Mister Hight is a class above all these. He was a really good horse on the flat and has taken to hurdles well. The one concern is that some of Willie's horses haven't been firing. If there is one to beat him it looks like Detroit City."

Selection: Mister Hight

2.35 "Black Jack Ketchum is the banker of the meeting. I find it hard to see him beaten. He might be odds on but he deserves to be. I know Tony McCoy loves the horse. The Irish horses have each way chances only."

Selection: Black Jack Ketchum

3.15 "Obviously I would love to see Beef Or Salmon win a Gold Cup but I'm very wary of him now that the ground is drying out a bit. On soft ground there isn't as much pressure on his jumping and he can pop away. It's not that he's a bad jumper.

"He's just a little careful and on faster conditions you have to be a bit more bold. It's a big field and I can also see him getting out of it a bit and then staying on at the finish when it's too late.

"The one I think will win is Monkerhostin. He looks the class horse in the race and he loves the track which is important. There is a little doubt about the trip but I'm prepared to believe he'll stay. L'Ami and Hedgehunter are others to consider.

"It's unusual for a Grand National horse to come back for a Gold Cup but it's probably easier to do now."

Selection: Monkerhostin

4.00 "Harbour Pilot didn't manage to win at Leopardstown but he's still the class horse of the race and he must have a big chance. Drombeag has a squeak but will have to jump better than he did on his last start and Joe Blake has an outside chance. He looks to be coming back to something like his best."

Selection: Harbour Pilot.

4.40 "My horse Ground Ball has a very good chance. He was second in the race last year and looked like winning last year until he got rid of David Casey. I fancied him even more until I saw the weights go up. Physically he is capable of carrying 11-8 but it does allow some of the bottom weights into the handicap proper. He is in great form and I couldn't be happier with him. If he gets around I'll be disappointed if he's not in the first three. But he does look to have Green Tango, Tiger Cry and Andreas to beat."

Selection: Ground Ball.

5.20 "I think Martin Pipe's novice Acambo has a big chance. He looks one that has been put away for this and appears very well handicapped. Martin's horses haven't been doing great this week which is a slight concern but I still like this one."

Selection: Acambo