Nordance set to prevail

Nordance Prince can be crowned king if he lands the £80,000 Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham today. The winner of three of his four starts over fences, the eight-year-old was particularly impressive last time when trying two miles and three furlongs for the first time in Ascot's First National Bank Gold Cup.

He had no problems with the longer trip and won that very competitive race with plenty to spare. Always in touch, Richard Johnson sent Nordance Prince to the front six fences from home and, clear approaching the last, the gelding won in great style by 10 lengths from Dark Stranger.

That was Nordance Prince's first race for over a year after he had suffered leg problems so it made the victory even more meritorious.

Stormy Passage will be a big danger judged on his fine second to The Outback Way in the Murphy's Gold Cup.

Equally, Jonjo O'Neill's team is in good form and his entry, the progressive Legal Right, has won his last two outings at Cheltenham and Newbury.

But a further 8lb rise in the ratings looks enough to halt his chances of a three-timer. Nevertheless Legal Right could still give a good account of himself.

But it pays to go with an inform horse such as Nordance Prince, who can take this valuable prize at the main expense of Stormy Passage and Legal Right.

Relkeel will bid to land an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the Bonusprint Bula Hurdle. However, this tough grey may have to play second fiddle to Triumph Hurdle winner Katarino, who showed his wellbeing with a good second in a high-class French contest.

Simply Dashing looks a good bet to record his first win for over two years in the Bet Direct Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock. And as a consequence Tim Easterby's top-class performer, who has a history of respiratory problems, gets all the allowances and is on 10st 12lb in today's race Simply Dashing finished a five-length second to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner See More Business at Wetherby on his reappearance with subsequent winner Looks Like Trouble back in third.

The eight-year-old choked that day and has since undergone a fourth soft palate operation. Nevertheless Simply Dashing would not have to be at his best to take today's prize.

Easterby can complete a longrange double with Mixsterthetrixster in the Summit Junior Hurdle at Lingfield. An easy winner at Newcastle last time this progressive three-year-old can prove too strong for French raider Grand Seigneur.