Festival Fancies: The punters' choices

Warren Gatland, Ireland Rugby coach

"I hadn't heard of Cheltenham before coming here, but now I know it's one of the major sporting events of the calendar - the Olympics of horse racing. There are four horses I like so I may do a Yankee. "I was told in November about Balla Sola in the Triumph Hurdle when he was 50/1 and I didn't back him. Now he's 12/1! Before the game against England a friend of Reggie Corrigan's told me about Barton (SunAllance Hurdle) who is New Zealand-bred, so I'll put him in with Florida Pearl and maybe Nick Dundee, too."

Dr Michael Smurfit, Businessman

"I haven't missed Cheltenham for years, but I'll be leaving after the fifth race this time. Taking four hours off a day is a lot for me.

"Istabraq looks totally unbeatable. I think he is in a league of his own and if he stays up he will win. It's great to have a champion like him around, but 4/7 is a price you would have to think about taking.

"I'm not a mad keen Florida Pearl fan, but I do have a sneaking suspicion that Dorans Pride will do something this year. He's a fresh horse and if he stays up you have to think he'll be in the first three.

"My horse Archive Footage (Coral Cup) will have a chance on his Ladbroke form. On that form he will be hard to beat.

Joe Walsh TD, Minister for Agriculture

"In the Gold Cup I have to be parochial and have a few bob on the Cork-owned Florida Pearl. It's easy to make a case for Teeton Mill, who was most impressive at Ascot and Kempton, and Dorans Pride, who is experienced and fresh, but I'll be on Florida Pearl.

"I know His Song (Arkle Trophy) didn't put up such a commanding performance last time, but I know Charlie Swan is sweet on his chance, so I will back his judgement."

Larry Tompkins, Cork football coach

"I backed Nick Dundee at Christmas for the SunAlliance which is a nice bet. I just hope he runs in it now. I think he is an exceptional horse and it will take a helluva one to beat him. I've also had a few pounds on Joe Mac (Supreme Novices Hurdle) at 5/1 and he'll be hard to beat.

"His Song has an outstanding chance and you must remember he has finished as close to Istabraq as anyone in the past. He is one of our bankers and I also like Simply Gifted each way in the Triumph.

"It's a high class Gold Cup, but Florida Pearl has such a high cruising speed that I think he will take a lot of beating. Dorans Pride will be a lot fresher this year and is the danger."