WITH only a few pounds officially separating Viking Flagship, Sound Man and Strong Platinum, who between them have won 53 races and £850,000 in prize-money, today's Queen Mother Champion Chase had the makings of one of the best-ever two mile chases seen at Cheltenham - but only on good jumping ground. Now, however, the dismal weather has muddied the course, which, thanks to an unusually severe winter is without spring growth.
If the weather dries overnight, the ground will probably be tacky and that will not suit Strong Platinum, who could not handle somewhat similar going at Naas last time out. Viking Flagship, who bids to win the race for the third successive year, will be suited to a cut in the ground, and Sound Man has won on soft terrain.
There is no tougher battler in training than Viking Flagship, who beat Travado by a neck in a memorable finish two years ago and then last year had five lengths to spare over the 1993 winner, Deep Sensation.
Sound Man has gone from strength to strength this season, winning all of his five races. He has fully recovered from a muscular injury sustained in the process of winning his last race at Ascot, and usually runs well when fresh.
The race may well develop into a slog between Viking Flagship and the Richard Dunwoody-partnered Sound Man. Klairon Davis, who just got the better of Sound Man in last year's Arkle, has not been jumping with his usual verve this season. I would be reluctant to bet on the outcome but hope to see Sound Man prevail.
On good ground I would have fancied the Aidan O'Brien-trained Urubande for the Sun Alliance Novice Hurdle. He should still run a big race. The Subbie also needs good going. Madison County should run well for Richard Dunwoody, but the best of ours may be the Arthur Moore-trained Rifawan, who will act on the ground and will appreciate this trip. He may have the improving Jet Rules to fear.
The ground has come right for the Noel Meade-trained Johnny Setaside, who clearly has Mr Mulligan to beat in the Sun Alliance Chase. The Irish chaser stays, jumps well and is progressing.
The front-running Mr Mulligan remains undefeated this season, but there are question marks about him, and Johnny Setaside could be better value for money.
Trainglot and Time For A Run appear to be the best backed ante-post for the Coral Cup, a race in which we have filled the first three places for the past two years. Successful two years ago, Time For A Run should again go close for Dunwoody.
While the Irish hurdlers are not well treated, I also respect the chaser Opera Hat, who beat Strong Platinum at Naas and has little weight. The Latvian Lark and the much-improved New Co can figure, but the choice is Jimmy FitzGerald's Trainglot.
The Michael Cunningham-trained Kalona has been laid out for the National Hunt Chase for some months.
There are several well fancied runners in the Festival Bumper, but now that the ground has come in his favour, I will not oppose the Willie Mullins-trained and ridden Wither Or Which.
