Saturday 15th November 2014

I really enjoyed the racing from Cheltenham yesterday apart from the low sun that turned the novice chase into a test of speed rather than a jumping test. The horse most affected by the fences dolled off was Urban Hyam and typically the one I fancied.

Urban Hymn would have been the biggest horse in the race by far and jumps like a stag, he was going great guns until the dash for home that was best part of half a mile with nothing to jump. The race was unsatisfactory and the form can be totally forgotten.

The big race today and the feature of the 3 day meeting is the Paddy Power Gold Cup, our syndicate trainer Jamie Snowden runs the joint favourite Present View.

Present View ran a great race on seasonal debut a few weeks ago when finishing 2^nd over hurdles, the outing was prep for this race. Unfortunately Present View suffered a nasty cut in that race and required a week off, however the missed work isn’t really an issue and Jamie is very happy how his build up has gone.

I can’t look at anything else in the race for obvious reasons and have everything crossed Present View provides team Folly House with another big win, Buywise looks the main danger but his jumping is not great, I couldn’t put you off backing Present View EW at 7-1 with bookies paying 5 places.

The Nicky Richards bumper horse Western Rules did is a favour when winning yesterday, another bumper horse that is well liked is the Tim Vaughan trained Officer Hoolihan 4:00 Uttoxeter, priced at 4-1. The Donald McCain runner Whitsundays sets a good standard but Officer Hoolihan has a bit of confidence behind him and is just about an EW price.

Back at Cheltenham is looks a very tough day, I’m just cheering on Present View and depending on how he gets on might have a few quid on Katkeau in the 3:00. This looks a prime David Pipe laid out horse, fitness won’t be a problem and if staying the extended trip he should go well.