QUILIXIOS 13:20 Cheltenham 11/4 – Earlier in the week I was favouring ZANAHIR but after a lot of pondering over the formbook the progressive form of QUILIXIOS just edges it. For the each way thieves ADAGIO (16/1) should be considered.

CHAMPAGNE GOLD 13:55 Cheltenham 7/1 each way – Massive hike in the weights after finishing runner up in the Ladbrokes Trophy but don't hold that against him as he is highly likely to improve again. Should be thereabouts in this highly competitive handicap.

ALPHAPHILIPPE 14:30 Cheltenham 14/1 each way – Winning pointer and only beaten once in 5 runs under rules. Comfortable win an a Grade 2 last time and another bold show expected today.

A PLUS TARD 15:05 Cheltenham 7/2 – I have gone against AL BOUM PHOTO in the last two Gold Cups and although I may live to regret it I am looking elsewhere again. If you followed my advice in our Cheltenham magazine you with have an ante-post voucher on A PLUS TARD at 10/1. FRODON is unlikely to get things his own way on the front end as he will have NATIVE RIVER for company (the 2018 winner tipped by FRT). Last years RSA winner CHAMP is going to have an each way shout after a good prep race over an inadequate trip. SANTINI I’m not sure about, despite that excellent run behind AL BOUM PHOTO last year he hasn’t been convincing since. AL BOUM PHOTO is again worthy of the favourites tag but my selection is A PLUS TARD who will appreciate the strong pace and shaped up like this extra 2 furlongs will suit him down to the ground.

STALKER WALLACE 15:40 Cheltenham 8/1 each way – Despite finishing behind BILLAWAY on at least 3 occasions there is not much between the pair. Second and fourth in this last year they are set to be involved in the finish again. STAKER at 8/1 gives us a bit of value.

ELIMAY 16:15 Cheltenham 5/6 – Comes here in good form after easily brushing aside SHATTERED LOVE last time. Stablemate COLREEVY is the only likely danger and they should fight out the finish.

EGLANTINE DU SEUIL 16:50 Cheltenham 33/1 each way – Winner of the Dawn Run in 2019 and hasn't won since, however, she ran very well off this mark when second over course and distance in December and I suspect the canny Paul Nicholls has been plotting an assault on this race ever since.

1.20pm – QUILIXIOS – our first winner for the day!  Quilixious tracked leader, led 2 out, 2 lengths ahead travelling strongly approaching last, shaken up and quickened right away run-in, impressive

1.55pm – CHAMPAGNE GOLD – started in mid-division, some headway 2 out, driven final bend, weakening before last to finish in 17th place

2.30pm – ALPHAPHILIPPE – got underway towards rear, headway and kept on towards finish, never going pace to get involved scraped a 5th place

3.05pm – A PLUS TARD – held up towards rear, steady headway from 13th, mistake 16th, checked and taken back slightly before 3 out, went close 2nd final bend, 2 lengths down 2 out, stayed on well but able to get back to winner, second place.

3.40pm – STALKER WALLACE – held up and off the pace towards rear, good headway chasing leaders 14th, outpaced before 2 out, went modest 3rd on line, no chance with leading duo – third place for the each way money.

4.15pm – ELIMAY – held up in touch, closed to press winner from 9th, carried right at some of the fences after, driven after 2 out, led narrowly 150 yards out, headed and brushed by winner 75 yards out, held after, stayed on, beaten by half a length to get a second place.

4.50pm – EGLANTINE DU SEUIL – towards rear of mid-division, never involved to finish in 11th place.

On Gold Cup Day we looked like getting off to a great start GOSHEN was 10 lengths clear in the Triumph Hurdle when unseating at the last.

EIL DU NEIGE looked well enough in the County Handicap Hurdle but he appeared to hit a wall and stopped very quickly.

A gutsy battling performance by MONKFISH landed us a nice win in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle.

A mistake by CLAN DES OBEAUX three fences from home cost him his chance in the Gold Cup.

CAID DU BELAIS pulled up in the Foxhunters.

Our selection CAPELAND made a catalog of mistakes in the Grand Annual and finished tailed off.

We ended the festival with a hard luck story when COLUMN OF FIRE who was being ridden to challenge fell at the last in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle.   

Over 70,000 members received our tips for Cheltenham Gold Cup Day last year.

JCB Triumph Hurdle

County Hurdle

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Cheltenham Gold Cup

Hunter Chase

Paddy Power Mares Chase

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle