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1048: There was a lively market for the SSS Super Alloys Handicap Hurdle opening up the Cheltenham map, suggesting a degree of uncertainty.

Masters Legacy was out at 12/1 last night but is back to a general 7/1 which is more or less the price it opened at.

I’d rather have 12s but was happy enough to back him at his opening price in a race where I’m very keen to pit Lively Citizen for victory purposes only as I think his revised handicap mark will prove his loss.

He’s a horse I’ve been following for a while and he hasn’t gone as far as I hoped but he runs regularly and I think this two mile drop on good ground will suit him, as will the losing weight. to “inferior” rivals.

There is a risk of confirmation bias in sticking to horses that have attracted attention in the past, I suppose, and that is on my mind when I suggest Your Darling in the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Ben Pauling’s runner has also attracted support and as I care less about his chances, the 11/2 (from 7s) might be enough to persuade me to walk away. He has, however, run well behind Jacamar at Kempton (the winner’s over-the-top hold-up tactics will be harder to execute on the hill at Cheltenham), is not exposed over fences and his yard is in good shape.

They had very high hopes for him as a youngster and while he may not have quite hit them, it looks like he could still rank higher.

I think there’s reason enough to take on Imperial Alcazaar (travel), Oscar Elite (travel and form over the fences), and Beakstown (best days behind him?).

1035: Third Time Lucki is another highly publicized lucky break in Watch Off The Fence On attheraces.com Lightning Novices’ Chase.

He faces two useful rivals in For Pleasure and Do Your Job and has to concede 5lbs so it’s no formality but I’ve come to the conclusion that he should get the job done.

Anyone fancy a few shorts in a multiple?

I wouldn’t be surprised if a few headed in that direction with the “good stuff”.

You could possibly add Miranda to that as she looks to hold real chances to back up last year’s Sky Bet Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle win and she’s drifted to the money tie.

This sort of thing isn’t (usually) my bag and I think there are a few longer priced runners I can throw a dart or two at.

1018: Chantry House and Champ will be hoping to live up to their bills in the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase and Welsh Marches Stallions At Chapel Stud Cleeve Hurdle respectively.

There are very obvious reasons to oppose the former given his very poor showing in the King George when he is never competitive. Nicky Henderson slapped a pair of cheeks and offered a run defense from Kempton that is completely reasonable and I hope he wins and wins impressively.

Even that alone won’t answer many questions as opposition is not the norm in the Championship and therein lies the main problem of pitting/laying him down this afternoon. At this point I have to go to Aye Right, who is only rated 1 pound lower than the odds-on favorite, but the jolly has untapped potential to rate higher (while still representing famous connections) .

Even Santini is only rated 6 pounds below Chantry House, but he has a lot to prove at the moment and travel is a major issue for Simply The Betts.

In contrast, Champ House enters the Cleeve Hurdle after an ultra-impressive performance at Ascot.

He takes on a runner with untapped potential in McFabulous as well as a few Stayers’ Hurdle winners, but they may not be the force they once were and a loss for Champ would be both surprising and bitterly disappointing.

1012: Hello and good morning,

Welcome to the racing blog with a fascinating day of action ahead of us. Many eyes will be on Cheltenham where Chantry House and Champ will attempt to cement/enhance/announce their claims to fame at Prestbury Park in March, but, as always, there is plenty more happening elsewhere.

The Sky Bet Chase takes center stage in Doncaster, but there’s an Albert Bartlett race, Third Time Lucki bidding to banish this Sandown flop and more.

We’ll try to keep up to date with the action and news throughout the day.

The course on both tracks remains good but there are a few non-runners including the notable Farinet who may have found these conditions too busy which is a shame for his future jockey Lucy Turner who nearly won a decent prize in front of the TV cameras at Ascot last weekend.

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