Grand National Tips

Il Etait Temps (13/2) - He's a bit of a slow-burner but he ran really well behind Facile Vega [the favourite in this race] a couple of starts ago. If he's out of the first three, I'm having a bad start to the Festival.

Arkle Chase, 14:10

Saint Roi (8/1) and Dysart Dynamo (9/2) (both each-way) - My main bet is Saint Roi, the best hurdler and Grade 1 winner. I'll be backing Saint Roi and Dysart Dynamo Each Way.

Ultima Handicap Chase, 14:50

Oscar Elite (12/1) - Third in the race last year. A lot of horses run well having performed at the festival before and I think he is worth a bet at double figure odds.

Champion Hurdle, 15:30

I Like to Move it (Without Constitution Hill) (4/1) - He is a young improver, I'd go each-way or straight win only.

National Hunt Chase, 17:30

Mahler Mission Each Way (6/1) - I'd like Gaillard Du Mesnil not to be there but if he is I will get a bigger price.

Cheltenham Day 2 - Ladies Day Wednesday

Ballymore Novices Hurdle 13:30

Gaelic Warrior Each Way (5/1) - Talented, has his quirks and I wouldn't be surprised to see Paul Townend pick Gaelic Warrior over Impaire Et Passe.

Brown Advisory Novices Chase 14:10

Thunder Rock (14/1) - I liked that run in the Dipper. Steps up to three miles, plenty of stamina in pedigree. At three times the price of The Real Whacker, Thunder Rock might be for you if you like The Real Whacker.

Champion Chase, 15:30

Greaneteen (25/1) - He has a body of work that suggests he should be bang in there if at his best. That career best at Exeter may have set him back. Paul Nicholls will have him fresh for this, though.

Champion Bumper, 17:30

Encanto Bruno (12/1) - I don't usually bet on bumpers but I've had a bet this year on Encanto Bruno.

Cheltenham Day 3 - St Patrick's Thursday

Turners Novices Chase, 13:30

Balco Coastal Each Way (10/1) - I spoke to the jockey and I sense some real confidence behind the horse.

Ryanair Chase, 14:50

Janidil (7/1) - I would take Shishkin out of the equation. Janidil was second in this race last year. I've had a wild stab at GA Law as well at 16/1, if he turns up.

Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle, 15:30

Gold Tweet (12/1) - If Gold Tweet was trained by a Henderson or a Mullins he would be closer to 4s than 12s. Given age, unexposed nature, performance last time, the 12/1 seems wrong.

Plate Handicap Chase, 16:10

Datsalrightgino (12/1) - Back at Cheltenham where he ran last time. A very progressive horse.

Mares Novices Hurdle, 16:50

Ahorsewithnoname (16/1) - Second in race last year, a brilliant training performance from Nicky Henderson, as she bled quite badly on Boxing Day. I think you'll get bigger odds on the day.

Cheltenham Day 4 - Gold Cup Friday

Triumph Hurdle, 13:30

Gala Marceau (9/2) - Betting is all about the price and I think the market has underestimated her. I wouldn't put you off backing her each-way.

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, 14:50

Hiddenvalleylake (7/1) - I have the utmost respect for Corbetts Cross but Hiddenvalleylake is interesting. A lot are disappointed by that run last time, but the market reaction was pretty level. When the race ran before at Cork, connections were purring about him. The clock said he was a very good horse, possibly a Grade One horse.

Gold Cup, 15:30

A Plus Tard (15/2) - Anybody who has listened to me on the Racing Only Bettor or Weighed In podcasts knows I think A Plus Tard has been the wrong price for a long time. I am not going to go mad in the race however.

Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase, 16:50

Magic Daze (10/1) - I'm going to back her before the race then look to lay her at about 2/1 in-running because I am not assured of her stamina.