Ante-Post Update

Wayward Prince's dismal run on Saturday extends my poor start to the season and it looks like I'm gonna need a stellar Cheltenham Festival to have any sort of decent green figure come the end of the campaign.

Only a month to the King George now and it's looking like Captain Chris and Finian's Rainbow are the last hope for last season's novice chasers. The former I have backed already for Kempton and I still believe he is the main danger to Long Run. Kauto Star will not have a fitness advantage this time and Master Minded is an unlikely stayer.

As for Cheltenham, I have backed Oscar Whisky for the Champion Hurdle just in case he is aimed at that race if anything happens to Hurricane Fly - a great hurdler but one who has missed a couple of Festivals in the past. 

Yesterday at Navan Mount Benbulben was impressive in winning a Grade 2 novice hurdle despite the runner-up having the run of the race. He looks a thorough stayer and I think the Spa Hurdle over 3 miles on the Friday will be his target. I've taken 14/1.
Finally, with the second season staying chasers looking a ropey looking bunch thus far (Captain Chris the possible exception when he's stepped up) I can't resist having a sneaky tenner on Denman for the Gold Cup at a big price.

King George:

Captain Chris £30w @ 9/1

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Arkle:

Sprinter Sacre £40w @ 11/1

Champion Hurdle:

Oscar Whisky £10w @ 33/1

RSA:

Hidden Cyclone £10w @ 29/1

Champion Chase:

Captain Chris £20w @ 12/1

Spa:

Mount Benbulben £15w @ 14/1

Gold Cup:

Time for Rupert £50w @ 16/1

Denman £10w @ 28/1