Triumph Hurdle

Irish mare Lounaos is likely to go off market leader (currently 4/1 favourite with betdirect) but she may have been flattered by her proximity to Hardy Eustace and co last time although her mares' allowance is a big help. Phillip Hobbs saddled the first two home last year and Liberate will appreciate the forecast drying ground. Degas Art is closely matched with Katchit on Wetherby running earlier in the season and looks sure to go close although the Howard Johnson stable have not been in particularly good form in recent weeks. Mountain didn't the most natural of hurdlers on his debut, but is entitled to come on for the experience and has a touch of class.

Brit Insurance Hurdle

Wichita Lineman looks the one to beat for Jonjo O'Neill. Half-brother to Rhinestone Cowboy he has only lost one of four starts so far this term including in Grade 1 company in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury over Xmas. Black Harry and Hairy Molly have attracted market support from betdirect customers in recent days and these two look the best of the Irish challenge.

Gold Cup

A race that revolves around the brilliant Kauto Star who has carried all before him so far this term. It is well documented that the horse has made mistakes on his last couple of starts but he looks head and shoulders above the opposition, but will he stay the three and a quarter mile trip? The weather forecast suggests the ground may be no worse than good to soft come Friday and he is considered by many to be the Festival banker; others are convinced he won't stay or his mistakes will take their toll. State Of Play (10/1 with betdirect) is sure to have been brought back to the boil by Evan Williams and his Hennessy win back in November was impressive albeit some way short of Kauto Star's level of form. Beef Or Salmon looks the best of the Irish but this wonderful warrior has never been at his best at Prestbury and the weather looks to be turning against him.

Foxhunters Chase

Run over the C&D over the Gold Cup last year's winner Whyso Mayo has looked better than ever this year and many consider him one of the Irish bankers of the Festival. Patches and Bica look the best of the home challenge in a race which lacks the quality of previous years.

Grand Annual

The dogs have been barking Saintsaire a 10/3 shot with betdirect since the weights were announced and he certainly looked impressive when trotting up at Newbury on Hennessy day. His trainer has protected his handicap rating subsequently and he looks as if he will be one of the gambles of the meeting. Foreman is due to head the weights but if he bypassed the event the race would change dramatically. Bambi de L'Orme has been knocking on the door in competitive races and deserves a big one. Nicky Henderson won the corresponding event last year and Tysou looks a major player.

County Hurdle

Phillip Hobbs has stated that Fair Along will run in the Festival finale as well as Tuesday's Arkle and if Detroit City goes close in the Champion Hurdle there is sure to be plenty of support for last year's Triumph hurdle runner up. The participation of Desert Quest brings Ouninpohja into the reckoning and the ground looks to be coming right for Sweet Wake (best priced at 12/1 with betdirect) although he has failed to live up to expectations having gone off favourite for last year's Supreme Novice Hurdle.