acthehouse

Really good race, and you could make a case for any of them. GDC underperformed in the Gold Cup and was 6 lengths behind Inothewayurthinkin. Inothewayurthinkin will have the Gold Cup as his target again, so will not be fully wound up for this. GDC is usually ready to do himself justice at this meeting.

Nothing to split Ballyburn and Teahupoo at Fairyhouse last month. I think Ballyburn will reverse the result, as he should come on for the run. With Teahupoo, he usually runs best when fresh. The Yellow Clay is interesting, but he was very disappointing when beaten at Navan on his reappearance.

Best two-miler around and will win if fit enough. Majborough is the best of the rest, but his jumping lets him down.

Won the Ryanair at Cheltenham (2m 4f) and handles 3m no problem. The run behind Gaelic Warrior last month showed he's as well as ever. In hindsight, Mark Walsh went too early, as he thought he had Gaelic Warrior and went past him between the last two fences, giving Gaelic the chance to fight back. This time, he will not take it up until the last, which will not give Gaelic the time to battle back. Jango Baie is a big danger if he gets the trip.

Beat Romeo Coolio easily at Aintree in April. That was the end of the season and over hurdles, but he beat him easily. This is now fences, and the only reason Salvator is not favourite is because he was beaten at heavy odds-on on his only run over fences. He should improve a lot with that run under his belt and has to be the value here.

Not sure why there is such a price difference with Blueking compared with the market leaders. Over hurdles he beat them over 2m5f+ at Sandown at the end of April, and he gave them weight. His jumping over fences has been a bit hit and miss, but class-wise he's up there, gets the trip, and will like the better ground.

Stride On is likely to lead, with Idaho Valley very close behind. Idaho Valley is usually there or thereabouts without winning, but today's race looks weak. Stride On is very inexperienced (this is only his second start over hurdles) and very short (around 10/11 or evens). Idaho Valley ran well three weeks ago (first run of the season) over a shorter trip and has a great chance today.

Gets the 3m well, having won here over the 3m at the end of October. Likes to go from the front, which may be an advantage (as long as he doesn't go too quick). Based on yesterday's races, it looked difficult to make up ground from behind.

Been running over shorter 6f and 7f and now back up to a mile, where he has shown his best form. Stateira is a hot favourite but has to give away 12 lb.