This year's renewal is very interesting indeed given that Florida Pearl
takes part here rather than in the Gold Cup itself.
Florida Pearl has won two races at the festival but has not raced over a
distance of only 2 miles for some years.
He has a high cruising speed and I will be willing him to
victory. However the horse to beat in this race is his compatriot Moscow
Flyer. He is my idea of the banker of the meeting. He won the Arkle chase
last year impresively and looks to be a horse with a big Cheltenham future.
The first race of the day is the 2m5f Sun Alliance Novices hurdle and as
long as there is some juice in the ground the Jonjo O'Neill trained
Coolnagorna should take all the beating.
In the 4.35 Martin Pipe has nominated Stormez as his festival banker. He
will be quite short but should win.
Finally the bumper closes proceedings and although the race is geared more
to the Irish than the home based team one trainer Mark Pitman has won this
race in the recent past. he saddles Dempsey in the race today and you
should get a good run for your money here. At the advertised odds of 33/1
he will be excellent each way value.
Best wishes
THE SHEIKH