Ready for the Roar!

          Ramses De Teille runs Today

Today we have four meetings at Cheltenham, Sedgefield and two flat cards at Southwell and Newcastle.  Really there is only one meeting that counts to me...Cheltenham!  David has two runners in the Ultima handicap chase at 2.50pm.  Ramses De Teille is ridden by Tom Scu and Eamon An Cnoic is ridden by David Noonan.  Ramses De Teille is 11/1.  His two wins have both come on heavy ground at Chepstow.  He dropped three pounds last time out at Exeter when he finished second to Elegant Escape and he must have each way claims.  Eamon An Cnoic is 25/1.  He has won on heavy and although he has yet to win over this far he has finished placed in an Irish point to point.  David has won the last two running's of this race with Un Temps Pour Tout and fingers crossed he can make it a hat-trick. It looks like it could be a short priced favourites day elsewhere with Getabird, Footpad, Buveur D'air and Apple's Jade.  If I had to oppose Getabird in the opener it would be with Kalashnikov and I would oppose Footpad with Saint Calvados.  I know I am a bit stupid but I like My Tent Or Yours each way in the Champion hurdle.  I think apple's Jade is the best of the short priced favourites.

I love the start of Chetenham when the tapes go up for the first race.  The noise is deafening.  It is not like any other sporting event, the crowd is spread out so far but I guess you would have to be there to know what I am talking about.  Come next year if you can't make today!

The stable runners were in good form at Taunton yesterday and David had a second and two thirds.  I thought the bumper horse, Mechelen was going to win 2 furlongs out but she ran a bit green and can surely improve for this experience.

I see Tiger Woods has moved up to second in the betting for the first Masters of the season.  Only Dustin Johnson is a shorter price.  The big question is can Tiger Woods play the same again and he will be under more pressure this time.

Manchester United are 13/20 to beat Sevilla in the Champions League.  I think I would rather back United at this price than some of the short ones at the Festival.  My wife accused me of being a terrible lawyer.  I couldn't defend myself!  Enjoy the first day everyone!