3 Cheltenham Runners

There are four meetings taking place this afternoon with jumps cards from Cheltenham, Doncaster and Bangor, whilst there is an all-weather flat card from Chelmsford City.  It is the first of the two day International meeting from Cheltenham and David has three runners; Nordic Combined, What A Moment and Champers On Ice (pictured above).  Given all the rain we have had over the last few weeks it seems incredible that the ground is only good/soft.

Nordic Combined certainly won't mind any more rain when he contests the 2m1f handicap hurdle at 1.20pm.  He was a winner on soft and heavy ground on the flat and has shown good form over hurdles, running well in quality handicaps.  Having looked as though he was crying out for further, he did not appear to get home last time at Newbury.  He was a close third from this mark in a Listed handicap at Ascot last month and a repeat of that effort would give him each way-claims under Tom Scudamore in a very competitive contest.

We know that What A Moment goes well around here as he has twice won the amateur riders' chase at Cheltenham's November meeting, including from a 2lbs higher mark.  That form would give him a chance, although he would need to improve considerably on what he has done so far this season.  It is a tough race and Tom Scudamore takes the ride.

Champers On Ice runs in the closing 3m handicap hurdle at 3.40pm.  He has looked to be right back to form this season, winning both starts at Ffos Las and Newbury.  He jumped particularly well last time and produced a brave front-running performance to repel all challengers in the straight.  He is another 4lbs higher in the weights this afternoon which makes life harder but he is a difficult horse to pass when on song and is another with each-way prospects.  Tom Scudamore is in the saddle.

There were no winners yesterday with Midnight Magic faring best of our runners.  He was fifth in the staying handicap chase at Taunton and may well have finished considerably closer but for a mistake at the penultimate fence.

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It was the staff Christmas party last night and there was a good turnout for the gathering at the Pitcher & Piano in Taunton.  We sat down for a very nice meal and a few drinks, whilst there was music if anyone wanted to make a few shapes.  Tom Scu was also there - I hope he doesn't have to do light today!

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It was a good night in Europe for the British football teams last night with Manchester United, Wolves, Arsenal, Celtic and Rangers all progressing to the last 32 of the Europa League.

Reigning Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is understood to have been in talks with Ferrari about a potential move to the Italian team for the 2021 season.  This seems incredible considering the success Hamilton has had during his time with Mercedes.  Of course, Ferrari is the most prestigious brand in the sport, but they have struggled with consistency for many years now and a sideways (or even backward) move for Hamilton would seem a bizarre choice.

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What is the most popular Christmas wine?  I don't like Brussels sprouts!

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