KALASHNIKOV IS READY TO FIRE

KALASHNIKOV blew away a competitive field for last month’s Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and can gun down Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle favourite Getabird in the opening race this afternoon.

The Newbury race takes some winning and there is a long list of horses who have run well there and then performed with credit at the Festival. Trained in Newmarket by Amy Murphy, Kalashnikov would have preferred better ground but conditions were pretty arduous at Newbury.

The heavy ground is going to be a massive factor this week. Only six favourites won at the 2017 Festival and there seems sure to be a few shock results.

However, two of the certainties of the meeting in my book run today. I find it hard to see last year’s winner BUVEUR D’AIR getting beaten in the Champion Hurdle while APPLE’S JADE should also repeat her 2017 win in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle.

Nothing has got close to Buveur D’Air this season and the opposition looks thin. There is the hope that 2015 winner Faugheen may be revitalised by being fitted with cheekpieces and a piece of training magic by Willie Mullins but the reality is racing and sports stars are the same. As they get older, it becomes harder to rekindle a spark. Faugheen is 10 and it looks like his best days are behind him.

One runner for whom the rain has been heaven sent is SAINT

CALVADOS. All his sire’s progeny thrive on really soft ground.

He has looked tough and has impressed jumping with authority when winning twice at Newbury and once at Warwick. Being trained in Lambourn by Harry Whittington — rather than one of the big stables — means he has probably been underrated.

MS PARFOIS has some solid form and a valuable mares’ allowance in the National Hunt Chase.