Photo in the running to lift racing’s Gold

THE famous Cheltenham roar is almost upon us.

And that marks the start of the intriguing annual bookie v punter battle.

What makes life so difficult for folk like me – and I’m definitely not looking for sympathy – is the ultracompetitive nature of every single one of the 28 races over four days.

The big, or let’s say massive, race is of course the Gold Cup.

Three-and-a-quarter miles over 22 fences, the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup will have another chapter written in this natural amphitheatre on Friday afternoon.

It is looking wide-open this year, just like tomorrow’s feature race, the Champion Hurdle.

Before the 2014 running, the Irish had claimed Gold just three times since Davy Lad’s success in 1977, but have now won the prize four times in the last six years.

Heading the market will be last year’s hero Al Boum Photo, who is the subject of trainer Willie Mullins ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach, as he follows the same path to glory as 12 months ago.

Santini has been placed at the last two festivals in staying contests as a novice in both disciplines and lowered the colours of Bristol De Mai in The Cotswold Chase over the Gold Cup course and distance on Trials day, taking time to warm to the task before staying on strongly up the hill.

Just behind Santini in last season’s RSA Chase was Delta Work, who has taken his form to the next level this season, scoring twice at Leopardstown. After a low-key return at Down Royal, he stayed on strongly to beat Monalee over Christmas before confirming the form with Kemboy and Presenting Percy in February.

All eyes will be on the magnificent Tiger Roll in Wednesday’s crosscountry.

But the most famous horse could find the going tough, with Easysland a huge rival.

We’ve seen a lot of money for A Plus Tard in the Ryanair Chase on Thursday.

The bay gelding was the most empathic winner at last year’s Festival, winning the Novice h’cap Case by sixteen lengths over the same trip and he has taken his form to a new level this season by beating leading Champion Chase hope Chacun Pour Soi.

Next up, don’t rule out Minella Melody, also on Thursday, in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle.

Whether you’re among the 65,000 heading off to Gloucester or joining the worldwide audience watching the drama unfold on TV, have a great week – and please remember – bet to your pocket.