A grey day, ideal for this Cavalier

IF THE weather forecast is to be believed, Cheltenham could be in for rain of a biblical nature today.

Conditions appeared testing enough yesterday and a further deterioration of the ground will make the Paddy Power Gold Cup a war of attrition and a test which may suit IRISH CAVALIER (Cheltenham, nap, 2.25).

Trainer Rebecca Curtis was seen at her best with her handling of the selection last year as he was brought to a peak for the Cheltenham Festival, winning the novices’ handicap chase with something in hand.

A host of winners have emerged from that contest with the likes of Knock House, Little Jon, Cocktails At Dawn, Killala Quay, Cold March and Monkey Kingdom all subsequently successful to give the form a rock-solid look.

Irish Cavalier’s subsequent efforts at Punchestown, one of which was Grade One, confirmed the grey’s ability. He served further proof he remains an improving chaser with an impressive return at Newton Abbot, beating the likes of Henryville and Art Mauresque, who has already boosted the form with a comfortable success himself at today’s venue.

The Romford Pele and Audacious Plan give Curtis a strong hand in the Murphy Group Handicap Chase too, but I prefer

(1.50), who represents connections which won the staying event two years ago with Alvarado.

There was precious little wrong with the eight-year-old’s seasonal reappearance at today’s track where he saw off a number of challengers from the home turn, including Audacious Plan, but lost late on to Whats Happening.

Fergal O’Brien’s charge looked as though the outing would do him good and he makes some appeal off what remains a handy mark. Hinterland, Far West and Sam Winner have all made their mark for Paul Nicholls in the opening JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial and ROMAIN

DE SENAM (Cheltenham, 12.40) could add his name to the roll call.

A winner at Wincanton on his British debut, the son of Saint Des Saints coped well with deep ground in his native France and should have enough quality.

UN TEMPS POUR TOUT (Cheltenham, 1.15) is another exciting novice on show and, if he can translate the level of his hurdling form to fences, he is going to be difficult to beat this afternoon.