Only one place to start this weekend, and that is at Cheltenham. They host a 7-race card that brings out some of the UK’s top class horses. The 2.30pm race is sure to be a great spectacle, and Great Endeavour is taken ahead of Medermit to take the glory. Stan James sponsor the 3.05pm race & although it just falls short of a top class field, there are still several favourites lining up. The going is expected to be soft, but with the winds drying out the ground, it could race on the side of good to soft come Saturday. A horse that fits the bill for this race is Menorah, as with being just short of top class, he does have the class to be there at the finish of this race and should take all the beating. The trip and ground suits and he certainly has the heart for a fight. Rated the best horse in the race, he looks the one to side with. Brampour, Overturn and Grandouet can give him most to do. Nicky Henderson was excited about the chances of Oscar Whisky in the week, and although he will not be a big price, he should go very well in the 3.35pm race. He will surely be targeting the Cheltenham Festival and can take this en route. He fell last time when looking booked for first or second, so if he doesn’t think too much about that tumble, the others will struggle to beat him. Doncaster’s juvenile hurdle at 2.45 will be of interest to many, as it sees many ex-flat recruits trying to cut the ice over hurdles against those that were bred for the job. Hinterland will be popular with punters, being 2 from 2, and with things seemingly in his favour again on Saturday, he should be a tough nut to crack. However, the price will be quite short and it might be more wise to go with a value outsider. Looking through the field, it’s Crafty Roberto who looks worthy of a small ach way bet, as with having just 4 runs on the level, he showed enough to suggest he can win races over hurdles, be it on Saturday or in the future. Lingfield (flat), Navan (jumps), Southwell (flat) and Wolverhampton (flat) make up the rest of Saturday’s action.

Punchestown takes centre stage on Sunday, with their feature race being the Grade 1 chase at 2.05pm. Rubi Light and Joncol are sure to be popular and should run well, but Cooldine at around the 10/1 mark can run them close and looks worth a bet. Willie Mullins is no stranger to winning at this track and he has already been quoted as saying he expects a big run. Ladbrokes sponsor the 2.35pm race and Willie Mullins will be looking to win this race also, with Allee Garde. He has the experience and goes well on a soft surface. Cork (jumps), Hereford (jumps) and Southwell (flat) make up the rest of Sunday’s action.