Tuesday 12 March 2019 12:02, UK
Four days of Cheltenham Festival fun is on the horizon. Who should we be backing? Lewis Jones has simplified the process to tell you who to punt on, based on which football team you support...
Nicky Henderson's hurdler is back to defend his crown. He's all class. Very slick. However, he's got a serious challenger on his hooves this year in Apple's Jade. Can he get over the line in front?
There's been 29 years of hurt.....for backers of 100/1 shots in the Gold Cup. The blank goes back to 1990, when Norton's Coin defied his gigantic odds. We've seen plenty of 100/1 shots try, but it's been heartbreak after heartbreak and a few slipped up.
Is this their year?
Full of talent and travels like a dream for the majority of his races. But when push comes to shove, this horse finds little off the bridle. He just doesn't know how to win.
Will he allow the opposition to walk all over him? This lad looks a horse for the here and now with doubts about his longevity judged on his breeding. It's a pity that Mad Moose has headed for the retirement sheds as he'd have been a perfect candidate for Chelsea fans owing to the fact he refused to race twice at Cheltenham.
His followers are used to finishing fourth having occupied that position three times this campaign. On current form, a fourth-place finish would be a big achievement at the festival.
A horse rejuvenated by a man called Olly. Likes to attack and races with plenty of pace and power. Also, watch out for Give Me A Copper in the Ultima Handicap on Tuesday - he's owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and has been all the rage in the markets.
This horse let a lot of punters down in a big hurdle race in Scotland. She's not got many friends north of the border.
Everton are craving longevity but will the hierarchy at the club give their manager time?
No nonsense and gets results. He'll be easy to spot in bright yellow when the tapes go up in the first race.
This organised and well put-together chaser is on the upgrade through handicaps and may have surprised a few people this season.
Trained by a club legend. Mick Channon - who played 507 times for the club and played a huge role in their FA Cup success - is now banging in the winners rather than the goals. He trained a winner at the Festival last year and this lad has huge claims in the opening day two-mile novice chase.
Absolutely hates leaving his beloved home at Haydock. Terrible form on the road. Eden Du Houx (pronounced in a Scottish accent, go on, try it) also could be a relevant one in the Champion Bumper on Wednesday.
A horse that surely is channeling the spirit of West Ham's midfield general. Reliable to run his race at Cheltenham.
Trainer Noel Meade has been around the block. He's seen it all. At the age of 78, he's still leading his team out to battle with great tactics and gets results on a weekly basis. Plus, he's got a bit of the Roys about him, hasn't he?
Much is expected but winning a major race at the top level in the UK has been beyond him so far. Usually splits opinion and chaos isn't too far away.
As Brighton owner Tony Bloom looks unlikely to have a runner at this year's festival - keep it simple and back a horse who has the same name as your manager. Yes, we struggled with this one.
Short of pace but full of heart. Started the season in reverse but has been revitalised at just the right time.
Never gives up. Always capable of proving people wrong. But...is probably going down.
Expensive purchase but flopping on the big stage when the big money has been down. Bleeding his well-meaning owner of hard cash.
Hugely likeable, full of energy and has a loyal following. However, has yet to win over fences. His lack of ruthlessness may cost him.
