Thanks Roger - My feeling too not a systems person me. Top rated neurals blind backing 78.73 points in profit for January so far word of warning the strike rate is above average so there may be some correction around the corner.

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I think any decent system/method can be profitable long term with 3 essential ingredients from the punter: 1. Faith in the system that it has a positive expectancy in the long term 2. Discipline not to deviate from the rules, even during long losing runs 3. Mental capacity and bank to cope/sustain the long losing runs If we take example of nessnades backing system data from 01/01/09 to 02/01/11, the one without odds limit: Total bets = 3756 Wins = 961 SR = 25.59% Ave odds = 39.79 Min odds = 1.2 Total stake (at £10 level stakes) = £37560 Profit = £68865.60 ROI = 183.35% So, if you have the bank and discipline to cope with long losing runs of up to 40 or more, then long term (in this case, approximately a two-year period), at just £10 level stakes, you would have made a very good profit indeed at just a modest strike rate of about 26%:).

I think any decent system/method can be profitable long term with 3 essential ingredients from the punter: 1. Faith in the system that it has a positive expectancy in the long term 2. Discipline not to deviate from the rules, even during long losing runs 3. There is a case for systems, however, what you have to realise about this particular system is that the results are not `actual` results but back- tested results, yes thay would have happened but there is no guarantee that they will again so this is why a watching brief is best.

The system is based around the ratings which are very accurate along with a couple of `logical` filters so there is no reason to beleive that the strike rate etc. Will not continue but as I have always told everyone tread with care. Wise words the Ness, its all very well having all the backdata but it doesn't mean to say it will anywhere near that Back data (back fitting) is only to be used as a yard stick and not as gospel Great stuff with your ratings well done. There is a case for systems, however, what you have to realise about this particular system is that the results are not `actual` results but back- tested results, yes thay would have happened but there is no guarantee that they will again so this is why a watching brief is best. The system is based around the ratings which are very accurate along with a couple of `logical` filters so there is no reason to beleive that the strike rate etc. Will not continue but as I have always told everyone tread with care. Whatever speculative venture one embarks on - sports betting, financial spread betting /trading, you will always apply some set of rules, filters, indicators or whatever you want to call it, and come with a system, method or whatever you want to call it.

The fact of the matter is that there is actually no concrete amount of time set in stone that dictates that if your system /method has been profitable during that period, then it is guaranteed to be profitable in future. You could test your system / method over a 10-year period and it could have been profitable every year over the 10-year period, for it to become a loser in the 11th year. So, you as the speculator/punter/trader have to decide over what period is enough testing for you before you start putting your money on the table to test it real life / start earning some real profit from it, otherwise you end up testing your system/method forever without actually earning any money from it.

There are no guarantees in this business and every single time you place your money on your bet, you are taking a risk. The trick for long term profitability is finding an 'edge'. Which means coming up with a logical system / method that you 'believe' has long term positive expectancy and sticking with it with discipline and suitable money management. The reason why I decided to trial your backing system in 'real life' with a small bank. If at the end of the day I bust my bank, then it's just a small bank and life continues. Paper trading, unfortunately, can sometimes be very different from real life, and you never know until you take the bet!

Whatever speculative venture one embarks on - sports betting, financial spread betting /trading, you will always apply some set of rules, filters, indicators or whatever you want to call it, and come with a system, method or whatever you want to call it. The fact of the matter is that there is actually no concrete amount of time set in stone that dictates that if your system /method has been profitable during that period, then it is guaranteed to be profitable in future. You could test your system / method over a 10-year period and it could have been profitable every year over the 10-year period, for it to become a loser in the 11th year. So, you as the speculator/punter/trader have to decide over what period is enough testing for you before you start putting your money on the table to test it real life / start earning some real profit from it, otherwise you end up testing your system/method forever without actually earning any money from it.

There are no guarantees in this business and every single time you place your money on your bet, you are taking a risk. The trick for long term profitability is finding an 'edge'. Which means coming up with a logical system / method that you 'believe' has long term positive expectancy and sticking with it with discipline and suitable money management. The reason why I decided to trial your backing system in 'real life' with a small bank. If at the end of the day I bust my bank, then it's just a small bank and life continues.

Paper trading, unfortunately, can sometimes be very different from real life, and you never know until you take the bet! The Thing I always keep at the back of my mind is the simple fact that all and I do mean all systems fail. It is afact of life and it happens - cue 2005 when over 45 races [i.e.

Three days] not one single fav came inin the UK or ireland. Checking Adrian Masseys site, there was been runs 29+ times that he Favourites not winning in a row has happened, that has occured some 9 times in the past. That says it all.

That is why I don`t follow a `system` the rules are too rigid and do not take into account the factors that you cannot build into systems. The only reason i built the systems was for people who seem to want them. I would never follow a `system` as such I would use the system to narrow down my selections but I am sorry to say this but you need to do your own research and do some work of your own because anybody who has perfected the perfect winnning system is not going to give it away - me included. The trick for long term profitability is finding an 'edge'.

Which means coming up with a logical system / method that you 'believe' has long term positive expectancy and sticking with it with discipline and suitable money management. The reason why I decided to trial your backing system in 'real life' with a small bank. If at the end of the day I bust my bank, then it's just a small bank and life continues. Paper trading, unfortunately, can sometimes be very different from real life, and you never know until you take the bet! This is spot on Danjuma, you need to have something that is totally unique in it's approach if you are going to operate a successful system but it can be done but takes a lot of work and also to keep the underlying rules secret as much as possible. The problem can be that some people lack the patience, discipline and long-term view to see out the inevitable dips in a previously working system, as soon as it starts losing they start tinkering too much and then the resultant system is far from what it was originally.

It's also just as important to constantly spend the time recording and analysing any other existing or additional filters that could improve their profitability if applied to the system rather than change their base rules. I've used a portfolio of different systems and approaches successfully for around the last 5 years. I have no problem revealing system qualifiers but not so much how they are arrived. A big reason why a lot of systems fail is that the rules themselves are revealed to the crowd which ultimately can lead to a loss in their profitability.witness what happened to high drawn horses at Beverley a few years back (now not such an issue due to watering policy and drainage) and low draws in sprints at Chester. Ok, these were pretty obvious after a while but the point is once they became public knowledge to the 'crowd' then such runners started at shorter prices than they should have.

The key for me is to have a portfolio of both rigid systems AND flexible approaches that work well together so that if one strategy or approach is going through a dip the others should compensate and when they all fire in tandem then Boom! It's maintaining a long-term outlook and the consistency of them all combined that for me is the key to success. It's all about the balance for me but everyone is different.

Some people like to spend hours going through the form book, some just like to back the top-rated (a system in itself), others like a purely systematic approach, some like to trade/hedge and some follow mini-systems, VDW methodology. I like a combination of all of them, no one approach is better than the other or more profitable than the other I feel and a lot depends on the skill of the betting analyst, their own personal betting style and ultimately what their goal is but to have a number of different avenues available to you is better than closing your mind to any particular one. A systematic approach can take care of one thing where a lot of gamblers fall down which is to take the emotional element out of betting. It helps with the temperament side of things and can also give you other alternative angles to investigate that are unique.and any time you have a unique angle you have an edge. Some people can rubbish following systems, or ratings, form study may seem like a waste of time to some but one thing I have learned over the years is to keep an open mind to all possible approaches and not to dismiss any one out of hand.

Did a bit of analysis with Nessnade's data for 7 days (from 01/01/11 to 07/01/11). Could only manage 7 days at this time because it was so tedious and time consuming. What I have done is select the top rated in all four ratings - MR, Speed, Neuro and New - and back these at 1 point stake each at odds of evens and above.

The spead rating is only considered when there is a speed rating for every horse in the race. Where there are joint rated horses in any of the ratings, then I select the horse that is higher over all. What I mean by these for example is say horse A and B are both top rated in the Neuro ans New rating, but horse A is higher in the MR rating than horse B, then the selection will be horse A, as I aim not to back more than 4 horses in race. Below are my findings. 1 point level stake starting witha 100 points bank. New ratings top rated: TimeCourseHorse 12:55LingfieldElhamri 12:55LingfieldHarlech Castle 13:25LingfieldGandalf 13:55LingfieldPeace Corps 14:30LingfieldPineapple Pete 15:05LingfieldEdgeworth 15:40LingfieldDichoh 16:15LingfieldAdvertisement 16:35WolverhamptonMetropolitan Chief 16:35WolverhamptonBlack Baccara 17:05WolverhamptonJuarla 17:35WolverhamptonCarter 18:05WolverhamptonKentish 18:35WolverhamptonIl Battista 19:05WolverhamptonChinese Democracy 19:35WolverhamptonBluebok. New Rating top rated: TimeCourseHorse 13:20Market RasenDear Sam 13:30TowcesterThe Ferbane Man 13:50Market RasenFarmers Cross 14:00TowcesterKinkeel 14:10KemptonDancing Welcome 14:20Market RasenMexican Pete 14:30TowcesterFleur De Vassy 14:40KemptonDvinsky 14:55Market RasenThai Vango 15:05TowcesterEzdiyaad 15:15KemptonBeating Harmony 15:25Market RasenFlinty Bay 15:35TowcesterChamirey 15:45KemptonSuits Me 15:55Market RasenGalley Slave 16:05TowcesterFree Falling 16:15KemptonHumungous 16:45KemptonShared Moment.

Today`s ratings are available here: 0E&hl=en&authkey=CPTp2qwL From Tomorrow for 7 days only the ratings and system selections will ONLY be available from the website. They will be back here nect Saturday. I need to see the full use of the ratings and systems and the only way I can do this is via the site itself. I know most have you have registered anyway registration is free and easy.

Sorry if this inconveniences anyone everything will be back to normal on Saturday 5th February. The ratings sheet has now been updated and includes a new rating today. Norwegian Wood Ebook Italian there.

This rating is headed CLA and is a class based rating which is to identify the horses ability in the Class in which it is running today. This ONLY identifies the horses ability and used on its own is unlikely to show a profit if blind backing the top rated. The system selections are also up in the relevant catergories. For the next 7 days all items will only be available on the website so that I can monitor the use.

They will be back here in full next Saturday. Good luck all. I have just posted results spreadsheets for blind backing the top rated in each rating. All ratings with the exception of the New rating which made a loss of 0.003 points! Made a profit during January Blind backing the top rated which is pretty impressive!! They are available in the forum on the website.

To avoid future confusion I have renamed the New rating (Not on the sheet ) MSC rating. I will be posting the system results later. The speed ratings were particularly profitable Ade, I took the liberty of doing some maths yesterday. Very impressive indeed. Hi, I have had to give a lot of thought regarding the way forward. I have always said that I would continue to post everything if my own betting were not affected.

The number of visitors to the site has increased dramatically over the last week since there were no links on the forums. I also have noticed the number of followers of the new MSC ratings is high and I want to keep monitioring the use of this and the ratings themselves. I know there are a lot of unregistered lurkers on this site who contribute nothing and take a lot so for a short while ( I don`t know how long yet ) the MSC top rated and ratings themselves will only be available from the website. Hi, I have had to give a lot of thought regarding the way forward. I have always said that I would continue to post everything if my own betting were not affected. The number of visitors to the site has increased dramatically over the last week since there were no links on the forums.

I also have noticed the number of followers of the new MSC ratings is high and I want to keep monitioring the use of this and the ratings themselves. I know there are a lot of unregistered lurkers on this site who contribute nothing and take a lot so for a short while ( I don`t know how long yet ) the MSC top rated and ratings themselves will only be available from the website. I always thought that this info should be available to pro-members, so maybe AR of Flips could move the thread to a pro-member forum? Alternatively i will post my bank details and PIN number for the lurkers.

They can pay off my overdraft:rolleyes. Hi, Today`s system selections as below: SYSTEM SELECTIONS 7TH FEBRUARY MICRO 0 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 1 TimeCourseHorse 14:35LingfieldNot Til Monday 17:05WolverhamptonChristmas Coming MICRO 2 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 3 TimeCourseHorse 14:35LingfieldNot Til Monday 15:40LingfieldJust Beware 15:40LingfieldCanshebemine 16:45LingfieldTop Smart MICRO 4 TimeCourseHorse 14:35LingfieldNot Til Monday 15:30WolverhamptonOrpenindeed BACKING SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 15:30WolverhamptonOrpenindeed 17:05WolverhamptonChristmas Coming. Today`s system selections: AW SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 19:40KemptonBlue Cossack MICRO 0 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 1 TimeCourseHorse 13:25LingfieldRiot Police 13:45LudlowKells Belle 14:05CarlisleAlong Came Rosie MICRO 2 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 3 TimeCourseHorse 13:35CarlisleSi Bien 13:45LudlowKells Belle 14:05CarlisleAlong Came Rosie 14:50LudlowIf I Had Him 17:00LudlowZakatal MICRO 4 TimeCourseHorse 18:40KemptonHinton Admiral BACKING SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 13:25LingfieldRiot Police 13:45LudlowKells Belle 14:50LudlowIf I Had Him 17:00LudlowZakatal. Today`s system selections SYSTEM SELECTIONS AW SYSTEM NO SELECTIONS MICRO 0 TimeCourseHorse 19:40KemptonSpinning Bailiwick 19:40KemptonYour Gifted MICRO 1 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 2 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 3 TimeCourseHorse 13:40HuntingdonEmpire Builder 14:30TauntonClowance House 15:40HuntingdonTalenti 16:00TauntonMangonel 17:00TauntonPosh Emily MICRO 4 TimeCourseHorse 14:00TauntonChrysander BACKING SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 14:30TauntonClowance House 15:50SouthwellHonkers Bonkers.

Ade I just wanted to say I know very little about the gg's but having signed up to your site a week ago and followed the MSC ratings and backed most of the selections (with a simple staking plan) after a week I'm up around 15% on my starting bank. I haven't bet on every race (mostly due to work) but around 1 in 4 I have bet on has won Doing some of the longer priced horces e/w has also helped along the way with keeping 'losses' small until the winner crops up Anyway, please keep up the good work and I hope you're making loads!

For all you sceptics - I'm not going to mention losing runs but I don't think a day has gone past yet without at least 2 winners Anyway a big thank you (as you paid for the wifes valentines pressie) Matt. Today`s system selections: SYSTEM SELECTIONS AW SYSTEM NO SELECTIONS MICRO 0 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 1 TimeCourseHorse 15:10WolverhamptonNorse Dame MICRO 2 TimeCourseHorse 16:30PlumptonWhitcombe Spirit MICRO 3 TimeCourseHorse 14:00PlumptonLindsay's Dream 14:20CatterickMac Aeda 14:50CatterickCrosby Jemma 14:50CatterickKing's Counsel 15:00PlumptonBeau Lake 15:50CatterickMoon Melody 16:30PlumptonLittle Roxy MICRO 4 NO SELECTIONS BACKING SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 14:40WolverhamptonFrequency. Today`s system selections, AW SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 18:30WolverhamptonMy Lord 19:30WolverhamptonKingscroft MICRO 0 TimeCourseHorse 20:30WolverhamptonStargazing MICRO 1 TimeCourseHorse 20:00WolverhamptonTagansky MICRO 2 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 3 TimeCourseHorse 13:40KelsoMusic Of The Moor 14:00Ffos LasTullyraine 14:00Ffos LasSaint Are 14:10KelsoWell Disguised 15:05Ffos LasGilwen Glory MICRO 4 TimeCourseHorse 20:00WolverhamptonTagansky BACKING SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 15:50KelsoPeddlers Cross. Just to keep people in the loop and advise as to what is happening. As you are probably aware the ratings will go subscription only on 1st March, however there will be some other things coming that are free and will remain free. They will be posted here as they always have been. This has always been a busy thread and I want to keep it going as much as I can.

I am still working on the bits and pieces that will be posted up here but will keep you advised over the next few days. I know i haven`t been on here as much lately as I have been busy elsewhere!!! But this thread is important to me and I don`t want it to stop. Today`s system selections: SYSTEM SELECTIONS AW SYSTEM NO SELECTIONS MICRO 0 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 1 TimeCourseHorse 15:30WolverhamptonDubai Hills 17:30WolverhamptonLoyal N Trusted MICRO 2 NO SELECTIONS MICRO 3 TimeCourseHorse 14:20PlumptonPromised Wings 14:40CatterickWhatdoidowiththat 15:20PlumptonRushwee 15:40CatterickA Bridge Too Far 16:20PlumptonTwin Bud 16:40CatterickScarvagh Rose 17:20PlumptonDoctored MICRO 4 NO SELECTIONS BACKING SYSTEM TimeCourseHorse 14:20PlumptonPromised Wings.

More quotes here. Cara Mencari Background Pada Folder Windows 7 Tanpa Software Developer. Kauto Star He's an amazing horse and produced two more top-drawer performances last season, when he won the Betfair and the King George. He's the highest-rated chaser in training. We'll give him a month to six weeks' work and see what happens.

Clifford [Baker, head lad] rides him every day and knows him better than anyone. Then we'll have a chat with Clive [Smith, owner].

He'll make the decision [as to whether or not KS will race again] and we'll support whatever decision he makes. It's fully up to him. Dualla Lord His jumping just let him down last year, when we tried him once over fences and he fell at Cheltenham. We went back to hurdles after that and he won easily at Wincanton in May. We're very hopeful he'll do well over fences this year but he can still run over hurdles and we may look at one run over three miles before sending him back over fences. Big Buck's A phenomenal horse and he's only nine years old.

As you can see, he's mad fresh, though he's been doing plenty of work. It looks like we need to do a bit more. He'll start off again in the Long Distance at Newbury's Hennessy meeting and follow the well-established route to Ascot, Cheltenham and Aintree. Whether we'll run in the Cleeve as well...

He could be going to the Festival looking for his 20th win on the trot. He's so good over hurdles, there's no point in sending him chasing again. Rocky Creek Won a Grade Two novice hurdle at Doncaster but was well below his best at the Cheltenham Festival. He's a big, strong, scopey horse and we're very much looking forward to him running over fences.

He'll be ready to run in October if the weather stays as it is. Keppols Hill Was with Richard Barber last season and won four point to points. If the ground's on the easy side, he should be ready to run in late October or early November. We look forward to him going novice chasing over three miles. Ruben Cotter He's big and scopey and will make a nice chaser. He was a novice hurdler last season and we gave him a bit of time off before he won at Exeter in May.

He jumps well over fences and he'll be ready some time in October. He was growing up last season and we should see a more consistent campaign this time. Unioniste A half-brother to My Will by Dom Alco, who is also the sire of Neptune Collonges, Al Ferof and Silviniaco Conti. He won a hurdle at Pau in February and then a novice chase at Auteuil in May. He'll go novice chasing and he goes nicely at home. He's fairly strong for a four-year-old and he could run at Cheltenham, either in October or November.

A lot of Dom Alcos get better with age and distance. Fascino Rustico He was bought at auction in April after hacking up in a bumper at Carlisle. He's big and scopey and he's got chaser written all over him. He thrives on work. We'll keep him to novice hurdles this year and he might take in the bumper at the Paddy Power meeting in November. He'll be a chaser next year. Italian Master He was a bit disappointing for us last season, when he was beaten in his two novice hurdles, and I don't think he really acclimatised.

He's strengthened up over the summer and he's got a handicap mark, so we may not bother with hurdles any more and put him straight into handicap chases. I think you'll see a much-improved horse this year. Themilanhorse He won four novice hurdles last season, which very few horses ever do. He jumps super and he looks a ready-made winner of a novice chase. We might try him first in the three-mile handicap hurdle at Cheltenham's Paddy Power meeting in November. He can run any time we like over fences and sons of Milan will get better with age. He goes well on good ground.

Kauto Stone He won impressively at Down Royal on his first start for us last year but his season tailed off from there. He was a bit the same in France, running well in the autumn and then losing his way in spring. He's had a breathing operation because I think he used to get wound up in his races and panic.

He definitely wants to go three miles and his first run will be over that distance at Down Royal again. He looks fantastic, he's had time to acclimatise and that makes a big difference to some horses.

Ted Spread Won a handicap hurdle at Taunton in January and he was involved in the County Hurdle until he got interfered with. He'll probably go to Ascot on 29 October and then the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November. He's a horse to follow on decent ground. Criqtonic He joined us in the middle of last season and had one run, finishing second to Kumbeshwar in a novice chase, which is good form. He fell apart after that but he's done incredibly well over the summer.

Some of these horses from France need time to acclimatise and strengthen up. The race we won at Wetherby with Fistral Beach last October might be a suitable race to start him in. Sametegal A lovely looking three-year-old who won a juvenile hurdle at Enghien in Paris in April before coming to us. He's improved enormously over the last month and might be ready to run in the middle of October at Chepstow.

We like what we see from him and he's an interesting horse to follow. Recent changes to the rules mean that he can compete in juvenile hurdles all season but he's likely to be a chaser in time. Dildar We had high hopes for him last year but he was a bit disappointing. He's a big, strong horse who took a while to get over the gelding operation, after which he had a bit of an infection. He could be well handicapped for the start of the season. He's had a breathing operation and I'll aim him at 13 October at Chepstow, where they have a four-year-old handicap hurdle.

If he's not ready for then, there will be plenty of opportunities for him. Dark Lover He missed last season with a leg injury. His handicap mark of 120 is very winnable and we might start him off in a handicap hurdle but it won't be too long before he goes chasing. Pepe Simo He's won over fences and hurdles for us but he hasn't been seen since October because of a leg injury. We'll continue to mix and match chases and hurdles with him and he's well capable of winning more races. Come On Ginger: Five-year-old King's Theatre gelding and full brother to ill-fated Cheltenham Festival winner Brindisi Breeze.

Won his two point-to-points easily and will start in the same novices' hurdle at Wincanton in October that launched Denman's career in 2005. Cristal Bonus: 'Ran a stinker at the Cheltenham Festival but when he got home we discovered a serious abscess on his wither. Loves soft ground and three miles and goes to Down Royal, Ireland, for the Intermediate Chase in November won by our Kauto Stone last year.' Dualla Lord: Won five of seven point-to-points. Has good form over hurdles yet found one or two too good for him but finally got off the mark at Wincanton in May. Will start in a three-mile novices' hurdle and then go chasing.

'He's got everything in front of him.' Edgardo Sol: Really versatile – a close second in the County Hurdle and then won an Aintree handicap chase. 'Showed incredible improvement last season. Better handicapped over hurdles, he'll start in a handicap hurdle or maybe the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in November.' Hinterland: Talented juvenile hurdler who missed Cheltenham Festival and was then brought down at Aintree. Bred for chasing and jumps nicely.

'Definitely one to follow as a two-mile novice chaser – could run at the first Cheltenham fixture in October.' Join Together: Won pre-Christmas Cheltenham staying chases last season but didn't fire in the RSA Chase. 'Likes to have his own way and to run in a small field but will improve this season.' Hennessy Gold Cup entry and lined up for Down Royal or Leopardstown in Ireland. Keppols Hill: An exciting six-year-old who was Wessex area Young Horse champion last season after winning all four point-to-points.

'A lovely big horse who stays and jumps well – if the ground is on the easy side he'll be ready for novice chases in October or early November.' Mr Mole: First JP McManus horse to be trained at Ditcheat. Big, scopy four-year-old who won his only bumper at Hereford and then went pointing.

'Novice hurdling this season and a future staying chaser.' Oscargo: Cheltenham three-mile handicap hurdle winner in December – and unlucky not to win there again next month when unseating.

'He's got better as he has matured and now goes chasing. He stays forever and the four-mile NH Chase at the Festival is the target.' Poungach: Stuck to hurdles last term and won a competitive Sandown handicap.

'Highest-rated novice hurdler to go chasing. Not a natural jumper. When he gets the hang of it will be one to follow.'

Rocky Creek: Disappointed at the Cheltenham Festival when many Ditcheat horses were affected by a bug. Had earlier won a Grade Two three-mile novices' hurdle at Doncaster and now novice chasing.

'He's one to follow as we expect him to improve considerably over fences.' Roger Beantown: Irish bumper winner who came to Ditcheat last season but bled and coughed and didn't get on the track. 'A totally different horse this season – a dark horse and one to follow.' Will start in a maiden hurdle next month. Sire Collonges: Niggly problems blighted his hurdling career but looked awesome over fences when hacking up at Fontwell Park.

'Brilliant jumper who we hope to start at Cheltenham next month in a staying novice chase.' SkyBet £10 Completely Free Bet plus £5 Free Bet every week (Links to more jumps stable tours (http://www.fatjockey.com/news-blogs/racing_news.php?Jumps-Stable-Tours-2012-13-169). Mcllhatton An Irish points winner that we bought at Cheltenham in spring for £62,000. He's by Fruits Of Love, who most of you might not have heard of. If he'd been by Presenting, he'd have cost a fortune. He'll run in a bumper, then hurdles and he'll be in chases next year. Likeable Rogue He must have done something right last season because he got up to a mark of 128 without winning.

He'll probably run in one three-mile novice hurdle and then go chasing. He stays forever but I'd be surprised if he can't win over hurdles first. That'lldoboy He improved all last season and through the summer.

He was a bit unlucky last season, falling in both his last two starts when he was getting into a challenging position. He could have won both. He picked up an injury but he's over that now. He'll stay three miles and we'll look for handicap chases at Cheltenham and Newbury.

Workbench He's done well for a bit of time off, having travelled well in two bumpers last season before failing to see it out to the finish. He might run in another bumper in October and then he'll go novice hurdling. He jumps well and should leave last year's form well behind. Grandioso He took time to come right last season but eventually won on his final race at Ayr. He's a novice over hurdles until November, so we might run him once in October before going chasing.

Brampour Won a couple of good handicap hurdles under Harry Derham early last season but lost his form a bit in the New Year. Things will be hard for him with his high rating this season but Harry can still claim 7lb off him. He'll step up to two and a half miles at some point. Roger Beantown He's a lovely individual but we never had him right all last year and he didn't make it to the track. He bled in his box and there were other small problems. He's had a summer out and done really well.

He'll go novice hurdling and we might start with a maiden hurdle in mid-October. He's a dark horse who could be an interesting one to follow. He looks a totally different horse to last season. Ulck Du Lin He won over hurdles and fences in France before joining us in the middle of last season.

Everything was happening a bit quickly for him in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival but he ran well on his next two starts. He's not a novice over fences, so he'll have to go into handicap chases over two and a half miles but he jumps and stays well. He should leave last year's form behind, now that he's had time to acclimatise. Salubrious Won over hurdles at Taunton in December but then he had a problem with a fractured tooth and didn't run again. He'll be aimed at a handicap hurdle at the end of October or at the Paddy Power meeting. I really like him and I think there's plenty more to come.

Tataniano Won at Chepstow in October but then got a minor leg injury and hasn't run since. He's been back in a while and we're looking at running in the same race at Chepstow. He'll have an entry in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. He's a decent horse and, if we can keep him right, there are more races to be won with him, though he's not been the easiest to train. Landscape He took a while to get over being gelded last season but the summer off has done him good and he'll be running in novice hurdles from October onwards. Rangitoto Won over hurdles at Cheltenham in November and on his fences debut at Wincanton on Boxing Day but then he fell on his only other start.

He's not the easiest to train but there are definitely races to be won with him. He'll have his first start in the Badger Ales Chase. Tidal Bay Like the other horses we got from up north [Howard Johnson's yard], he took a little while to come to himself and we're always learning about him. He gave me one of my proudest moments of last season on the very last day of it, when he won the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

You will never see a horse win one of those big staying handicap chases more easily under top weight. We think we have the key to riding him now and hope we can build up his confidence. You've got to walk him out of the gate.

I told Daryl [Jacob] before the Sandown race, ride him like Neptune [in the Grand National]. There's more to come from him and he'll be entered in the Welsh National and the Grand National and we might consider runnijng him in Ireland. Funny Star Bought from France, where he won his only start so far at Auteuil. He's a novice over hurdles until 1 November and we might run him in the Persian War at Chepstow. After that, he might go chasing or stay over hurdles. Far West A lovely three-year-old who was third at Auteuil on his only start so far.

He's ready made for juvenile hurdles and 'National Hunt' novice hurdles. He'll be ready to run at the end of September or early October. He's sure to jump fences in time. Wonderful Charm A half-brother to Royal Charm who showed some top class form in France. He's a novice over hurdles until November and he's another possible candidate for the Persian War at Chepstow. I suspect he won't go chasing this year, we'll probably give him a nice, easy year.

For Two He won his only start to date at Auteuil and is definitely going to make a chaser in time but we'll look after him this year. He's very forward for a three-year-old. Five Dream He doesn't like fences, which is a shame, because he's about 50lb lower in the handicap over them. He's become very hard to place but we'll run him in all the good staying races and he might be able to get some good prize money behind Big Buck's, especially if Big Buck's has frightened off all the opposition.

But life's tough for him. Toby Lerone Won a couple of points for Richard Barber last season and then we tried him in a bumper and he was very disappointing.

He was probably in need of a holiday and he's not really a bumper horse anyway. He's definitely improved, physically, and he'll be running in three-mile novice hurdles from November.

He's not the biggest but he does jump well and he's got a future over fences. There's No Panic Missed last year with a leg injury after being a decent novice hurdler for us the season before. He's been in since July and we're dying to go chasing with him. He jumps really well. He's won at two miles but should now be most at home over an extended trip. When he runs, he'll be ready to win. Black Thunder I never felt he was really right in the spring, despite his win at Chepstow.

There's a decent hurdle race at the second Chepstow meeting in October and I'll try to have him ready for that. He's done so well this summer and he'll have no problem jumping a fence. Provo He was backward last year when we got him. He was fifth in a decent bumper at Ascot and then won his only point to point with Richard Barber. Whatever he achieves over hurdles will be a bonus because he needs fences in a year's time. He's still in the 'big baby' category. Rolling Aces He'll go novice chasing and was always going to be much better over fences.

A breathing operation has definitely improved him enormously and he'll be ready to run at the end of October. Ignore his last run, when he was down the field at Wincanton, as he was well below his best. Come On Ginger He's a full brother to Brindisi Breeze and a lovely young horse to put in your notebook. He ran in two point to points and won both. He's big and gangly but he jumped and travelled and we're really pleased with him.

I'm looking at the novice hurdle at Wincanton at the end of October that Denman started off in seven years ago. He's big and scopey and he's done everything right so far. Silviniaco Conti We'll run him in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and then make a plan. He'll probably have an entry in the King George but he might be an ideal horse for Aintree in the spring and we'll give him plenty of time. He might be a Gold Cup contender in 2014 rather than 2013, as he could get stronger and more consistent. Rebel Rebellion We had high hopes for him last season but he was disappointing on his first run at Chepstow and it turned out that he'd injured a tendon. We've given him lots of time and he's done very well.

He'll go over fences now at two miles and we'll try to start off in a beginners chase at Exeter or somewhere like that. He jumps extremely well. Dodging Bullets He would be one of the best maidens in training. He was fourth in the Triumph Hurdle after running a bit free and wasn't at his best at Aintree. He's done well for his first summer out and will be aimed at the four-year-olds only hurdle at Cheltenham in October.

He's a horse to follow. Cedre Bleu A big, scopey chaser, he's crying out for three miles. He started coughing after the new year and never really got over that all season. There's no real plan at the moment. We'll get him fit and ready and find a three-mile handicap chase somewhere. He's also eligible for graduation chases.

I'd like to think he'd be winning. Poquelin I never really had him right last season. We tried him in the Charlie Hall but he blatantly didn't stay. He'll run in all the two-and-a-half-mile handicap chases at Cheltenham.

He'll have top weight but we'll put a claimer on him, Harry Derham or someone like that, so he'll only have 11-5 to carry. I'm sure there's still another race or two in him.

Ranjaan He took a while to come to himself last season after being gelded over the summer but managed to win twice in novice hurdles. We were preparing him for the Triumph Hurdle when he had a small injury. He'll stay hurdling and we hope he can develop into a top-level performer. He will eventually make a chaser.

He's twice the size he was this time last year. Harry The Viking He was second in the four-miler at the last Cheltenham Festival but was over the top when he was pulled up in the Scottish National. He might be an obvious type for the Grand National, he stays forever. He'll probably go for the Badger Ales at Wincanton early in the season and then the Hennessy. We'll try to win a three mile handicap chase with him and then look after him with the National in mind. He keeps a bit to himself but I'm sure there's plenty more races to be won with him. Domtaline He won a handicap hurdle at Chepstow in October and then took an age to get back to the same form on the same ground before winning twice over fences in spring.

He wants decent ground and two and a half miles in a novice chase. He'll be ready to run at Chepstow or Cheltenham in October. Prospect Wells Was high class on the Flat before joining us last season and doing really well over hurdles. We had an enormous problem trying to get him jumping. I'm dying to try him over two and a half miles and I think he'll continue to progress and improve. Hinterland Here's a horse you definitely want in your '10 to follow' list.

He's a four-year-old novice chaser, a very big, scopey, chasing sort. He jumps nicely, he's well forward and he should turn up at the first Cheltenham meeting in a two-mile novice chase. Then he might go for the race we won with Al Ferof at the November meeting there. He's got loads of speed. Edgardo Sol He showed incredible improvement last season. He won off 127 at Aintree in October.

By the time of their big meeting in April, he was on 143 and he won again. Life will be a lot harder for him this season but I'm sure there's another race in him. Buck's Bond His dam is a half-sister to Big Buck's and he's spent a couple of seasons point to pointing to gain experience.

He's been big and backward but he jumps really well and he'll be ready to run from mid-October. He'll probably go novice chasing and he can stay three miles in soft ground. Royal Charm He looks as well as I've seen him since we've had him. He was a bit disappointing last season, when he fell on his first start and lost his confidence a bit.

He's well able to win off his chase mark and he loves soft ground. He needs to be high on confidence but we can win a nice race with him.

Saint Roque He was disappointing last season as a novice hurdler, when he wasn't seeing out his races. He's had a breathing operation and hopefully we can start winning races with him. He should be chasing sooner rather than later. Atlantic Roller He's needed time and ran in a couple of bumpers last season.

He'll want three miles over hurdles and he's forward now, ready to go. He'll be in novice hurdles for the time being but eventually he'll make a really nice staying chaser. Jump City He's consistently good and was second to Darlan at Taunton in January and that one is thought to be a Champion Hurdle candidate at his yard.

He jumps nicely and he'll be ready to go novice chasing in October. He might start at Exeter and will improve for a fence. Deireadh Re Won a Grade Two at Cheltenham in December among other races but was in need of a holiday when he ran third on his chasing debut at Fakenham in May. He's had a breathing operation and been cantering for about 10 days. He jumps fences well and will leave that Fakenham form well behind. Suerte Al Salto We fancied him for a Wincanton bumper but he choked and stopped.

We had his breathing sorted before turning him out again at Fontwell, where he showed loads of speed to win. He'll now go novice hurdling. He jumps well, he likes decent ground and he'll be ready to run early. Sky Watch He won his only start in a Sandown bumper in February but he's not really a bumper horse. He's going to be a staying chaser but he'll go novice hurdling for a season and he's been schooling very well at home.

He'll like a big, galloping track. Aerial Won a graduation chase at Ascot in December and a Grade Three handicap at Newbury in March. I think he'll keep improving and we may step him up in trip. He'll be entered in all the good races, as his high handicap rating gives him limited options. We might look at some Grade Ones in Ireland. Current Event Won three times over fences last season and wasn't at his best when third on his final start.

He'll be in handicap chases from two to two and a half miles. He needs soft ground and I'm sure he'll win his couple of races. Easter Day Ran well in a couple of bumpers and ran into a well-readied and smart opponent when second at Worcester in May. He'll go novice hurdling and he jumps really nicely.

He'll be ready to go in October. Mr Mole Won his only start so far in a soft-ground bumper at Hereford. He's a big, scopey sort who's done very well and goes really nicely. He goes novice hurdling but will be a lovely staying chaser for the future.

He's the first horse that we've had in the yard for JP McManus, who's an interesting addition to the team. No Loose Change He won on his second start over fences last season and I think Ruby [Walsh, jockey] must have thought his arse was on fire because he won by 25 lengths and the horse went up a stone in the handicap. We're aiming at a decent three-mile handicap chase at Chepstow on 13 October. He wants decent ground and he might be the sort to catch fresh and first time out.

Oscargo He did well over hurdles for a horse who's so big and won at Cheltenham's December meeting. He's ready to go chasing. He stays forever and might be a Grand National horse one day.

Poungach I think he's the highest-rated hurdler that we have to go chasing this year. He was due to go novice chasing last season but he clearly needed more time before making that transition, so he won a handicap hurdle first time at Sandown and was then second to Oscar Whisky at Cheltenham. He's done lots of schooling and I'd love to start him somewhere like Wincanton or Worcester.

He's not the most natural of jumpers so we've had to do a lot of work with him but when he gets it together, he'll be a nice horse to follow. Empire Levant He was second to Rock On Ruby at Newbury in November, which now looks like really good form, but I never really had him right after that. He's done well over the summer. He can win off his handicap mark over hurdles, so we'll try that again and then go chasing. There's plenty more to come from him as he strengthens up. Sire Collonges His career so far has been interrupted by a few niggles but we're confident those are behind him.

He made all to win on his chasing debut at Fontwell in May, showing much improved form. He stayed well and jumped exceptionally well. He'll be aimed at the three-mile novice chase at the first Cheltenham meeting in October.

You'll see plenty more of him this season. Ghizao He was fourth in the Haldon Gold Cup at the start of last season but then things didn't really go to plan and his season was ended by a setback. He's back doing two canters a day. I think he wants a step up in trip and I hope he can regain his form over a bit further. Michel Le Bon We had high hopes for him over fences last season but in hindsight the Hennessy might not have been the brightest place to start. We put him back over hurdles because he'd just lost his confidence and he won at Cheltenham in April. He'll go back over fences now.

He wants soft ground and a trip, so he's an obvious type for something like the Welsh National. Cristal Bonus Won the Pendil at Kempton and we really fancied him at the Cheltenham Festival but he ran poorly and then we discovered an abscess on his wither, so that explained that. He was second to Menorah in a Grade Two at Aintree, which was more like it. He might go for the intermediate chase at Down Royal in November over two and a half miles and he likes soft ground. Join Together A novice chaser last season, when he won twice at Cheltenham before Christmas. He's going to be suited by a galloping track and big distances. He'll have an entry in the Hennessy and races at Leopardstown might suit him.

Zarkandar He had a little injury that kept him off the course until February. Then he became the first horse ever to win the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on his seasonal debut but then developed a cough. He never really sparkled after that and did well in the circumstances to be fifth in the Champion Hurdle before falling at Aintree. He's looking really well and we'll let him tell us when he's ready.

The Champion Hurdle is again the number one target and he might take in the International at Cheltenham in December. We accept he might need a bit further in time but he should be a stronger horse this year, as a lot of horses strengthen remarkably in their fourth to fifth year. Cowards Close A winning Irish pointer who will now go novice hurdling. He's a real staying horse who's been working hard and he'll be a lovely chaser in time. Fox Run An impressive winner of his only point in Ireland. We like what we see with him, he shows plenty of speed at home. He'll have one run in a bumper to give him some education and then he'll go novice hurdling.

He'll be ready at the end of October and will make a chaser in time. Captain Kelly A points winner, he had a breathing operation and then ran second in a bumper on his debut for us last season.

We gave him some time and he was then second on his hurdles debut at Fakenham in May. He needs a drop back in trip and decent ground and i'm sure he'll be up to winning novice hurdles. He'll make a staying chaser in time.

Sidney Melbourne Came to us from Charlie Mann, having needed time off for an injury. He's been with us for about two weeks and will be ready to run in another eight. He's well up to winning some novice hurdles. Writing in his exclusive column at www.betfair.com/paulnicholls he said: 'We cantered 123 horses here on Tuesday - the most I ever have in a single morning in my 20 years here.

'And those record numbers are matched by my enthusiasm too. I honestly don't think I have looked forward to a season more than this, and quite a few people have said that they can hear that appetite in my voice and my manner.

I am raring to go. 'Things will be different this year, with no Denman, Master Minded, Neptune Collonges - and what a story that was, winning the National as an 11yo having made a winning debut over hurdles for us as a 4yo at Chepstow in November 2005 - and with a decision on Kauto Star's future still to be made.

'And when people say that I am up against it with Nicky for the trainers' title this year, I am reminded of Alan Hansen's famous quote all these years ago that Manchester United couldn't win the title with kids. Well, we know what happened there - and we will see what happens this season. 'Every year, at this stage, I am asked about retaining the title and I say that it is not foremost in my mind - and every year people think I am talking rubbish! 'But I can tell you here and now that winning the trainers' title is not what gets me out of bed in the mornings.

Winning races for my owners does that. I love winning, day-in, day-out, and having good horses competing in the all best races.' 'I think I have about 40 new horses in total, and a few babies in the pre-training and satellite yards ready to come in and replace the summer horses when they go for their break,' said Nicholls. 'As for the early season targets for the big races I have Silviniaco Conti pencilled in for the Charlie Hall, Join Together and Cristal Bonus for Down Royal, and Sanctuaire for the Tingle Creek. 'I could name you at least four possibles for the Betfair Chase next month, dependent on their form and fitness and the ground - Tidal Bay, Silviniaco Conti, Join Together and Cristal Bonus - and any of those could be aimed at Kempton on Boxing Day too, along with the likes of Kauto Stone and Al Ferof (who could possibly start off in the Peterborough Chase).' Nicholls also told his Betfair column: 'Don't forget the likes of Tataniano (set to reappear in a fortnight in the Chepstow race he won last year), and the five-year-old Edgardo Sol.

'Pacha Du Polder is being considered for the Old Roan and he could be a big improver this season. 'And Harry The Viking is being aimed at a £100,000 handicap chase at Ascot on November 3.'

His championship rival Paul Nicholls, who will surely have a winner with For Two at Aintree on Sunday, sends young Harry Skelton up to Stratford to ride Ulck Du Lin and the pairing are worth backing getting the hefty weight four-year-olds' weight allowance in the Totepool Handicap Chase. This horse attracted plenty of headlines last season when being pitched straight into handicap company in Cheltenham's Fred Winter Hurdle, but all of the market attention bemused those closest to the stable as since his arrival from France he had always looked to need fences and a trip. Having been ante-post favourite only a few days before the race, his price drifted back out towards the off (punters getting a clue when Ruby Walsh jumped off to ride something else for Willie Mullins) and in the end it was no surprise to see him finish down the field. But he ended the season with a couple of fair efforts over hurdles and this move back to fences (over which he has already been successful in France) and up in distance to two miles five and a half furlongs is very much expected to suit. Also fancied for the same stable is Wonderful Charm, who runs in the Persian War Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow. This gelding had some smart jumping form in France and was a particularly expensive purchase to join his new owners in Britain. 13:50 Aintree - Empire Levant Disappointed on his final two starts last season, and this race will tell us whether we stick to hurdling with him or try him over fences.

Certainly looks a chaser in appearance as he is a big horse and he has filled into his frame over the summer, and is a lot stronger physically. And we know that he goes well fresh too, having hacked up at Newbury first time up last season before finishing second to a certain Rock on Ruby at the same track 48 hours later.

Is 11lb higher than for the Newbury win and is saddled with top weight here, so Harry takes 7lb off. If he runs a tidy race, and I am hopeful he will, then we will probably keep him to hurdling for the time being. 14:05 Chepstow - Toby Lerone Won both his points and Harry and Richard had him at Seaborough last season, when he made his racecourse debut in a bumper here in April and ran a bit poorly, in truth. But he has been here with us since July and I can tell you that he is better than that. Our fellow jumps really well but let's see what he shows us on the track. Worcester faller God Of The Kop is probably the one to beat here. 14:35 Chepstow - Deireadhe Re Proved very progressive over hurdles last season, ending up with a fair fifth off a mark of 139 at Aintree in April.

Was clearly over the top when running badly on his chasing debut at Fakenham in May. Has had a breathing operation since then and I would expect to see a much better performance today, but it could be that he needs the run here. Those of mine that have had a breathing operation got started later than the others, and some are needing it.

Dodging Bullets didn't, but the likes of Rolling Aces did, as I warned he might beforehand. Certainly has the ability to figure in this company though. 14:50 Stratford - Ulck Du Lin Somehow became a bit of a gossip horse after joining us from France last season, and there was talk of him being a 'plot horse' for the Fred Winter, when he was no such thing.

He finished in midfield in that race but went on to show better form when placed in hurdles at Chepstow and Sandown. We send him handicap chasing here. He won over fences in France and he has schooled well in preparation for this, and a mark of 126, less his 4yo allowance, gives him a good chance. Quite often, these French horses take time to come to themselves and hopefully Ulck Du Lin can progress this season. 15:30 Aintree - Pacha Du Polder Proved a bit in-and-out for us last season after joining us from France, but won from 3 from 5 and really got his act together when beating Rival D'Estruval by 14 lengths in a Grade 2 over 2m4f at Ayr in April. It was good to see the runner-up come out and win well on his reappearance at Carlisle earlier in the month and Pacha Du Polder is a horse that has done well over the summer and one that I hold high hopes for this season.

This is clearly a very competitive handicap - this Old Roan has more depth to it than usual - but it is a good starting point for him, he is in good shape and I have had this race in mind for him ever since he came in. He was actually rated 150 after beating Eradicate a nose in a two-runner race at Sandown on his first start for us, which I thought was ludicrously high and said so at the time, but he races off that mark here, which I think is fair on what he went on to achieve at Ayr. Hopefully, there is more to come. 15:40 Chepstow - Wonderful Charm Is a horse who we bought for Mr Geffen after he finished second in a Grade 2 hurdle at Autueil in April. The winner, Usual Suspects, was rated one of the best horses in France - he tragically died of colic recently - and the third Esmondo won a Grade 3 hurdle by 14 lengths from the very smart Gemix at the weekend. So that was clearly classy form.

He has impressed me since his arrival and, as he is only a novice until November 1, I have decided to take this race in. There is always the acclimatisation fear when you get horses from France, and I certainly expect him to improve as the season goes on.

But, even though he meets some decent and progressive horses, this looks a good opportunity, so we take our chance. 16:15 Chepstow - Salubrious We bought him after he won his Stratford bumper and he was slightly disappointing on his first start for us at Cheltenham. But he came back with sore shins that day, so we gave him a bit of time, and he immediately showed his true form when beating Carrigmorna King at Taunton on his hurdling debut. Unfortunately, he couldn't race afterwards as he had an infection in one of his teeth, so we had him x-rayed and gave him a filling! I think his mark of 129 is fair, especially considering the runner-up won at Newbury next time and went on to run a good second off 122 in a competitive Sandown handicap hurdle.

I think he will go well. 16:35 Aintree - Unioniste Won a 2m2f chase in the heavy at Auteuil by 12 lengths in May, and that race has worked out pretty well, with the second and fourth winning since.

But I wouldn't get too carried away with the form. Is a half-brother to My Will and a decent prospect and I am certainly not ruling him out here - though Carlito Brigante will clearly take a lot of beating - but I suspect he is one who will progress with experience throughout the season. Is a typical Dom Alco, in that he is no morning glory.

16:50 Chepstow - Tataniano Is a lot like Rebel Rebellion, who won for us after a lay-off at Exeter in the week, in that he is a talented horse with very fragile legs. Actually, when I say talented, that probably massively understates his ability as I thought he would develop into a Champion Chase horse after beating Osana by 13 lengths at Aintree in April 2010. But the fact that he has had only three starts since underlines his fragility.

But he was very impressive when winning this race by 8 lengths last season, and is in good order. He is 3lb higher today and I think he may find 2m4f more of his trip this season, but I have to be hopeful. Writing in his exclusive column at www.betfair.com/paulnicholls the champion trainer said on Wednesday: 'The end of an era has finally arrived. Clive (Smith) was here this morning and we have taken the decision to retire Kauto Star.

'We have had nine superb years with the horse but, after seeing him in his work these past few weeks, myself, Clifford and Dan were of the opinion that the time had arrived to retire him. 'Of course, as owner, the final decision rested with Clive, but he agreed that the horse had done enough. 'Don't get me wrong, Kauto looks and feels as vibrant as ever, as those who saw him at our owners' Open Day last month would testify to. He was mad fresh that day and continues to be as alert as ever and very, very well in himself. But I suspect Kauto will be like that when he is 20 years old. 'And, deep down, we know he has done enough - and in some ways I think we have to protect him from himself.

And maybe ourselves, too. If he did go to Kempton and win or run well, would you really want to run him - or be able to resist the temptation - in the Gold Cup? 'I am not so sure. 'Kauto is signing off in full health and after a season in which he proved so many people wrong by winning a fifth King George and a fourth Betfair Chase, to add to his two Cheltenham Gold Cups and Tingle Creeks.' We have had 13 winners in the last fortnight, so things are clearly going well, but most of mine have been needing the run, win or lose.

There have been disappointments along the way, notably Pacha Du Polder at Aintree yesterday. But I think that run showed us that he wants a trip, and he will go for three-miler on the Friday of the Tingle Creek meeting at Sandown in December. But when you target a big race you have them well tuned up, and that will be the case with Kauto Stone, Cristal Bonus and Silviniaco Conti next weekend. They will be ready to run for their lives.

They all worked well yesterday morning, and the first two go to Down Royal next weekend and Silviniaco Conti goes to the Charlie Hall at Wetherby. Kauto Stone goes for the three-miler, the JNwine.com Champion Chase. I have four in the race, but Silviniaco takes in the Charlie Hall,Join Together goes to Ascot next Saturday and Tidal Bay will probably run over hurdles at Wetherby on Saturday with a view to running in either the Betfair Chase or the Hennessy. Kauto Stone won the 2m4f race on the card last season and then ran an excellent second to Sizing Europe in the Tingle Creek, before losing his way.

He goes well when fresh and shapes like a three miler to me now. We have been teaching him to settle at home, and he is ingood form. Cristal Bonus is another who won first time up last season before proving himself a very smart novice and he takes in the 2m4f race won by Kauto Stone last season. The softer the better for him. And then we have Silviniaco Conti, who ran so well in the Feltham before beating Champion Court by 13 lengths at Aintree in April.

We will see how he fares at Wetherby before making firmer plans for him going forward. Paul Nicholls sends some of his most promising runners out on Saturday afternoon with horses in action at three courses. 13:25 Ascot - Rolling Aces Had a breathing operation in the summer, so I warned everybody in these columns that he would probably need the run in a handicap hurdle on his reappearance, as it necessitated him coming in later than the others.

But he was still gambled on into favouritism. So in the circumstances I was more than happy enough with his fourth at Cheltenham. Is a winning Irish pointer, and chasing has always been his game. Hopefully he can show that here but on hurdle ratings he has a pretty stiff task. 14:25 Down Royal - Kauto Stone This is clearly a very tough race but I am looking forward to seeing Kauto Stone over 3m.

I think he needs a trip now and we have been teaching him to settle at home. The evidence of his runs for me may indicate that he is more of a speed horse than a stayer, and the fact he is finished a good second to Sizing Europe in the Tingle Creek after winning the 2m4f race on this card last year indicates that. After all, we ran him in the Champion Chase. But his season rather fell apart after Sandown and I think he needs a trip.

Take a look at his French form and you see that he won a Grade 1 chase over 2m6f in heavy ground at Auteuil as a 4yo. This will tell us where he stands, as he is plenty fit enough for this.

But he may even need a career-best with the level of opposition pitched against him here. 14:35 Ascot - Ted Spread Soft ground would be a worry here but it has dried up to good to soft and I think he has a workable handicap mark of 134. That may be 14lb higher than when winning at Taunton but he bolted up there and this smart Group winner on the Flat has had a breathing operation in the summer, after choking on his final two starts last season.

May need this to put him spot on but I can see him doing well this season, albeit on better ground. 14:50 Wetherby - Tidal Bay This is a prep race for the Hennessy or the Betfair Chase. Finished third in this race when trained by Howard Johnson in 2010, after which he finished a cracking second to Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase, and he ran well in a handicap hurdle for me on his reappearance last season too, So this is a good starting point for him.

And I have to tell you that his runaway win the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April was one of the highlights of last season for me, coming on the heels of Sanctuaire's breathtaking win earlier on the card. 15:00 Down Royal - Cristal Bonus Meets some race-fit rivals and a decent horse in Bog Warrior, but we like Cristal Bonus and he comes here in good form and is fit enough to do himself justice. He was very impressive in his first two starts at Chepstow and Kempton, before running no sort of race in the Jewson. But he suffered an abscess after that run, which explained the poor showing, and he rounded off the season with a good second to Menorah at Aintree. Has won on good ground and goes well enough in it, but the softer the better for him here.

15:10 Ascot - Poquelin The handicapper is taking his time about dropping him down the weights, so Harry takes 7lb off. Is getting on a bit now at 9yo and is probably on the downgrade more than a mark of 166 implies, but he has run well fresh before, notably when second to Monet's Garden in the Old Roan two seasons ago, so let's see how he fares over 3m on soft ground. The longer trip may suit him better now he has lost a bit of his speed. Join Together Disappointed badly at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals but I have not given up on this horse yet.

Not by a long way. Has had a breathing operation in the summer and if he can return to the form of his 12 length defeat of Mossley at Cheltenham last season - or maybe improve upon it now his wind has hopefully been corrected - then I think he could be fairly treated off 151. Trip and ground should be fine, and I think he will run well. 15:25 Wetherby - Silviniaco Conti BBC Breakfast were here on Thursday morning and I think I said to them that he is one of the most promising youngsters in the yard. And he is, judging on his Feltham second and his wide-margin win at Aintree. Has done plenty of work for this and is plenty fit enough, but he is a typical Dom Alco in that he is not a flashy worker and is a hard horse to gauge and get a handle on at home.

And I honestly think this is a horse who will progress with his racing throughout the season. Even though there are only six runners this is a tough race, so defeat won't be a disaster by any means, but he is clearly one of the horses I am most looking forward to this season. 15:45 Ascot - Criqtonic Is another of mine to have had a breathing operation the summer, so the usual comment applies. He could need the run. We only got one into him after he joined us from France last season and that second in a three runner race told us little, but we will hopefully see a more accomplished horse this season. A mark of 133 appears harsh on what he has shown to date, though.

Paul Nicholls believes Kempton might not be the ideal track for his ultra-impressive Charlie Hall Chase winner Silviniaco Conti. The six-year-old was cut to as short as 5-1 joint second-favourite in places after he cruised to victory at Wetherby and it had been presumed the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day would be next on his agenda for which he is a 7-1 chance with Sky Bet. Nicholls has claimed five of the six previous renewals with the recently-retired Kauto Star, but with Silviniaco Conti's stablemates Kauto Stone and Cristal Bonus putting their names in the frame with victories at Down Royal, the Ditcheat trainer has some thinking to do. 'He's (Silviniaco Conti) going to improve,' Nicholls told At The Races. 'He ran really well last year around Kempton (second to Grands Crus in the Feltham), he is only six and I just want to mind what I do with him a little bit. 'He's done that nicely and we'll have a talk about it. 'One thing we saw was that he stays really strongly and I'm not convinced Kempton is totally the right track for him, so we'll just see and keep our options open.

'The three six-year-olds all won really well and we'll have to sit down and see where we go.' More at www.betfair/paulnicholls clearlyhasnt given up on trainers title yet!

Plans are fluid for my Charlie Hall winner Silviniaco Conti, but he is one of my Betfair Chase entries - along with Tidal Bay, Al Ferof and Cristal Bonus - and is obviously in the King George, too. My Down Royal winner Kauto Stone goes straight for Kempton. We will keep him fresh and well for that. And my other Down Royal winner Cristal Bonus may go back to Ireland for the John Durkan on December 9th. Tidal Bay won well over hurdles at Wetherby and at the moment I am leaning towards the Hennessy for him, but we will see. And I can reveal here now that Big Buck's has been given an entry in the Betfair Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle on Betfair Chase Day. It is a very valuable race, worth more than the Newbury race that is normally his reappearance, but money isn't everything and we will do what is best for the horse.

But, at this stage, Haydock is only a tentative entry for him, so don't get carried away yet. Big Buck's may well have some competition from this yard this season, as Aaim To Prosper has joined us to go hurdling! He became the first horse to complete back-to-back Cesarewitch wins last month and, at 112, must be one of the highest-rated Flat horses to have joined us from that sphere, maybe similar to Celestial Halo in ratings terms.

The owners have Sidney Melbourne and Shooters Wood with me, and have kindly sent me him. He clearly is an exciting hurdling prospect. Think Al Ferof could be a player in Paddy Power. Needs at least 2.5 now. Wonder if he is thinking of not running Poquelin? Al Ferof had a racecourse gallop this morning, and runs in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham on Saturday. Daryl rode him in a 2m gallop with Doeslessthanme, The Knoxs, and Ted Spread this morning, and that confirmed to me that he is ready to run next weekend.

He came in late because he cut himself in the field in the summer, but he has come together beautifully in the last fortnight and today's gallop confirmed that. He has got plenty of weight but he probably deserves it and he goes well when fresh. He is part of a big team that I will be sending up to Cheltenham, and other possibles for the Paddy Power include Poquelin, Aerial and The Knoxs. Also, I can confirm that Big Buck's will be having his racecourse gallop with Cedre Bleu before racing at Exeter on Wednesday. Then we will see where we go with him. Big Bucks Big Buck’s looks likely to make his seasonal bow at Newbury rather than Haydock after undergoing a live racecourse gallop at Exeter today. Andy Stewart’s nine-year-old, who is unbeaten in 17 hurdles races since January 2009, worked with Cedre Bleu half an hour before the opening race at the Devon track, broadcast live on Racing UK.

Paul Nicholls has been mulling over whether to change the programme of his stable star from the Long Distance hurdle at Newbury, which Big Buck’s has won for the past three seasons, or to chase an increased purse at Haydock in the Betfair Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle. The Long Distance Hurdle takes place on December 1 during Newbury’s three-day winter festival, while the Fixed Brush is staged a week earlier. “I’m meeting Andy at Cheltenham on Friday to make a plan and it might be that the extra week will do him good,” Nicholls told Racing UK. “We’ll see what happens with him over the next few days.” Big Buck’s would carry 11st 12lbs if he were to go to Haydock after the weights for the Grade 3 contest were released today. Lovcen, the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle winner, is the next horse in the weights at 10st 2lbs.

“It is a very valuable race and the brush hurdles will not hurt him. It is an obvious race to have an entry in,” Nicholls added. Big Buck’s worked alongside Cedre Bleu over around two miles. Ruby Walsh was on the reigning Ladbrokes World Hurdle champion, while Daryl Jacob was in the saddle aboard Cedre Bleu. “It was a nice day out, and would have done him the world of good. It is what we did last year. It will help him lose a few kilos and tighten him up,” Nicholls said.

“ It is an ongoing challenge with older horses like him to keep them going and keep them winning. Watching him go around there I would say he is as good as ever. When he was younger he used to get worried but he is a lot more chilled now.”. Betfair Ambassador Paul Nicholls has a strong hand on day two of Cheltenham's Open Meeting; read the Ditcheat trainer's exclusive thoughts here.

12:45 Cheltenham - Far West You don't need me to tell you that this looks a hot race but he looks to be one of our better early-season juveniles, so I have to be hopeful. We liked what we saw of him at home before his debut. But you never really know what to expect with these French acquisitions until you get them on the track, so I was very impressed, and perhaps a little surprised, by the manner of his 12 length win. And the fact that the runner-up came out and beat a fair sort of mine next time up is obviously very encouraging as well.

He looks to have come on a lot, in all respects, in the last month since that opening effort and I think it will take a good one to beat him here. 13:20 Cheltenham - Sire Collonges I think I heard RUK's Jonathan Neesom say that Sire Collonges was the early one to beat in the Sun Alliance after winning at Cheltenham last time.

And while I did turn around and say to the Tincknells that they had a 'Saturday horse' on their hands after that victory, we must remember that was only in October and there is a long way to go before any talk of the Festival really enters my head. But we have every reason to believe that we have a very smart staying novice after that win, as that was a decent level of form and he has all the attributes you look for in a Sun Alliance horse.

Not only does he stay and find, but he also travels and has speed, too. Anyway, let's hope that he can confirm the form with the 2-length runner-up Sea Of Thunder on 3lb worse terms for starters, and then we can start worrying about the rest of the opposition. But this horse looks to have put his problems behind him and is undoubtedly exciting. Has come on a lot for the Cheltenham run, too.

13:55 Cheltenham - Harry The Viking Forget his run in the Scottish National, he was clearly feeling the effects of his excellent Cheltenham run. And on his second to Teaforthree in the National Hunt Chase then he is a reasonably handicapped horse off 142. You have to think that he could be a National horse this year as an improving 7yo, and he comes here in good form at home, is a horse that goes well when fresh, and one suited by conditions. If he ran well here then he could be a possible for the Hennessy - and I am very hopeful of a big run here. 14:35 Cheltenham - Poquelin Runner-up in this race in 2009 and was a top class chaser at his best. Clearly isn't at that level any more but I was delighted with his reappearance effort at Ascot, where he didn't stay the 3m but certainly showed a lot of the old ability was still there. Has been dropped 3lb since then - the same mark off which he won a valuable handicap here in December 2010 - and this is his track and his trip.

I see he is a big-priced outsider for this, and that is understandable, but I reckon he could outrun those odds and have place chances. But it is clearly a big ask as a 9yo against unexposed and potentially well handicapped horses such as Grands Crus.

Wouldn't want too much rain either. Al Ferof His form rather fell apart towards the end of last season, but a mistake put paid to his chance in the Arkle and he just didn't fire at Aintree. He is best when fresh, though, and I think he can be competitive off a mark of 159 here, having schooled really well of late and satisfied me in a racecourse gallop last Sunday. Winner of the Supreme last year, he took really well to fences in the first half of last season and the form of his neck defeat of For Non Stop in the Henry VIII looks pretty smart form now.

But it is probably his five length third to Somersby and Finian's Rainbow at Ascot in January that makes him of interest here on the formbook. Hopefully, as a 6yo, he will have progressed too for a summer's break and track, trip and ground won't be any issue. Has to be running well here off this mark if he is as good as we think he is. And his work on Thursday morning was the best that I have seen him do here. But, being honest, in an ideal world I would have preferred this race to be in two or three weeks time. He had a setback in the summer which meant he only started cantering in September - the others started in mid-July - but hopefully he can overcome that.

Aerial Did well after finishing fourth in this race last year, but that means that he takes in this race off an 11lb higher mark this time around and it is not hard to see that there are more unexposed and better handicapped rivals in here. But he clearly is a very smart horse on his day, has blossomed in the last fortnight, and these are the races for him. 15:05 Cheltenham - Themilanhorse Improved throughout last season, winning four times, but running his best race when second at Aintree in May, where he probably found the 2m4f too sharp.

The step back up in trip should be in his favour here and I think he has a workable handicap on 140. If he runs well - and he is certainly straight enough - then we could keep him hurdling. But chasing this season is pretty much the plan unless he excels over hurdles. Wouldn't want too much rain, but is ready to run for his life. 15:40 Cheltenham - Roger Beantown I don't think that he is the best handicapped horse in here off 125 on what he has shown, but I think there is improvement in this horse.

It could be that he will show that progression over fences, but we take our chances here first. He had no chance against The New One on his reappearance but ran well all the same, and then he only just failed to get up at Chepstow last week, where he probably should have won. That run told me that this race could just bring out the best in him. He is a fragile horse though, so hopefully the quick turnaround won't be an issue. 13:10 Cheltenham - Rebel Rebellion Clearly, he is up against it here against the likes of Sire De Grugy and Captain Conan, especially as he has to give them 4lb.

But we have always had a high opinion of him. A tendon injury curtailed last season and I thought he would need the run at Exeter on his reappearance, so he delighted me in winning there. Don't get me wrong, the form of that win doesn't measure up against most of these - and the Exeter runner-up Bold Henry was well beaten on Wednesday - and he has to improve best part of a stone to even get competitive. But we like him, so let's see where we stand. 13:45 Cheltenham - Ruben Cotter Winning pointer who proved somewhat in-and-out over hurdles last season, but he put in his best effort to date when winning well over 2m7f110yd at Exeter in May.

Travelled really well throughout the race that day and could still be fairly treated off an 8lb higher mark here. But this is a more competitive race, and his chances will be improved by any rain. However, he has been going well at home and I think he will go well here too. 14:20 Cheltenham - Doeslessthanme If Sprinter Sacre stands up, then we are obviously playing for second at best. But having had the likes of Denman unseated at odds of 1-6, then I know all too well that nothing is certain in this game. And in Doeslessthanme we have an improving horse, who won an Ayr handicap by six lengths off a mark of 144 last time.

Warmed up for this with a racecourse gallop last Sunday. 14:50 Cheltenham - Prospect Wells I got a bit of criticism on here last weekend after Prospect Wells failed by a neck to beat Zarkandar at Wincanton on Saturday, even though he may well have won had he met the last flight correctly. Because I said here last week that I thought Zarkandar would need the run - to be precise I said that 'his fitness is pretty hard to gauge, but I'd be pretty sure he will need this and be all the better for the outing, win, lose or draw' - and Prospect Wells was the one I favoured of my three on that occasion. And Ruby did, too. Well, when I got home, I responded. I am afraid Zarkandar did surprise me in that he was able to give Prospect Wells 17lb first time up.

But I was not in the least bit disappointed with Prospect Wells, who ran a blinder against the now second favourite for the Champion Hurdle. Darlan has been all the rage for this and could be a much-improved horse, but the fact is Prospect Wells was only a length behind him in the Supreme and is 5lb better off here. This may come a bit too soon after Wincanton, but he clearly has chances if running to a similar level today. In fact, he is officially 4lb well-in after Saturday's run and Harry takes 7lb off, so he looks very nicely weighted. And this more competitive race, and stronger pace, will suit him better than Wincanton, too. Ted Spread This horse has proved a bit frustrating since bolting up at Taunton last January, but at least he is tip-toeing down the handicap as a result.

Had a breathing operation in the summer, but found the ground too testing at Ascot last time after travelling powerfully as per usual. We will see the best of this horse when he gets good or better ground, and if that is still the case come the off on Sunday, then don't rule him out. Classy Flat horse who hopefully has races in him off this mark, given suitable conditions. I just hope it doesn't rain for him. Dark Lover Had been off a long time with a leg injury before reappearing here last month, but had certainly been pleasing us in his work. And, while we thought he was potentially well treated on his homework, you have to see it on the track with comeback horses like him. And he delivered in pretty impressive fashion.

This is a much more competitive and classier handicap, and he has gone up 11lb, but he takes in this before probably going chasing. 15:25 Cheltenham - Fox Run Impressive winner of his maiden point in Ireland and, although he went off a short-priced favourite for his hurdling debut at Worcester last month, in truth I didn't know what to expect there. But when Ruby gave him a slap he took off and was very impressive in a 14-length win. This is a whole new, harder, ball game but that win last month told me he deserved a shot in this class next time. And Ruby tells me that he will run very well here, too.

16:00 Cheltenham - Fascino Rustico Has taken a while to get the hang of schooling at home, jumping being a largely new experience for him. So we are happy to keep him to bumper company for time being. Won a Carlisle bumper in April, after which we bought him at the Cheltenham Sales. Had clearly being showing a lot at home before his debut, being sent off as favourite, and the form of that race has worked out really well with the second and third winning.

Is up against four or five decent-looking prospects here but let's see what we have got. And the early signs are promising. In fact, he is a lovely horse who goes very, very well at home. Let's hope he shows that ability on the track as owner John Hales spent some of - well, most of! - his Grand National winning prize money on him!!

Nicholls said: 'He came in late because he cut himself in the field, but he had a gallop at Wincanton last weekend and went really well. 'The second-season chasers of ours like him are improving, I don't think the horses were right last year.

'We'll have to think about Kempton (King George) I suppose, he stayed well there and I think we'll have to look at it. Walsh said: 'You need a bit of class in this race, which is why we were keen to take chance. In fairness to him we were forcing him at two (miles). Stepping up in trip is probably what we should be doing.' Nicholls said:, I don't think the horses were right last year. If they weren't right could have plenty of well handicapped ones.

Not sure that his stable isn't firing awhole lot different than last year at this time though. He had a good open meeting last year too. Brampour Al Ferof etc. Another one here to keep an eye on: No Loose Change There was good money for No Loose Change at big prices for the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton on Saturday even though he was Paul Nicholls’s second string behind the favourite Michel Le Bon. He was ultimately pulled up, but he shaped quite nicely, certainly well enough to suggest there is a day in him yet. He was untidy at the first fence, but jumped well after that. He was kept wide throughout and edged closer down the home straight on the second occasion, but Daryl Jacob had to rein him back heading onto the final circuit as Triangular improved on his outside.

That meant that he was right in behind horses at the water jump and he just trailed his back legs through it. Switched back to the outside, he made progress halfway down the far side to get right into contention, and despite being forced out wider than ideal at both of the last two fences down the back straight by The Package, he was one of just three horses in with a chance of winning the race leaving the back straight. He breasted the cross fence, however, and he quickly got very tired, with Jacob pulling him up before the third last fence. The Bob Back gelding was an impressive winner at Newbury in March, and he has just struggled to cope with a rise in the weights since then, but judged on this run he is up to winning off this sort of mark. He has now been pulled up on his first two runs this term – he apparently wasn’t suited at all to the tight track at Fakenham on his first run – and he has worn a tongue-tie on his last five runs, so maybe he is having a problem with his breathing, maybe he needs a wind operation or better ground or both.

Nicholls admitted after this run in his stable tour that they’re not sure what the problem is at the moment, but that they may just leave him off until the spring when he will get better ground. He is not one to give up on, and he should be under-rated when he returns having been pulled up on his last two runs. He is obviously talented. 12th November 2012.

Ruby's column in the Irish Examiner gives a good insight into pecking order at Nicholls. Few snippets here Before Charlie Hall The performance of Silviniaco Conti in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby today is going to be particularly important as far as I’m concerned.

The days of Denman and Kauto Star are over, so my focus now is on discovering the next chaser who might be capable of going to the top. Paul Nicholls has three possibilities, headed by Silviniaco Conti and the others are Al Ferof and Cristal Bonus. Willie Mullins, realistically, has one in Sir Des Champs, but he’s owned by Gigginstown House Stud and is Davy Russell’s ride. Essentially, what I’m saying is that if Silviniaco flops then my personal cupboard is going to look a trifle bare.

I’m reasonably certain, however, that he is going to produce a decent effort. He did disappoint one day at Ascot last season, but Paul’s horses seemed out of form at the time. He rounded off his campaign with a fine display at Aintree in April. I rode him that day and we won by 13 lengths. Obviously, Silviniaco is going to have to step up on what he’s done before to win this, but he’s a young horse and I’m very hopeful.

Before Paddy Power The big one, of course, is the Paddy Power Gold Cup and I team up with Al Ferof. To land this contest, I think you need a horse who isn’t too far off Grade 1 class and it has been won in the past by the likes of Imperial Commander and Exotic Dancer.

Al Ferof fits the bill perfectly, he is a young horse on the up, although having his share of weight with 11-8. You can argue his form tailed off last season, but he did make a terrible blunder in the Arkle at Cheltenham and was over the top at Aintree. Right now he is certainly one of the best Paul Nicholls has and we will obviously be looking for a big run.

On Wonderful Charm We’re on a good run with the naps at the moment so here’s hoping that Wonderful Charm (3.40) keeps that trend going in the Grade 2 novice hurdle. He comes from France with a huge reputation and a massive price tag. His form there is very good, tying in with all the top hurdlers in the country. This is the only novice he can run in, as from November 1, he’ll have to go into open company. It’s a nice pot and if he lives up to his reputation, earned by virtue of that top quality form in France, he should win. He’s giving the right vibe at home anyway. He just has to go to the track and do it now.

Betfair Ambassador Paul Nicholls has one runner at Ascot and five at Haydock today, and here he speaks exclusively to Betfair about the chances of each. 12:55 Ascot - McIlhatton This looks a pretty hot novice, with some interesting bumper horses making their hurdling debuts and horses like Barney Cool who have already shown a decent level of form. So McIllhatton faces a stiff task. But he ran well in his Chepstow bumper last month and this trip will suit him on his hurdling bow. He is very much a chaser for the future, but this winning Irish pointer jumps and goes nicely at home and hopefully he will give a good account of himself.

13:20 Haydock - Domtaline This is probably not his ideal ground but at least this is over 2m, not 2m4f, so stamina won't be an issue in the testing conditions. And this doesn't look the strongest of races. Whatever he does today we will probably put him away for a spring campaign immediately afterwards. But he has shown a level of form on his last two starts that puts him in with every chance of signing off with a win. The ground is undoubtedly a big question mark but he is very fit and fresh at the moment, which is the key to him. 13:55 Haydock - Poungach Was a high-class hurdler last season, when we always thought of him as a chaser in waiting.

But he has not proved a natural over fences so far this season, falling at the first at Chepstow and then looking green and inexperienced in the Rising Stars at Wincanton last time, But he stayed on well at Wincanton, warming to his task, and he schooled well in cheekpieces on Thursday morning in preparation for this. Like Domtaline, this will be the softest ground he has encountered, so that's an unknown, but he is a horse of some quality and potential and hopefully one that will improve with experience.

This looks a decent race but hopefully he can go one better today. 14:30 Haydock - Landscape Donald looks to have an exciting horse on his hands in Clondaw Kaempfer, who impressed me when beating one of mine pretty easily at Aintree last month. He obviously is worthy of the utmost respect, but I think Landscape has a big chance on the ground. A decent middle distance horse on the Flat in France, he needed the experience on his hurdling debut at Cheltenham.

But he showed the benefit of that run when winning easily at Exeter last time. The ground was soft enough at Exeter, so conditions here shouldn't be a problem.

In fact, if it rides very testing then that is probably in his favour as he wants further than 2m already, especially around here. But this isn't a two-runner race and I wouldn't dismiss Lienosus, a good third to my Wonderful Charm at Chepstow last time.

15:05 Haydock - Wilton Milan Horses can flatter to deceive when winning easily in minor company, as Wilton Milan did at Worcester last time, but we clearly deserve to be dipping our toes into a higher grade with him here. A winning pointer, he was very green and babyish at Worcester but he took off when Ruby gave him a slap there and the nine length runner-up, Dunlough Bay, gave the form a boost when winning well at Lingfield next time.

So that level of form already gives him fair claims here and I would hope there is improvement in him, too, given his obvious inexperience last time. But, again, this looks competitive and Grands Crus' brother Gevrey Chambertin, Sixty Something and Fourjacks have shown a comparable level of form and are equally unexposed. So this will tell us a lot more about him. 15:40 Haydock - Varom Is a great, big, strong horse - though still a bit backward - who joined us after winning a 1m4f all-weather bumper in the French provinces in July.

Is related to chase winners and is very much a chaser of the future himself, too. But he goes nicely and hopefully he won't find conditions too testing here.

With so many of these unraced, he could well prove good enough. But Donald's horse looks decent, we carry a penalty and Varom is a horse who I expect will improve enormously for the experience.

14:10 Ascot - Ghizao He looked set for the big stage when twice beating Captain Chris in the first half of the 2010-11 season, when he also finished an excellent second to Finian's Rainbow at Aintree. But he has had more than a few niggles and issues since, and last season was a bit of a write-off.

So it was great to see him back to winning form at Kempton on his reappearance, travelling and jumping well and enjoying himself. Of course, the form of that three-runner race was nothing to shout home about with his market rival falling early on. But it gave us something to build on. Of course, I don't realistically expect to be winning this against the likes of Finian's Rainbow and For Non Stop after just that one win, but he has been pleasing me and he has place claims. Hasn't raced on ground this testing for a while, though it was far worse than the official good to soft when he beat Captain Chris at Newbury, but has won on soft anyway. 14:45 Ascot - Brampour Was obviously a very progressive horse last season, winning here over 2m on his reappearance and rounding off the season with a creditable seventh in the Champion Hurdle, and he has been crying out for this trip for a while. So he is certainly not without a chance here, even though he is likely to be the outsider of the four.

He has a few miles on the clock, but don't forget he is only a 5yo. I was happy enough with his second to Get Me Out Of Here at Kempton on his reappearance, we have a 4lb pull with that horse today and this greater test of stamina will suit us. Probably ran his worse race of last season on soft here, which is a slight worry, but he seemed to handle it ok on the Flat in France. 15:05 Haydock - Silviniaco Conti As you will have probably seen if you follow me on Twitter, we have had a few issues with flooding here at Ditcheat this week! But none have missed any work - I also had Tidal Bay in here but I have given him another week and he goes for the Hennessy - and Silviniaco Conti went well in his final piece of work on Thursday morning. Okay, he may not have beaten proper Grade 1 horses on his reappearance at Wetherby - Time For Rupert clearly running below form - but he put them in their place in convincing style, and he is a Grade 1 horse, make no mistake. I think the second-season novices, such as the likes of Al Ferof and Cue Card, could be a top class bunch and this will tell us much more about him specifically.

Obviously, Long Run deserves to be favourite and is 16lb clear of him on Timeform figures, but I don't think you can overestimate the advantage of having a run under your belt in these testing conditions. That's a big plus in our favour, as is the fact that Wetherby is bound to have sharpened him up and brought him on.

I said before that win that he is a horse that I expect to improve throughout the season. Whenever ground is as testing as it is likely to be here, it is unwise to be too confident - horses can easily disappoint in this ground, as many did at Cheltenham on Sunday, and heavy ground is a great leveller - but he did win the Persian War on soft at Chepstow, so I am hoping that won't be an issue.

I have had this race in mind for him for a while, as I don't think he will be lining up in the King George, however he fares today. If Long Run turns up in the form that he was in two seasons ago, then he will be very hard to beat.

But I think he wasn't the same force last season and, if he runs to that level today, then I think he is beatable. He is the best horse in this race on all known form, but he has been beaten on his reappearance in the last two campaigns and he meets a horse on the up in Silviniaco Conti. Bridgey reports Gold Cup runner-up The Giant Bolster in good form and merits obvious respect, but I think Weird Al could be a big danger to everyone. He was only two lengths behind Long Run when third in this race last year, and that was after having won the Charlie Hall.

He looks to be best when fresh, so I can see him running a big race if he is back on his A-game after being pulled up in the Gold Cup and falling in the National. He has issues but is clearly a very talented horse on his day. 15:20 Ascot - Toubab Knocked his joint when ready for a run three weeks ago, but is fine now, fit and well and raring to go.

Goes well when fresh and I think he could have races in him off a mark of 143. I fancied him to run a big race when he was brought down in the Grand Annual and he obviously did as well as could have been expected behind Sprinter Sacre at Aintree.

I think he will go well, even though he probably ideally wants better ground. Donn adds Saint Roque to his to follow list The two-mile-five-furlong conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle run on the Friday of Cheltenham’s Open meeting is always fiendishly competitive and it normally takes a very well-handicapped horse to win it. The winner of this year’s race, Buck Magic, is undoubtedly progressive, he probably won the race with a bit left in the tank, but it is one or two of the horses in behind who are of more interest with regards the future, particularly Saint Roque who was travelling like a winner when he was brought down at the second last by the fatal fall of Ambrose Princess right in front of him. Well backed into favouritism, Harry Derham settled Saint Roque in the middle of the field, and he jumped accurately in amongst horses. He crept closer over the flight at the top of the hill, and was travelling strongly as they set off down the hill, just caught up on the inside for a fraction behind the eventual winner who was just being niggled along at that stage.

Derham switched him towards the outside coming down the hill and he cruised into contention. He had closed right up onto the heels of the leaders, still on the bridle, when he just couldn’t avoid the stricken Ambrose Princess who had taken a horrible fall in front of him over the third last. He had actually nodded on landing over the flight himself which meant that by the time he got his head up he had no chance to avoid the mare. Obviously it was too far out to be confident about where he would have finished, but he was going at least as well as anything at the time. An easy winner of a point-to-point at Dromahane in March 2011, he didn’t appear to be finishing off his races last season in three runs in novice company, but he had a breathing operation in the summer. He departed before his breathing was really called into question here, but he was moving strongly at the time and if the operation has worked then a rating of 118 would look very lenient based on how well he was travelling here. As long as his confidence has not been affected by this fall (he also fell once last season) then he is a horse to keep on side for now.

16th November 2012. Latest from his betfair blog Paul Nicholls: The views of my runners at Newbury today Betfair Ambassador Paul Nicholls saddles no less than seven runners at Newbury today. Here he talks exclusively about each one. 12:30 Newbury - Saphir Du Rheu Is owned by The Stewart Family and apparently was bred by a certain Claude Duval; Andy knows the Sun's racing correspondent very well, but I didn't think that he had a French breeding sideline.

But they probably have a lot of time on their hands, these hacks. Anyway, more seriously, we bought this horse after he finished third at Autueil in September, so we obviously haven't had him too long and are still getting to know him.

The form of that race is not working out too well - the first two home have beaten well beaten since, though the fourth home has won since - but we like what we see of him so far. It is too early to tell where he sits in the juvenile pecking order here but I must stress though that he is not a Triumph horse in the mould of a Samtegal or a Far West; he is a lovely, big, scopey, gorgeous horse who is a chaser in the making. But we think a bit of him and this may not be the strongest of Newbury juvenile contests, though there are a couple of decent sorts in here from the Flat.

We will know more after today, though. 14:05 Newbury - There's No Panic Won well at Fontwell and Fakenham after a lengthy lay-off, and I thought he was weighted to go well in a handicap at Cheltenham last time. And he was going ok before he landed on top of the last ditch, and was pulled up afterwards. The step down in trip on soft ground should be fine for him here, but he clearly has a mountain to climb off levels against the likes of Dynaste.

14:40 Newbury - American Trilogy We know what we have with American Trilogy, namely a horse who is handicapped up to his best, but is capable of a decent show when things fall his way. He ran ok on his reappearance, and has been dropped 1lb for that. He should be sharper for the run and his fourth at Haydock in May showed us he can handle soft ground. But the ground drying out will probably be in his favour over this trip. Has place prospects with Harry claiming off him, but probably nothing more. Curtain Razer Is a half-brother to Irish Grand National winner Hear The Echo, won both his points in 2011 and made a highly encouraging hurdling debut when second to Gullinbursti over 2m6f at Exeter.

On that form, he would look fairly weighted off 122 here. But it is obvious that he didn't really progress from that run and has had his problems, though he did run well here back in March.

Clearly has ability if we can get him right, and hopefully a breathing operation in the summer will have helped in that regard. 15:15 Newbury - Tataniano Has fragile legs, and has had plenty of problems in the past couple of years, so is clearly not going to make up into the top class chaser that he once promised to be. And we clearly expected a lot more from him at Chepstow on his reappearance. But I wasn't totally downhearted by that run, as I said here before that race that I suspected that he probably needed 2m4f these days. The positives are that he gets that chance here, is back on the same mark as when winning at Chepstow last season and goes well enough on the ground.

But clearly we can't be confident after his reappearance run. The Knoxs This is a horse with a lot of ability, and 2m4f on soft ground on a left-handed track are probably his ideal conditions.

And a breathing operation in the summer is hopefully another big positive as to his chance today. He took time to get the hang of jumping when he first came to us but he showed us his fencing potential chasing when winning a handicap, on good ground, at Ayr in April. Is 6lb higher today, but he goes well fresh and hopefully there is more to come from him. 15:45 Newbury - Sound Investment Looked set to win on his point to point debut at Punchestown in February, before falling at the last. We bought him at the Newbury sales the following month, and we thought he would need the experience, both physically and mentally, in an Aintree bumper last month. And he did, travelling really well into the race before getting a bit tired. Has schooled well at home in preparation for this, but he will much better over further than this in future starts.

Steve Hughes likes the Knoxs Newbury 3.15: THE KNOXS (3-1, Coral) Formerly a very dodgy jumper, The Knoxs seemed a reformed character over fences last season on joining Paul Nicholls. That means he could still remain feasibly handicapped with just 6lbs extra for his win at Ayr on his last start of last season. Still lightly raced for a 9yo, he has a fine record first time out with two wins out of three (would have won on the third occasion but for falling). Because of his poor reputation, he started out last term for Nicholls over hurdles, bolting up at Exeter. He lost his way after that albeit at a high level, although he ran and jumped well enough over fences at Sandown in February before folding up late on over 3m.

However he finished the year on a high when dropped back to 2m4f on good ground at Ayr, winning with something in hand. He is well capable of handling this somewhat slower ground, and if he can jump again with his new found fluency, his first time out record and a fine racing weight of 10-9 surely makes him a major player here. Ruby on his Saturday rides.from Irish examiner Champagne Fever looks a particularly good vintage By Ruby Walsh SATURDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2012 I expect to be fit to ride at Newbury today, despite being stood down after a fall there yesterday. I took a tumble aboard Curtain Razer in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle after which the racecourse doctor ruled me out of my two remaining rides on the card. I sprained a thumb and will have to be checked over by the doctor this morning, but I expect to get the all clear.' The Hennessy is the big one today, but much of my focus will be centred on the great Big Buck’s in the Grade 2 hurdle over an extended three miles.

Big Buck’s is simply Big Buck’s and, without a doubt, one of the greatest stayers of all time over flights. He is now unbeaten in 17 races and that record speaks for itself. It is virtually impossible to beat him and I’ll be stunned should he fail to deliver one more time. Big Buck’s only has to face three rivals and, in his younger days, that might have presented a problem. But, as he’s got older, has become much easier to ride and just lives on a different planet to this opposition. There is no such thing as a certainty in racing, but he is as close to one as we’re going to get.

I’m on top weight Tidal Bay in the Hennessy and there is no doubt have had better rides in what is a smashing handicap. Having ridden at the track yesterday, the ground was nowhere near as soft as we had been led to believe and that is a minus for the veteran.

Tidal Bay is in good form, as he showed when winning a Grade 2 hurdle at Wetherby on his seasonal debut. What he needs is a swinging gallop and then to try and come through late. That would be much easier in testing conditions and I’ve a feeling this will probably prove a bridge too far. I’m on record as saying that the second season novices are well handicapped and won’t be surprised should the winner emerge from either Bobs Worth or First Lieutenant. They were first and second respectively in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March and there isn’t a huge amount between them on that running.

My day begins on Rolling Aces in a competitive handicap chase. He was third at Ascot last time and, you can can argue, has it all to do off 11-12. But this is weaker and he has a life. Likewise, I’m expecting Salubrious to go close in a handicap hurdle. I rode him to finish fourth at Chepstow and he just got tired before the last. I’d imagine Salubrious will have come on plenty for that. I finish in yet another handicap, this time over fences, on Ulck Du Lin.

Paul Nicholls likes this horse, but he was a rather remote third at Stratford and I think has to improve. Todays Blog 12:15 - Minella Stars Although he was only just touched off there last season, I don't think he likes Wincanton and his poor run there last time was his second in a row at the course. I think he is better going left-handed, full stop. But, apart from that, there is no real story to this horse. He is handicapped on what he is, and the trip and ground should be to his liking. He should run his race, and hopefully that will be good enough. But I suspect there are better handicapped horses in here.

13:25 - Rolling Aces I was very happy with his third over 2m3f at Ascot last time, and I think the form could be ok. The fifth won well next time and the winner was going well when.