All eyes will be on the Cheltenham Festival next week (see my views below) but the big betting race of the day is the Imperial Cup at Sandown Park (3.10) and with a massive field going to post the best approach could be an each-way play on the Tom George-trained Some Buckle.

He ran a fair race upped in grade last time out at Cheltenham — the first three home that day will all race in grade one events at the Festival — and a stiff two miles at Sandown looks perfect.

The other races I am interested in today are all at Wolverhampton. Sovereign Debt has the filly Al Thakhira to beat in the opening Listed race at 2.15, Boomerang Bob may land the 4.00 on his seasonal debut and Wakea has Sharp Sword to worry about in the 4.35.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

Tuesday: Willie Mullins has an embarrassment of riches on the first day but the value lies with Sego Sucess in the four-mile National Hunt Chase at 4.40. 

Alan King’s charge has been crying out for a real stamina test and can see off the Irish challenge of Perfect Gentleman and Wounded Warrior.

I think Faugheen will win the Champion Hurdle at 3.20, while Theatrical Star looks overpriced in the three mile handicap chase at 2.40.

Wednesday: I haven’t really got a strong betting view on the Champion Chase so my main wager on day two will be on Rolling Star at a huge price in the Coral Cup at 2.40. 

He has been crying out for a step up in trip and is available at a massive 40/1!

Thursday: I am going to be double handed in the feature Ryanair Chase at 2.40 with the mare Ma Filleule, a good second in the Ascot Chase, and Jonjo O’Neill’s Taquin Du Seuil.

The last named is also entered in the Plate but this now looks likely to be his race and I think he is the forgotten horse.

He shaped like much the better horse in the Denman Chase last time out and remember he won the JLT Chase here last year.

The World Hurdle (3.20) looks very open and the nod goes to the progressive Lieutenant Colonel.

This will be a hugely emotional success should the six-year-old win as his trainer, the legendary Dessie Hughes, past away last year and he is now handled by daughter Sandra.

Friday: The Gold Cup (3.20) is a race I want to play and I will oppose favourite Silviniaco Conti and I think former champion Bobs Worth is huge value at around 16/1.

Road to Riches is also solid representing the brilliant Noel Meade and is a bigger danger ahead of Many Clouds.

The best handicap bet of the week could be Le Mercurey in the Martin Pipe Hurdle at 4.40.

He has been laid out for this and ran an eye-catching trial last time out at Ascot.