Some outstanding racing particularly at Cheltenham this afternoon with the big race of the day being the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at 1.55 and as long as there is not too much rain I think that the Nicky Henderson-trained RATHER BE (NAP) can gain compensation for his last run at the Prestbury Park track.

On that occasion he was desperately unlucky to be brought down when travelling very strongly and off what still looks a winning mark he is made the nap of the day.

Of the others in this valuable contest, last year’s hero Guitar Pete must also go well. With the forecast rain set to hit the area at around 2.00 he may or may not have his optimum conditions. The Northern raider needs it to rain excessively to make his light weight count and under such conditions a price of around 9/1 would make him look a very attractive betting proposition.

Of the remainder, Baron Alco and the outsider Cobra De Mai could prove best of the rest in a typically open renewal.

The Unibet International Hurdle due off at 3.05 could see the final race in the career of that grand old stager The New One and he may have to give best to the likes of Summerville Boy and my value selection WESTERN RYDER.

The last named acts on all surfaces and ran a thoroughly satisfactory race last time out when behind a couple of these rivals, but he always comes on for a run and I like the fact that he has first time cheek pieces on here which will hopefully bring about a bit more improvement.

As far as the rest of the Cheltenham card is concerned, TOP GAMBLE could take the beating in the two mile handicap chase at 1.20. He ran a sound race at Newbury last time out and is certainly capable of winning off his current rating.

Later on, the Mares Handicap Hurdle at 3.40 could be a real test of stamina if and when the rains set in and that should certainly suit DEFINITELYANOSCAR who has been crying out for a test of stamina and finally gets it here.

She has been a slow burner for trainer Harry Fry but her best days certainly lie ahead of her and she looks the best each-way betting proposition in a race which could take some winning.

At Doncaster O O SEVEN has reportedly come on for a recent breathing operation and if the ground stays on the good side then I think he will be very hard to beat in the three-mile handicap chase due off at 3.20.

Nicky Henderson’s charge has always had an awful lot of ability and I think he can give a beating to another good ground horse Go Conquer and the Don McCain trained seven-year-old Lofgren.

Earlier on the card, the Grade Two December Novices’ Chase at 1.35 may go to ROCKY’S TREASURE, yet another charge that has been in need of a sound surface.

Kim Bailey’s frontrunner just loves to bowl along in front and could jump and gallop his rivals into submission, the best of which is probably going to be King of Realms.

On the level there are two sand meetings with Newcastle first up in the afternoon. IMPERIAL FOCUS could go well at a double-figure price in the opener over two miles at 12.20.

Later on, I also like the look of FRENCH HEROINE in the extended mile-and-a-half affair at 2.05.

Wolverhampton takes centre stage in the evening with a hugely competitive card with the outstanding wager being the Sir Michael Stoute-trained three-year-old PRIVATE VIEW in the nine-and-a-half furlong handicap at 7.15. This is the first time that this three-year-old has run over this distance and I suspect that he will improve dramatically for it as well.