[Hwjb]

Having looked forward to the Festival with fevered excitement for months and months, we've suddenly reached the first day and I've realised that I don't actually fancy anything that strongly!

Nevertheless the racing is still unbeatable, so get set for the best four days of the year.

Supreme Novices'...Pigeon Island has got a rock solid chance but it would be slightly disappointing if there isn't something with a bit more scope for improvement. To that end I'm going with Khyber Kim.

Arkle...A poor renewal. By a process of elimination it has to be Noland.

Champion...Have fancied several for this over the winter, slightly concerned the ground may have gone against Harchibald, so plumping for Punjabi.

William Hill...Again a below-par renewal of what is usually a fiercely competitive handicap. I'm taking An Accordion on on account of his sketchy jumping, but finding something else is very difficult. Flying Enterprise is too big a price.

X-Country...Probably Wonderkid, but I really don't know!

Fred Winter...The front two in the betting look dangerously well handicapped, but both are coming off a very recent win, 3 days in the case of Ashkazar. He couldd easily prove too good and round up into a Champion horse next season. As it is I'm going with a big-priced alternative in Siege of Ennis.


Good luck to everyone and, above all, savour it!