15:30 Cheltenham

Leg 1: Great Fleet - Friday 15:30 Cheltenham - Liam Firkin

I was really taken by GREAT FLEET (8/1) on his last appearance at the October meeting at Cheltenham. He travelled through the race like the winner and came forward from his first run of the season. Dan Skelton has made no secret that the younger horses and novices among his ranks have, and continue to improve for their first outing of the season,and I think we’re yet to see the best from this horse.

He still appeared to be a little keen through that race and this drop in trip, and the slightly faster pace will certainly aide that but your eye was drawn to him as they came down the hill in October and to my eye Harry was still fighting him which no doubt will have exerted more energy than his jockey would have liked.

Conman John was the winner that day and he got first run on him when they turned for home and as we see so frequently on this track at Cheltenham, those towards the front of the race tend to be hard to peg back went on better ground. I think he will really appreciate the drop in distance and think that he’s cracking value at 11/2

13:10 Cheltenham Saturday

Leg 2: Ideal Des Bordes - Saturday 13:10 Cheltenham - Ginger Joe

I usually steer clear of amateur jockey races, but I can’t ignore Ideal Des Bordes, who looks tailor-made for this assignment.

Still only seven years old, he could have a bit more improvement to come, and the forecast soft conditions make him a particularly interesting contender this weekend. He’s got some strong back form and a touch of class on his going days.

His run here last month, his first of the season was very encouraging. He travelled nicely for a long way before fading late on, suggesting he’d come on plenty for the outing. I’d expect a much sharper, stronger performance this time off his current mark.

I’ll have to put a bit of faith in 7lb claimer Daniel Williams, who I don’t know much about in truth, but that claim certainly makes his handicap mark more appealing.

My gut says he’ll relish these conditions, and at 16/1, he looks a cracking each-way bet to my eye.