Odds On

Dunhuib, who runs in the opening race at Cheltenham next week, is many people's idea of a Festival banker. But if, like us, you're thinking about backing something else in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, then place your bet with Paddy Power, who are offering to refund stakes on all losing singles if the 4-5 favourite wins.

Blackstairmountain, a 10-1 shot, was impressive on his hurdling introduction at Punchestown and is open to lots of improvement. Our other Festival fancies are Khyber Kim (8-1, Champion Hurdle), Voler La Vedette (9-4, David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle) and Master Minded (4-5, Queen Mother Champion Chase), while Kangaroo Court is poised to run a big race at 25-1 in the Arkle if the rain stays away.

It's best to play it Cool

Round three of Kauto Star versus Denman will be the greatest heavyweight clash seen at the Cheltenham Festival since, er, they last faced each other a year ago.

Kauto Star came out on top in that battle and is the 8-11 favourite to win a third Gold Cup, while Denman (4-1), who won the Festival showpiece in 2008, has been uneasy in the market after a poor prep race at Newbury.

But don't be fooled into thinking this is just a
two-horse race.

Cooldine was an impressive winner at the Festival last year and represents value at 2-1 in the betting without Paul Nicholls's big two.

Drink in the atmosphere

Spare a thought for those poor souls working in the Guinness tent at Cheltenham, as they could suffer from repetitive strain injury by the end of the week.