BOBS WORTH FAVOURITE FOR CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 2013

FORTY entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup were revealed today (Wednesday) with Bobs Worth leading the pack as the favourite.

The horse, who is 3-1 with the sponsors of the 3m 3 ½f race, is one of many that is shaping the 2013 festival as a showpiece to watch on March 15.

Competition is building up and other horses including Long Run, Finian’s Rainbow, Tidal Bay and Kauto Stone were also among the 40 going for gold.

Stablemate Long Run is one of five entries for trainer Nicky Henderson – Finian’s Rainbow, Riverside Theatre and Roberto Goldback also make up the team.

Kauto Star may have said a sad farewell to racing, but trainer Paul Nicholls still has strong horses in the mix.

I think Tidal Bay is the one to watch from Nicholls’ team – his performance in the Lexus Chase was very good and impressed punters across the UK.

Ruby Walsh constantly pushed the 11-year-old until the end of the chase and he proved, along with Kauto Star, that being an older racehorse is not a disadvantage.

Entries from Nicholls’ yard also include Silviniaco Conti, Kauto Stone and What A Friend.

Is Bobs Worth a worthy favourite for the contest or can another entry go for gold on March 15?

TIDAL BAY COULD WIN DOUBLE IN WORLD HURDLE AND GRAND NATIONAL

2012 has been the year for Tidal Bay – his victory in the Lexus Chase was world-class and certainly got people talking.

When he wasn’t in the top three over the final fence I didn’t think Ruby Walsh would be able to push him to glory at Leopardstown.

But when he powered ahead of the field in the final stages of the race, the racing world knew he was the one to watch.

Now trainer Paul Nicholls believes Tidal Bay could be the horse to compete in both the World Hurdle and the Grand National.

Kauto Star has shown the racing world that an older racehorse should never be doubted and Tidal Bay, aged 11, certainly isn’t a horse anyone will forget any time soon.

After seeing Walsh with Tidal Bay at Leopardstown, I understand why Nicholls is ambitious towards the horse’s future. Whatever race the trainer gives them, the pair will go for victory.

2013 would be another spectacular year if Tidal Bay pulled off the unique double. But can he finish with his nose in front again? Let’s hope 2013 brings the Ditcheat team more fortune. 

IT'S ANYONE'S GAME NOW - BIG BUCK'S DEPARTURE FROM WORLD HURDLE LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR OTHER CONTENDERS

FOLLOWING Big Buck's shock departure from the remainder of the season, Quevega is now favourite to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

The four-time Cheltenham Festival winner is leading the pack despite connections often training her for the Grade 2 mares' race.

Bookmakers were thrown into uncertainty when Big Buck's was pulled out of the hurdle after sustaining a tendon injury - but who can benefit from the situation?

Quevega has definitely caused a debate among racing fans. Her win the last year's mares' hurdle was good but if she was to repeat the performance it would certainly not be enough to win the World Hurdle.

Nevertheless she is always up for a challenge and trainer Willie Mullins knows he has a capable mare on his hands that could give him bigger titles.

Tidal Bay is also thrown into the mix and it was interesting to see Paul Nicholls mention him within hours of breaking the news of Big Buck's departure.

He is a consistent horse around the Cheltenham track and it wouldn't surprise me if pulled off a stunning performance in the hurdle.

He has really improved this season: his competitive long-distance hurdle at Wetherby was fantastic and plenty of confidence was also seen in the Hennessy.

But I personally believe Oscar Whisky will shine in the hurdle. After watching him at Cheltenham races last weekend, it is clear the horse oozes confidence around the track.

Nicky Henderson has got a trick up his sleeve - and it is in the form of Oscar Whisky. I know Big Buck's departure has disappointed many, but it has opened a door for those who wouldn't have been in the reckoning.

After all, is that a bad thing?

Despite Oscar Whisky's flop in last year's race, Henderson is still backing his champion and why wouldn't he? The horse has previously charged up Cheltenham hill four times to victory and if he holds his nerve in the World Hurdle I think he can pull off a tremendous win.

The market is fresh and even though Big Buck's will be missed in the World Hurdle, I am excited to see who else will finish on top.

AINTREE SELECTIONS - DAY ONE

2:00 - Big Bucks
          Tidal Bay (e/w bet)


2:30 - Lyvius
          Grumeti (e/w bet)


3:05 - Riverside Theatre


3:40 - Boxer Georg
          My Way De Solzen (e/w bet)


4:15 - Tanks For That
          Kumbeshwar (e/w bet)


4:50 - Pepite Rose


5:25 - Oscar Prairie 

MIDNIGHT CHASE STORMS AHEAD IN THE ARGENTO CHASE

MIDNIGHT CHASE has won the Argento Chase (Registered as the  (Grade 2)  Cotswold Chase) today beating favourites Diamond Harry and Tidal Bay.

The horse was ridden fantastically by Dougie Costello and kept hold of the lead throughout the race.

The 11-2 horse produced a brilliant performance by jumping fluently and travelling well, even when Tidal Bay was hot on his hooves.

But Walsh was unable to catch up with Costello as he powered past the post.

Diamond Harry was disappointing given his odds and Captain Chris was pulled up early on in the race.

Midnight Chase is now priced at 25-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Definitely worth an each-way bet.