New Year's Eve: "I would expect him [Killer Kane] to go close and have a good each-way chance"

13:15 Newbury – Kauto The King

This horse would not want too much rain, so we will have a look when we arrive to see how much rain has gotten into the ground before running him in this race. If it ends up too heavy, we may end up waiting for another day. He showed some great form over the summer and hopefully, he can still be competitive from this mark of 134.

14:25 Newbury – Killer Kane

He has been knocking on the door recently, and he has had two runs already this season. This looks like a very competitive contest, but as long as my horse gets the trip, and there is no reason why he wouldn’t, I would expect him to go close and have a good each-way chance.

New Year's Day: "This race should be right up War Lord’s street. I think 2m4f is his ideal trip now."

12:10 Cheltenham – Robinsville

He improved massively from his seasonal reappearance when he finished fifth at Exeter a few weeks ago. There could be more improvement in this horse. Once he gets a handicap mark, he will start finding things easier.

12:20 Exeter – Investment Manager

I think Exeter will suit this horse. He finished second on his opening outing of the season at Ffos Las, but then he didn’t quite follow that up at Taunton on his latest start. He was successful over hurdles last season, and I am sure he will eventually have success over fences.

13:30 Exeter – Buckhorn Rocco and Dylan’s Double

Buckhorn Rocco has been off the track for over a year. He is a bumper winner and I expect him to turn into a smart hurdler. I should imagine he will need this run and then we will take it from there with him.

Dylan’s Double is a lovely big horse who has had his growing issues. I’ve been looking forward to running him. I am not sure if he will win the first time out, but he has a smart future.

13:55 Cheltenham – Lostintranslation and War Lord

Lostintranslation is ground dependent, so hopefully, the rain does not arrive too much. Around 18 months ago you would really have fancied him for a race like this. It is competitive, but he has a nice mark.

This race should be right up War Lord’s street. I think 2m4f is his ideal trip now. He ran well at this course in the Arkle, and he has had a run already this season at Exeter. I think he has at least an each-way chance.

14:05 Exeter – Western General

He is a lovely horse who ran well on his debut earlier this season at Exeter. He finished second of 15 runners in a novice contest. That gives us something positive to build on. I am hoping he will be able to go one place better this time at the same course.

15:15 Exeter – Ambion Hill

He has been off for a while, but he has the ability to win a race of this kind off this latest mark. This horse hit the frame on his last two outings before his setback. I expect him to be competitive again.

15:50 Exeter - Moonlight Artist

He ran well the first time out at this course but then he just got tired towards the end. I do think he will come on for that outing. I’d be disappointed if he did not finish in the first five here.