1.30: WISHFULL THINKING (Mr Cracker)
2.05: KAYF ARAMIS (Tarablaze)
2.40: POQUELIN (NAP) (Tartak)
3.20: RIGOUR BACK BOB (Five For Three)
4.00: QUARTZ DE THAIX (Call Me a Legend)
4.40: CORNISH SETT (Teddy's Reflection)
Good luck, OTB! I have to admit that two of the above are sentimental rather than serious: RIGOUR BACK BOB, who I adore and who always tries, and the OAP of the gang, CORNISH SETT. But you never know! Best of luck to yours, and come back safe, horseys. (I'm not going to tempt Fate, but I think the repositioned jumps have helped a lot this year in reducing nasty falls.) I'm going with POQUELIN strongly as we know he doesn't want it Soft and it's supposed to be even drier tomorrow.
I'm really enjoying the Festival this year, in spite of the endless over-hyping and advertising chucked at us night and day. The quality of the racing has been superb, and it's been so refreshing not to see gasping, straining, strung-out fields trying to climb out of fetlock-deep gunk to haul themselves over the obstacles. The better going sees crisper running and some spectacular leaps - one or two a wee bit too enthusiastic, leading to some involuntary ploughing of the turf, but not so firm that they haven't been able to slide for yards and not harm themselves.