Thousand Stars 11/2

I would give next to zero weight to the Cheltenham race. Oscar Whiskey is the nuts over 2m 4f and id rather be on him at 5/2.

I thought Katie left it too late to make her run on him last year and could have won if she'd pressed the button sooner. For me this horse is still on the upgrade and if he settles early in the race will take all the beating. Huge price in my opinion as i believe this trip is ideal.

His only victory since The French Champion Hurdle over 3 miles has been over Oscars Well and that doesn't read too well in the context of this race with the front 2 looking miles ahead of him. He just doesn't really seem to have improved since last year and he'd have to to beat the Champion Hurdler. If the ground got testing that might help him but this hasn't really been a good race for horses dropping back in trip.

Oscars Well finished 8 lengths adrift of Rock On Ruby and 5 1/2 lengths behind Thousand Stars in the Morgiana. 2 1/2 lengths hardly equates to 'miles' imo. I think there's very little between th eleading horses here. Rock On Ruby disappointed at Aintree last year which is reason enough for me to avoid him at the prices but it's difficult to argeu against him being favourite. Zarkandar has plenty of ability but I think it'll be next year before we see the best of him. The step up in trip will suit but he'll have to be on top of his game to win this on just his 6th hurdle start. I wouldn't be surprised if any of the top 4 won it but at the prices it simply has to be Thousand Stars for me. He's the most battle hardened, been aimed at the race which cannot be said for the others, and handles all types of ground.

Point taken but whereas the front 2 seem to be improving there's no real evidence of that with Thousand Stars. As far as the prices go, I'd say you don't have to bet in any race and this looks a no bet race. There'll be better opportunities over the 3 days.