[b]Seasoned observers reckon it represents one of the most demanding tests of stamina in the entire world of sport. No, not the Grand National but the day-long bender that is Ladies' Day at Aintree. RUK analyst Graham Cunningham is a veteran of Liverpool's long good Friday and fancies at least one southern-based lady to come to the fore on day two of a superb three-day Festival.[/b]
Some of the Cheltenham form travels smoothly to Liverpool and - as Denman's Thursday defeat showed all too clearly - some of it just doesn't.
No matter, Friday is another day and there are several angles worth exploring on a very tough card.
The most interesting horse of the day is Mon Parrain in the Topham Chase at 15:40 and this exciting French recruit to the Paul Nicholls yard could be a great sight...
[b]It could be the old champ, it could be the reigning champ, or it could be any one of the potential heirs to the throne. It's Master Minded versus Big Zeb and co. in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday at Cheltenham. RUK analyst Graham Cunningham has his eye on the ones to be with and those to oppose on day two of his Festival Foursome feature[/b].
1: Paul Nicholls feels Master Minded is one of his bets of the week in the Champion Chase at 15:20, but I can't forget the way Big Zeb powered clear of him in this race last year and the stage looks set for a repeat performance.
Forgive the fact that Colm Murphy's gelding was mugged late by Golden Silver at Punchestown last time. Barry Geraghty clearly went for home too soon on testing ground that day, but drying conditions are...