This dreadful ground is why all the novice races are so open

I think it is more a case that based on performance there just haven't been any outstanding novices over the three divisions. Champagne Fever heads a couple of markets based for the most part on what he achieved in last year's Supreme. Huge question mark as to what happens if he is taken on in any race. It would seem foolish to steam into any of the markets. At the moment it is bookmaking paradise and that's without all the where will Mullins run this or that which has become the most tedious part of the build up to the Festival.

I'm not sure the grounds to blame. Most races until mid December were run on decent ground.

There's too many novice races and Willie has too many good horses he needs to keep apart. He tells you nothing until a few days before the festival.

The fact the markets are so open and there's no stand out favourites suggest there's been no significant ante-post money, it must be dead imo. Most of the firms go crazy that week anyway to drum up business with extra places and special prices so I don't see any point in guessing at this stage.

Must be getting twitchy bum time for trainers waiting for decent ground for their final prep run. Looking at the forecast up till the weekend, there is no chance of any going with the word 'good' in it appearing for some time to come.

It seems to be a universally accepted truism that the Festival will be run on good ground.

This despite the weather we are having and Mr Claisses tap fetish.