GordonElliott

13:30 Cheltenham
Cottage Oak
Cottage Oak gave me my first Cheltenham Festival winner when winning this race last year and I'd like to think this fella can go well today. He was a little disappointing at Navan last time but I put that down to the ground, which was far too soft for him. I've walked the course and it's absolutely fine, decent going and that should suit him. I expect he'll run a better race than last time but I'm not entirely sure he'll stay the four-mile trip. We'll learn a bit more about that today, but I think he could be an Irish National horse for the future. Kevin Power rides him and will probably take his time on him and see how the race develops.

16:00 Cheltenham
Carlito Brigante
He won this race last year and we've decided to let him take his chance in the race again in preference to a tilt at the Stayers Hurdle. I thought we'd probably have to settle for a minor role in that race so, while he's a lot higher rated this year than last (13lbs higher), I think this is the better option for him.
The ground should be pretty similar to last year, Davy (Russell) was on him then and I expect he'll employ similar tactics this time.
Carlito Brigante had a breathing operation earlier in the season and ran a very good race when a close fifth at Dundalk last time - a race which should have put him spot-on for today. It's a big ask to win such a competitive race two years in-a-row but I really think he has a genuine each-way chance.

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