I did back Matuana as I thought that a 3yo would not take much getting fit. She was lucky with the fav falling but that could be the start of a Derham revival. Not all at once of course but Pyffo has some decent recent form so should also be fit enough in the 2.47. Suzuka my other bet today but not over jumps. I can never resist those colours.

Two nasty reverses for favourite backers in the first two at Leopardstown. Ballybrittas one to watch if/when they put a proper jock on board. Much too free.

I did give Jus De Citron a good mention, but the stable wasn't in form before today. I haven't seen the race. A lot of my preparation is in the head/intuition.

Loved that from Brighterdaysahead. It's great when a plan comes off. State Man might have been below his best, but he has had it too easy for too long. His overall record is a reflection of the lack of opposition. The Champion Hurdle is far from over as some people suggested after the Christmas Hurdle.

Big Stage was lucky not to be brought down twice, but clearly didn't stay. Dropped in trip he could be one for the new novices' handicap chase.

Very happy with 2/2 today so cashed out the William Butler bet.

Agree Diff. I’m happy whichever race Brighter goes in now. Thinks she wins either whatever runs.

You appear to be all over Constitution Hill as your previous comments after the Christmas Hurdle confirm. Personally, I think you are massively over confident.

Even at his best, which for me is open to debate, I think he is going to need to see his race out strongly. Both Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth will be better opponents than he has met before. I think it's worth pointing out the only time he has been upped in trip he hasn't looked at all impressive. I think that's worth pointing out, you don't, fine.

Sir Gino would laugh at any of them but now he has run and won over fences there is no going back.

Townend made made minimal effort because the horse had nothing to offer. Do you honestly believe he just gave away finishing second?

Terrific effort from Maxxum over a trip short of his best. In a weak renewal worth a Stayers entry.

I think you need to see the whole race. They went quick and State Man couldn't live with it. Had he tried to chase he would have finished even further behind.

Farce of a race for the bumper. I made the right call on William Butler, but I wouldn't give up on him. He was clueless when they quickened, but he has finished better than anything bar the winner. Koktail Brut disappointing. Winner nicely bred with plenty of winners under both codes, and clearly has a good change of pace. Boost for Amen Kate. The bumper division has yet to sort itself out.

Again a really poor day tomorrow.

Just one bet, Clondaw Royale extra places in the Haydock opener. Second run back over hurdles. Only win for a claimer, and still young enough to improve. Trip is the (big) question mark. Price has gone, but Bet365 still out on a limb.

Anyone know why Ewing isn't riding at Punchestown on Tuesday? Unfortunately, Gainford jocked up on Shannon Royale.

Had to chuckle when I read about Mullins talking about upping Ballyburn in trip as if he had just discovered the wheel. 'People were saying before that he could be a Champion Hurdle horse...' Wasn't that you, and the media clowns just followed? Isn't it you that decided to run a staying horse three times over two miles? Aren't you the reason the horse has two defeats on his record? Lovely piece of attempted blame shifting.

Is this a quiz? What's suspended?

You asked a question.
He's suspended.

A Couple of interest in  HC chases today.

Happy And Fine (2.30 HAY) - Won this last year in a good time in similar conditions and tends to go well fresh. Looks a little over-priced.

School For Scandal (3.27 Tau) - won over C&D on his penultimate start in a fast time to follow up the Wincanton win. Might have got bogged down in the mud last time but ran well for a long time and drying ground will be in his favour today. A prominent ride might make him hard to peg back and he has been well backed this morning.

GL today

*Happy And Fine 1.30 not 2.30

Great call DD

WD dd but Bushy Park was traveling much the best when it fell.

Excellent pick at the price nonetheless

Henry Daly has been on a bit of a roll and Stan Shepherd is underestimated imo. 2 big yards in opposition skewed the odds but I am not really betting today.

Disappointing that it appears Pauling is going to divert Handstands away from Cheltenham in favour of Aintree. Seems strange to me as he looks a more thorough stayer than The Jukebox Man. If The Jukebox Man has to go to Cheltenham why not run both?

Not a great day again tomorrow, but a few races of interest.

It looks a weak Punchestown bumper. Bambino Fever is probably bargain basement for Mullins. She was three lengths down when the leader departed in her point. I don't think she would have won. The horse that did come down won next time and was sold to Tony Mullins for 100,000. I thought it was worth taking an each-way chance on the well-bred Queen Of Zim.

At Warwick, I am glad I missed the 7/1 on Ballymackie. At 7/2 there is no decision to be made. I have flagged this one up, but it goes in off top weight having shown virtually nothing in races it had no chance of winning. It's jumping is a concern, as it has shown a tendency to drag it's rear end through the fences. Keops Des Bordes might be the star of the day, but who knows what Skelton will be up to tomorrow. We know the owner isn't always too bothered about winning if there is a long-term gain. For what it's worth the horse travelled well on the front end when winning his point. Skelton bought the second. No Drama This End won a weak English point. He looked professional, but the second gave away most of the winning margin by continually jumping right. I think he likely needs a lot better to be in contention.

I have backed Rock Sensation each-way in the closing Uttoxeter bumper. No surprise if it goes off favourite as her point form is probably the best on offer. She was eventually outspeeded by Future Prospect in her point. Supreme Malinas had come down before the race had taken shape. My worry would be is whether she has enough pace as she looks a scopey, staying type. Hopefully, she is ridden forward.