Final Furlong

THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL BEGINS

Well its been a long wait. Spring is around the corner and the Cheltenham Festival is at hand. Today we will see some of the most pitted battles between the Irish and well the rest of us. David Ord from Sporting Life sets the opening scene:

By David Ord:

So it's finally here, 361 days of waiting and the Cheltenham Festival has come around again. How has it been for you? The Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle is as competitive as ever with a bad mistake all that's separating the top five or six in the betting on official ratings. I have little doubt that Go Native is the most talented horse in the field and surely it's it's too lazy to label him the new 'Harchibald' after his run petered out in the Christmas Hurdle last time? He didn't look too quirky when winning last year's Supreme Novices Hurdle did he? And I'm sure if Paul Carberry could ride the race again he would have waited a little longer before delivering his challenge. It isn't straightforward in a race though, the gap on the rails opened last year and jockeyship kicked in. You could argue it was a race-winning move in that Medermit rattled home into second too - and that's the beauty of Cheltenham. Neither horse nor jockey can afford to get it wrong anywhere out there.

Final Furlong's Picks for the opening day are:
1.30 Dunguib(EW)
2.05 Sports Line(EW)
2.40 The Package(EW)
3.20 GO NATIVE (NAP)
4.00 L'Ami(EW)
4.40 Quevega(EW)

SAM THOMAS TO MISS CHELTENHAM AFTER TERRIBLE FALL

According to the BBC; Jockey Sam Thomas will miss next week's Cheltenham Festival after a fall on the gallops at Paul Nicholls' yard. The 25-year-old was airlifted to the Royal United Hospital in Bath after suffering cracked vertebrae. Thomas rode Denman to Gold Cup success in 2008 but lost the ride this season after becoming stable jockey at Tom George's yard. George said: "I've spoken to his father who is with him and he will not be riding at Cheltenham next week." Thomas had been due to partner Tricky Trickster in the Gold Cup on 19 March, but Nicholls will now likely call on Barry Geraghty, who won the race in 2005 on Kicking King, to take the mount. George continued: "He has suffered a crack to a vertebrae high up in his neck, but it is not as bad as first feared and he is able to walk, talk and move his hands and feet. "It's obviously disappointing that he will miss Cheltenham, but the news is largely positive and his injuries will heal with time." A Bath Royal United Hospital spokesperson added: "He's stable and he's awaiting further tests." Among Thomas's other scheduled Cheltenham mounts were to be the George-trained favourite Tell Massini in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on Friday. Tricky Trickster's odds for the Gold Cup had dropped from about 33-1 to 16s in recent weeks and he is one of the favourites for the Grand National at Aintree on 10 April. Thomas was not certain to ride him in the National as Ruby Walsh, number one jockey to Nicholls, will have the choice of his mounts.

IMPERIAL COMMANDER "IN THE FORM OF HIS LIFE"

Sporting Life: Part-owner Hugh Doubtfire believes Imperial Commander is in the form of his life ahead of his crack at the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. Last season's Ryanair Chase hero was just a nose behind dual Gold Cup hero Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November but then ran no sort of race in the King George VI Chase at Kempton. Doubtfire hopes a return to his beloved Cheltenham will see him bounce back after delighting connections when working with leading Champion Hurdle contender Khyber Kim earlier this week. "To have a winner at the Festival was amazing and just to be part of the Gold Cup this year is fantastic for us and we're really looking forward to it," Doubtfire told At The Races. "He worked on Tuesday with Kyhber Kim and worked very, very well indeed. "I think the stable would possibly say he's better than he was when he won the Ryanair."

NO FALLON AT CHELTENHAM

According to Sporting Life, Paul Carberry has stepped in for the ride on Old McDonald in next week's Weatherbys Champion Bumper after Kieren Fallon decided against a trip to the Cheltenham Festival. The six-times champion Flat jockey agreed to ride Noel Glynn's charge last month but has now informed the trainer that he will be unavailable. Glynn said: "I received a text to say Kieren wouldn't be available as he's decided to stay in Dubai, which is obviously a bit disappointing. "Luckily for us it's worked out grand as Noel Meade hasn't got a runner in the bumper and we've got Paul Carberry booked to ride. "I'm delighted to have got him as he knows the course really well, so it might work out even better. "His sister Nina rides my other horse Becauseicouldntsee, who runs in the four-miler on the same day so hopefully it will be a family occasion and we can have a Carberry double on Wednesday!"

VOY POR USTEDES YARD HOPE FOR A RETURN TO FORM

Sporting life states: Barry Simpson admits connections of Voy Por Ustedes are heading to Cheltenham more in hope than expectation as he bids for his third Festival success in the Ryanair Chase on Thursday week. The nine-year-old already has victories in the Arkle Trophy and Queen Mother Champion Chase to his credit and he chased home Imperial Commander in the Ryanair 12 months ago. Alan King's gelding has failed to rediscover his best form in three starts this season but Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, is keeping his fingers crossed the return to Prestbury Park will kickstart Voy Por Ustedes' season. "He's in good form and bang on course for the Ryanair so we'll just have to see what happens on the day," said Simpson. "When you look at the prices and consider he was odds-on last year and is a 16-1 chance this time, you'd have to say he is a big price, but I suppose you have to go on current form and he has had an in and out season. "I think most people were of the opinion that he would have won the race last year but for making a terrible mistake and that is not to take anything away from Imperial Commander. "Our horse jumped appallingly first time out this season at Ascot but still ran a good race, while he just hasn't got home when we sent him over to Leopardstown. "He was a bit disappointing at Newbury last time as while we weren't going there thinking he would beat Master Minded, we were expecting him to finish second. "For some reason he didn't show the same sparkle as he has done in the past but all I can say is Alan certainly hasn't lost faith in him. "He obviously likes Cheltenham and the better ground that he should get there will suit him as well. "It is a hot race this year again and he needs to bounce back, but he is still the best horse in the race on official ratings."



CLICK HERE TO WATCH USTEDES' LAST RACE ON FEBRUARY 13th, 2010.

DEVEREUX SIDELINED DUE TO SERIOUS FALL AT DONCASTER ON SATURDAY

Conditional rider Donal Devereux is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a nasty fall at Doncaster on Saturday. The 5lb claimer was partnering Flash Harriet in the sportingbet.com Novices' Handicap Hurdle on Town Moor when the pair to came grief at the first flight. Devereux, who rides for trainer Peter Bowen, was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where he is undergoing surgery on cheekbone and jaw injuries. Bowen confirmed: "He was due to go to theatre at 9am today. He's smashed his cheekbone and jaw - it's a bit of a mess. "It looked a horrible fall and I would say he's likely to be out for quite a while."

RUBY CONFIDENT ABOUT GOLD CUP WIN WITH KAUTO STAR....BUT NOT TOO CONFIDENT

According to The Mail, Ruby Walsh believes one good jump could decide the confrontation between Kauto Star and Denman in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup. Walsh was speaking after confirmation that his great friend Tony McCoy, the record-breaking champion jockey, will partner Denman in the match-up between two top horses and two top jockeys that the racing world craves at Cheltenham next month.
Denman's owners Paul Barber and Harry Findlay turned to McCoy once Walsh chose to stay loyal to Kauto Star, a horse he has ridden to victories in two Gold Cups and in the King George VI Chase four times in succession. It would have been a major shock if he had switched to Denman, who famously beat Kauto Star in the 2008 Gold Cup when ridden by Sam Thomas. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls said yesterday: 'It was a tough one for Ruby and he asked for 48 hours to make up his mind. I know Paul and Harry were hoping he might opt for Denman but I always felt he would stay loyal to Kauto Star. How could he get off him after they have achieved so much together?'

SPORTING LIFE'S "MAN ON THE SPOT" PREVIEWS SATURDAYS MEETING AT DONCASTER

By Man On The Spot

1405 Newbury - Stanjames.com Supports Greatwood Novices' Handicap Hurdle
Nicky Henderson's Osric has disappointed in novice hurdles so far but may do better now sent handicapping so cannot be ruled out but a better bet looks to be COEUR DE FOU, who gets the vote ahead of Full Of Joy.

The last mentioned looks the pick of Jonjo O'Neill's two runners in the race ahead of Munster Pride with Tony McCoy riding him for the first time, although he does need to improve on previous form now in a handicap for the first time and may want the ground to be softer than it is.

Tail Of The Bank faces no easy task giving weight away all round following his win in a maiden hurdle at Newcastle last time and of more interest may be Victor Dartnell's Henry King, who ran in the Champion Bumper at last season's festival and has shown some promise over hurdles.

Ian Williams has his team in good order and his representative, Acknowledgement, has to be considered off his light weight but a 22lb rise for his win at Bangor last time looks harsh.

Henry Daly's Arctic Ben is less exposed than most of these and has to be respected but preference is for Tom George's Coeur De Fou, who has run some decent races in handicaps in his last couple of starts and he has every chance off just a 4lb higher mark than when a close third in a tough race at Doncaster last time.

1420 Doncaster - Sportingbet.com Handicap Hurdle

ACCORDING TO PETE tops the shortlist here although strong challenges from Spring Breeze and Quentin Collonges will make life tough.

The selection has been running well in the big handicaps so far this season, with a third in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock most recently. He returns to hurdles today off a slightly higher mark than his chase rating but with the ground and track not a problem he is expected to run well.

Wendel steps up in trip today and he has been given a break since disappointing at Aintree in November, Squadron's comeback run behind Alfie Sherrin reads well, whilst this good ground may help Galaxy Rock last home over this longer distance. Always Waining may be using this for fitness ahead of a crack at Aintree in April, whilst Quentin Collonges bumped into a smart one last time out and he is considered despite a lofty looking mark of 125.

Spring Breeze has earned his rise in the weights of late after two wins in the north at the end of last year. Some outings at the testing all-weather track of Southwell should have put him spot on for this assignment.

Description has been struggling with his jumping over fences so is returned to hurdles, whilst Berwick Law and Dan Buouy step up in class. Both race from out of the weights but the former especially is interesting as he steps back up in trip although he has had his injury problems. A tough handicap riddle to solve, but the answer may lie with According To Pete.

1435 Newbury - Blue Square Supporting Greatwood Veterans' Handicap Chase

Nick Mitchell's Ellerslie George has not had as much racing as most of these veterans and could still be open to improvement and he has been running well of late with wins at Stratford and Wincanton but he has been punished by the handicapper for those successes and will need to improve to get the better of TRABOLGAN, who gets the vote with Eric's Charm rated the best of the rest.

The selection was still going well when unseating his rider four out in a similar contest at Doncaster last month and Nicky Henderson's gelding looks worth another chance over a trip that suits.

Jeremy Scott's Gone To Lunch was well held behind Monkerhostin at Sandown last time having been pulled up in the Welsh National previously and he looks best watched. Henry Daly's Briery Fox has been struggling in recent starts and of more interest may be Knowhere, who has not been at his best of late but represents Nigel Twiston-Davies, who always has to be respected with his runners over this sort of trip.

Oliver Sherwood's Eric's Charm won well at Sandown last time in December and may be good enough to defy an 8lb rise for that success but Trabolgan has a touch of class about him and can makes amends for his run at Doncaster.

1510 Newbury - Raymond Mould Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase

The 12-year-old Our Vic has run well over further in his last two starts and David Pipe's gelding may not be suited by being dropped in trip today in a contest that should go to Paul Nicholls, who saddles two runners in the race, with PASCO preferred to stable companion Big Fella Thanks.

The eight-year-old was two lengths second when unseating Ruby Walsh two out at Kempton last month in the race won by Duc De Regniere and he has every chance under Barry Geraghty this afternoon but Walsh today is on Pasco, who finished tired on testing ground at Exeter last time and he should appreciate the better ground today.

Battlecry has been running consistently well for Nigel Twiston-Davies of late and should be thereabouts again but is likely to have to settle for a place at best and of more interest may be Can't Buy Time.

Jonjo O'Neill's gelding won well on his only start since October when successful at Cheltenham at the beginning of the year and he has every chance off just a 6lb higher mark today.

Gary Moore's Panjo Bere also comes here having won last time but the race that he landed at Ascot did not seem to be that strong and he may struggle off his new mark with a better bet looking to be Pasco, who can resume winning ways.

1525 Doncaster - Sportingbet.com Grimthorpe Handicap Chase

A competitive renewal of the Grimthorpe and from a shortlist of Possol, Gidam Gidam and IRIS DE BALME, it is the last-named who comes out on top.

This looks a good trial for the Grand National and Sean Curran's gelding made a pleasing start on the comeback trail when fifth at Wetherby last month. This longer trip and better ground will suit and the 2008 Scottish National winner looks dangerously well-treated on this mark of 140.

Air Force One has never fulfilled his potential but cannot be ignored off a mark of 146, Killyglen's career has stalled and he needs to polish up his credentials, whilst Cloudy Lane won this in 2008 off a 1lb higher mark. Possol's recent improvement has come over hurdles and he has to prove that he can handle the hurly-burly of a big chase like this, Comply Or Die is taking a different route to Aintree this year and remains of interest, whilst Gidam Gidam is a dour stayer who loves the track but may struggle off his new mark (10lb higher than when winning here last month).

Coe is slow, Gypsy George looks well-handicapped, as does 2009 Eider winner Merigo who gets on well with jockey Dougie Costello. Wogan, Millside and Daldini are all chasers who seem to be on the up and are therefore considered, however the vote of confidence goes to Irish De Balme.

1545 Newbury - Ladbrokes Supporting Greatwood Handicap Hurdle

Karky Schultz held on well when successful on testing ground at Uttoxeter in January but disappointed on his only subsequent start the following month and James Eustace's gelding may be best watched on ground faster than ideal with a better bet looking to be MARC AURELE, who is preferred to Nearby.

The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding has shown gradual improvement in recent starts and can race off the same mark as when a close third at Taunton when last seen in December so he has to be considered with the yard's runners in better form now.

Any market support for Brendan Powell's Benfleet Boy would have to be noted but he looks too high in the weights now following his win at Wincanton last month, while Sean Curran's Classic Dream struggled off his new mark at Cheltenham last time and is likely to do so here.

The selection then goes the way of Paul Nicholls' Marc Aurele, who was slightly disappointing on his reappearance at Aintree in November but the yard's runners are in much better form now than they were then and he looks worth siding with off what seems a fair mark for his first start in a handicap.

TIPPING SERVICE SUSPENDED FOR THURDAY AND FRIDAY DUE TO SITE MAINTENANCE

Final Furlong would like to apologise for not having our daily tips up for Thurday and Friday of this last week. The tipping service has been resumed.

TRANQUIL SEA FAVORITE TO WIN THE RYANAIR CHASE AT CHELTENHAM

According to The Mirror, Tranquil Sea was cut to 9-2 favourite with Paddy Power for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham next month after an easy victory at Leopardstown yesterday. The Edward O'Gradytrained eight-year-old was sent off the 4-6 market leader for the Newlands Chase, and comfortably held Natal by two and a half lengths. "Hopefully it's onwards and upwards - I couldn't have asked for more," said the winning trainer. Confirming the Ryanair Chase as Tranquil Sea's next target, O'Grady added: "He must have a shout if he comes on for the race, and I think he should come to hand in the spring." Alan King will monitor Triumph Hurdle former favourite Mille Chief after the four-year-old missed Saturday's Adonis Juvenile Novices' Hurdle at Kempton through lameness.

IMPERIAL COMMANDER BIGGEST THREAT TO KAUTO STAR SAYS TWISTON-DAVIES YARD

According to Sporting Life, Nigel Twiston-Davies' assistant Carl Llewellyn has nominated Imperial Commander as one of the biggest dangers to Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 19. The Grand National-winning rider was aboard an unnamed younger stablemate of the nine-year-old when he was put through his paces under big-race jockey Paddy Brennan after racing at Kempton on Saturday. The duo covered two miles in the testing conditions to prep Imperial Commander for his rematch with Kauto Star after the pair were separated by just a nose at Haydock in November. Imperial Commander has since disappointed in the King George VI Chase but has an enviable record at Cheltenham and is 14-1 with Ladbrokes for the blue riband. Llewellyn said: "If you ignore the King George then he has got to have as good a chance as anyone of beating Kauto Star. On their Haydock run he is no forlorn hope. "Cheltenham suits him well. He has plenty of form there and goes well fresh, with is something else in his favour." He added of the workout: "We didn't come here for a serious gallop but just to tighten him up and you would have to be pleased."

PUNJABI READY FOR CHELTENHAM

According to At The Races, Punjabi warmed up for the defence of his Cheltenham crown with a facile success in the Racing Post iPhone App HBLB Champion Hurdle Trial at Kempton. In a race staged due to the abandonment of last week's Kingwell Hurdle, Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old was sent off at the prohibitive odds of 1-6 in the hands of Barry Geraghty, although disaster almost struck when Treaty Flyer fell a mile from home and nearly brought the hot favourite down. However, Punjabi tracked Border Castle into the straight, where Geraghty sent his mount clear over the second last-flight and looked over both shoulders before cruising home to win by 12 lengths. Henderson, who saw his other Champion Hurdle hope Zaynar overturned at Kelso last week, said: "He has had a thoroughly nice time and while I know it may not be everyone's cup of tea watching 1-6 favourites, we know that they can get beat at 1-14! "This will have helped him and put him right. He jumped and quickened nicely and will have got the adrenaline from racing. It would have been nice to win the Kingwell and lots and lots of money but I am just as happy to win this as he needed to get it done. "This puts this fellow slap bang in there and he is heading to Cheltenham after an easy win as opposed to last year when he was beaten at Wincanton." Geraghty will have to choose between Punjabi and Zaynar at Cheltenham, with Henderson adding that Tony McCoy will probably take the mount on whichever his colleague rejects. "Zaynar is fine. He will start working again next week but won't go away to work. He had a really good blow at Kelso and he is certainly not out of it. All I have heard since the race is how good the winner is. That is all people keep telling me," Henderson said. With Punjabi beaten three times after his Champion Hurdle win, Zaynar being turned over at Kelso and Binocular ruled out through injury, Henderson's three-strong hand in the race has taken quite a hit.

NEWCASTLE ABANDONED

According to Sporting Life, Saturday's meeting at Newcastle, which was due to feature the totesport.com Eider Handicap Chase, has been abandoned as the course is waterlogged. Officials at the Gosforth Park track were left with no alternative but to call off the meeting following a lunchtime inspection. "It's rained non-stop all morning and we've had getting on for half an inch of rain in the last 12 hours," said clerk of the course James Armstrong on Friday. "There's water lying all over the place and elements of false ground in almost all parts of the course. "I've walked the course with one of our stewards and Richie McGrath, who is our northern area jockey safety officer. "He'll ride on anything that's safe but in this instance he's not happy and we're all in complete agreement. There's so much water lying everywhere. "The forecast suggests we could see another half-inch of rain. It's very disappointing and it's still raining hard. And it could rain up to about midnight. "It's one of the easier calls I've had to make but it's very disappointing nonetheless."

SANDOWN ABANDONED FOR FRIDAY MEETING

According to At The Races, officials at Sandown have been forced to abandon Friday's meeting with the course waterlogged in places. Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper on Wednesday called a 3.30pm inspection for this afternoon due to the threat of further rain but has been able to make an early decision with conditions showing no sign of improvement. Cooper said: "We took the view that if we waited any longer we would only be delaying the inevitable." He added: "There has been little or no improvement during the morning and it has started raining again, so we still have false areas of ground which would be unavoidable. "It was a relatively straightforward call in the end."

KAUTO STAR DEFINITELY THE ONE TO BEAT ACCORDING TO NICHOLLS

According to Sporting life, Paul Nicholls says it will take a "momentous" performance to beat Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month. The Ditcheat stable star became the first horse to reclaim the Gold Cup last March and Nicholls reported to around 100 members of the media at his Cheltenham open day that the four-times King George winner is ready for the showdown with his stablemate Denman. "Kauto is well and looks fantastic in his coat," said the champion trainer. "As last year, he hasn't ran since the King George and will go to Cheltenham fresh and well. "He improved enormously from his first run at Haydock to the King George and you don't want them at their best in their trials. "He is the best he has ever been and if he turns up at Cheltenham at the top of his game, then it will be a momentous performance by anything to beat him, be that Denman or whoever." Ruby Walsh will stay loyal to Kauto Star, with Tony McCoy aboard Denman again, Sam Thomas partnering Tricky Trickster and Barry Geraghty mentioned as a possible for My Will or Taranis.

MACHINATE DOES THE BUSINESS AT KEMPTON PARK AT A JUICY 8/1

MACHINATE stormed home in a lovely race at Kempton Park, which we are very glad we were able to provide as a tip here at Final Furlong. There were the usual disappointments that seem to follow AW racing, one of which is the poor performance put in by Joe Fanning and Mark Johnston's EXEMPLARY. Other notable disappointments included DVINSKY who was nicked by an inform David Probert onboard a flying VALENTINO SWING. As for certain shoe ins such as the heavily weighted NIRAN, favoritism was absoluetly justified. Doncaster's cards proved a lot more tricky to decipher, whereas Lingfield and Ludlow seemed to throw up teh usual ratio of tipped winners and justified losers; quite the day of racing. Keep an eye on Final Furlong for our tips for Thurday's racing cards. Looks to be quite the day of racing as the anticipation for Cheltenham heats up.

JAZZ MUSICIAN BOUND FOR CHELTENHAM

Next month's Cheltenham Festival beckons for Colin Tizzard's The Jazz Musician after he made all in the Federation Of Small Businesses Championship Beginners' Chase at Taunton. The 7-4 chance pinged every fence under the trainer's son Joe to see off the 8-13 favourite Son Of Flicka and set up a crack at the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase. Tizzard senior said: "That was very pleasing and he will run again at Folkestone on Sunday to get qualified for the Jewson."

ALAN KING'S CHELTENHAM TEAM ANNOUNCED

According to Sporting Life, Alan King has layed out his Cheltenham hopefuls.

SATICON AND SIR HARRY ORMESHER
Both are possibles for the Coral Cup. They ran recently at Doncaster with Sir Harry Ormesher an impressive winner coming from the back of the field. He will definitely run in the race while Saticon will also get an entry in the Martin Pipe. Saticon finished fourth to Sir Harry at Doncaster and the ground will have been plenty soft enough for both that day. If it was still very soft then they may be a doubt but good or good to soft they would take their chance.


LAKE LEGEND
The Coral Cup has been his plan all the way through and he has a very good record for us having won four out of six, including his last two. He is just starting back in strong work and is very straightforward who handles most types of ground.

NENUPHAR COLLONGES
Has not run since the Hennessy as his mid-season target was abandoned. He has to wear blinkers but he is very genuine and goes to the Festival fresh which is good. He goes on all sorts of ground ane is sure to run his usual game race in the William Hill Chase.

CAUSEWAY KING
Won on his debut and has been second on his three subsequent starts. On each occasion he has bumped into a pretty decent horse and he will be up at the top of the weights for the Fred Winter so should definitely get in. He is a proper stayer and the stronger gallop will suit him down to the ground and I do think he has got a realistic chance in the race. He goes straight there and won't run again.

AWESOME GEORGE
Has been a little off colour at home and has not been pleasing me. He has not run for some and if he is buzzing again then he could be suited best by the Jewson as I feel he may better at two and half miles.

WHISTLE JACQUET
Has an entry in the both the Supreme and the Neptune Investments and has only had the one run over hurdles as he came back in pretty late and won at Taunton. My gut feeling is that Cheltenham may come too soon this year He is due to go to Sandown on Friday and is a pretty talented horse.

TARATINO
The Byrne Group Handicap would be his target and he has not had his ground all season, he is a good-going horse. He finished last season on a high and won his last three - his recent run over two miles at Doncaster was way too sharp for him and he was sixth, staying on behind Kalahari King.

WIND INSTRUMENT
He wasn't really in the Cheltenham team until last Friday as he had been very disappointing in his two runs in the early part of the season. But he wore a pair of blinkers at Sandown on Friday and won a handicap chase. He has an entry in the Kim Muir - he won off 123 at Sandown and will go up a few pounds but will take his chance. He jumped better and travelled well on Friday and he did run well in the William Hill last year as a novice. His last effort was much more encouraging.

SALDEN LICHT
He was a decent Flat handicapper for James Eustace. He has had two runs and was impressive at Newbury before making slightly heavy weather of things at Plumpton. He probably had more in the tank than the official head winning distance in the latter and he is due to go to Kempton on Saturday and run in the Dovecote Hurdle. Depending on how he gets on there, he goes to Cheltenham where he is in the Supreme and will also have an entry in the County Hurdle. I will know more after the weekend as to which race he'll go for as he must have a third run to qualify for the County. Saturday is the cut-off date for handicaps.

CHAMIREY
Finished third at Haydock in the Pertemps Qualifier and is a thorough stayer. He beat Tricky Trickster over 3m3f on his previous start. He had two entries at Cheltenam but will be taken out of the Albert Bartlett and his target will be the Pertemps Final. He is genuine but it is possible we might put a pair of blinkers or cheekpieces on him. He goes on any ground and a stiff test of stamina will suit him ideally.

OH CRICK
Ran at Ascot behind Monet's Garden and I was a little disappointed with his jumping. He got very tired after the last and didn't get home so we will drop him back down to two miles. He has an entry in the Champion Chase and the Grand Annual, which he won last year. If he goes for the Champion, the owner is happy for Wayne Hutchinson to ride him as Robert Thornton has been released to ride Twist Magic for Paul Nicholls.

BENSALEM
Finished second to Diamond Harry at Newbury and I am fed up of coming second to him! He is in the RSA Chase but will have an entry in the William Hill Handicap Chase as well. He is currently rated 143 and I would be disappointed if he was not better than that rating.

THE BETCHWORTH KID
Stayed on at Kempton very well at the finish last time after they went very slow. He's in the Neptune but I'm 99 per cent certain he will run n the Albert Bartlett. He was a thorough stayer on the Flat and will enjoy the three miles, a big field and the strongly-run race. He has to be one of my best chances of the week and goes straight to the Festival now.

KATCHIT
I know he hasn't won for a long time but we've been very happy with his runs this season. I was pleased with him at Cheltenham in January in the Cleeve Hurdle when he was only just beaten for second. He travelled with all of his old zest on his first try over thee miles and jumped really well. He goes for the World Hurdle and Big Buck's sets a very high standard but I'd be disappointed if he wasn't in amongst them at the last. He's a grand little horse and his enthusiasm is still there - if we get decent ground he should run very well.

KARABAK
Will join Katchit in the World Hurdle and he has only had the two runs this season as he does not stand a lot of racing. He was second to Zaynar at Ascot and then second to Big Buck's in the Long Walk at Newbury. He goes to Cheltenham fresh and well and is very consistent - I hope he will also be right there at the last scrapping away.

MILLE CHIEF
Is favourite for the Triumph Hurdle as you know. Everything looked to be going extremely well on his debut until he was brought down at the second last. He was okay fortunately but was one of the horses badly effected by a muscle enzyme problem. I was very happy with his second run at Kempton as he was only 90 per cent fit then we went to Huntingdon for a race won a few years ago with Penzance. It was far from a strong race but he did everything asked of him. He's due to go to Kempton Saturday as I'd just like to get one more run into him but if the weather does not relent then he'll go straight to the Festival. I think he's every bit as good, if not bette,r than Penzance and Katchit, who both won the Triumph for me.

VOY POR USTEDES
He might be getting a little bit older but he still has plenty of spark. Clearly he is not a two-miler any more but we were desparate to get another run into him in the Game Spirit at Newbury. I thought he ran a terrific race until they quickened away from him turning in. He will go for the Ryanair Chase providing it's reasonable ground. If it did come up heavy, we would then wait for Aintree. He's been a great servant and I'm sure the enthusiasm is still there.

MANYRIVERSTOCROSS
He's in the Supreme and the Neptune and I'm working on the owner as I am keen to run him over two-and-a-half miles. He ran a smashing race in the toesport Trophy at Newbury and I have just been thinking that he'll be better over a longer trip. I'm not going to put him in any of the handicaps as I would like to keep things pretty simple. A strong-run race and a step up in trip should see him run very well.

GILDED AGE
A horse that you may not know much about. He won on the Flat for Mark Johnston and disappointed on his debut at Sandown last November when he came home a very sick horse. It has taken a long time to get him back and he ran at Doncaster a fortnight ago and finished fourth which was much better. He was bang there two out before getting a little tired and I've been pleased with his work since. He needs another run to qualify for the Fred Winter and a good solid effort should give him the right sort of mark.

PENNEK
Goes for the four-miler (National Hunt Chase). All he does is stay and his two runs at Bangor and Ffos Las were way too sharp for him. He needs a thorough test and will just keep soldiering on. He has to get a bit more match practice in as he has had just the two chases. He was a decent hurdler last year and Cheltenham suits him well as he was placed in the Pertemps Final. If you watch him from the top of the hill all he did was stay on so the four miles will suit.

MEDERMIT
Beat Punjabi in the Haydock Park Champion Hurdle Trial and it was always the plan to go to Cheltenham fresh. He was second in the Supreme last year behind Go Native and I think he was a little bit unlucky that day. He's in wonderful form and we are just starting to build him back up and he'll do a fairly strong piece of work at the end of this week. I'm very much looking forward to running him in the Champion Hurdle and I used to think he was much better on decent ground but he handled the soft going well at Haydock. I think we've left a little to work on after that Haydock race and I reckon he has a strong each-way chance.

FINDLAY DISAPPOINTED BY DENMAN PERFORMANCE AT NEWBURY

According to Sporting Life,Denman left his part-owner Harry Findlay disappointed after his Newbury failure last weekend, and the renowned gambler believes bookmakers have acted along the right lines by easing his odds for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. The blue riband winner of two years ago is the general 5-2 second favourite behind his stablemate Kauto Star after he unseated champion jockey Tony McCoy in the Aon Chase. The 10-year-old crashed through the fourth-last fence before parting company with his rider and the next, and McCoy's downbeat post-race comments have left Findlay subdued. Findlay said: "What happened last weekend was a big shock to everyone in Ditcheat and overall I was a tad disappointed. "McCoy hadn't ridden him before and he can be lazy, but for McCoy not to be happy with him and for the pack to be so close is a bit disappointing. "I didn't spend the winter in Ditcheat but he was flying before the Aon and I was hearing things about him that I had never heard before. "They may say they have left something to work on but I am not having that."

FINAL FURLONG HITS A 44% WINSTRIKE FOR SATURDAY

Well, to say Saturday was a good day for Final Furlong horse racing tipping would be a bit of an understatement. We hit a fabulous 44% win strike on 27 races. The thing about our FREE tipping service is that it utilises the techniques that we basically promote on this website, which prove to be working quite well. The technique is rather simple: look at the jockey form for the past 60 days, look at the trainer form for the past 60 days, watch the stall draw including the distance of the race, becareful about certain maiden stakes and sellers and then carefully watch the market. If all the right boxes are ticked then Bob's your uncle...(we all know it's not that easy, but you can minimise your losses by adhereing to sticking to the information provided here and on other great sites such as The Racing Post or Adrian Massey). We hope many of you were following us today. Keep an eye on our free daily tipping service and our information. Updates are coming for our graphs section.

MEYDAN ROUND UP for the day...plus..Final Furlong to start tipping on all UAE races

As the beautiful Meydan facility opened for racing in late January 2010, Final Furlong knew we would have to start tipping races at this fabulous monument to horse racing. We officially start our UAE tips (including Meydan) at the next meeting. As for today, according to Sporting Life, South African-trained runners dominated the Group Two Al Fahidi Fort with Bankable just edging out Imbongi in a thrilling finish at Meydan. Debussy and Dunelight set the early pace in the mile heat and the pair were still slugging it out up front turning into the straight. However, there were plenty with chances racing on their heels, with Ryan Moore aboard Bankable and Christophe Soumillon on Imbongi both poised on the outside. The pair unleashed their challenges on the stands' side and although local runner Ibn Battuta went with them, it was all about the South African duo in the final few yards. Imbongi looked to edge ahead at one point, but Bankable (7-2) put his head down to steal the prize in a photo. Moore said: "I thought I'd got beat. He was just a bit slow into his stride and can be handier than that. "He quickened up well and then with six months off the track, he just idled a little bit. "It would have been nice to be a bit closer early on but he's got a good turn of foot." Bankable was making his debut for trainer Herman Brown, who added: "I thought Imbongi got his head in front but Bankable is very game and came back." All eyes were on Godolphin's Breeders' Cup third Justenuffhumour in the Commercial Bank Of Dubai-sponsored race but he finished unplaced. Luca Cumani's Drunken Sailor (5-2) recorded his second success of the Carnival in the Financial Services Sponsored by Commercial Bank Of Dubai Handicap under Kieren Fallon. "That was good as he went up 7lb for his last run and the race wasn't entirely run to suit," said Cumani. "They didn't go very fast and it turned into a little bit of a sprint so he got caught a little bit flat-footed at the beginning of the straight. "But then he lengthened nicely and found a bit more when the second horse came to him." Godolphin's Global City also doubled his Meydan tally with victory in the Attijari Al Islami Sponsored by Commercial Bank Of Dubai Handicap. The 3-1 chance travelled strongly throughout in the hands of Frankie Dettori and showed a smart change of gear once popped the question to beat Montpellier with plenty up his sleeve. Dettori and trainer Saeed bin Suroor went on to complete a double in the CBD Worldmaster Card Sponsored by Commercial Bank Of Dubai Conditions Race as 9-1 shot Skysurfers proved too strong for Eagle Mountain. The latter was sent off the hot favourite for his first outing since finishing fifth in the Hong Kong Cup but while he shaped encouragingly, he was ultimately no match for Skysurfers, who was having just his second start after winning a Southwell maiden in October. "That was very good and he will be a better horse next time. If he improves, he could go for a Listed race," said bin Suroor. Former Richard Fahey inmate Firebet made his Godolphin debut in the CBD Visa Infinite Card Sponsored by Commercial Bank Of Dubai Handicap but was denied by 20-1 chance Al Shemali.

SHOCKER AT KELSO AS ZAYNAR IS DENIED THE VICTOR CHANDLER MOREBATTLE HURDLE

According to Sporting Life, Nicky Henderson suffered a second Champion Hurdle blow as his leading light Zaynar was turned over as the 1-14 favourite in the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. Just 24 hours after last year's third Binocular was ruled out by a muscle problem, Zaynar was displaced as the ante-post favourite following his length defeat by the enormous Quwetwo. Henderson and his stable jockey Barry Geraghty made the long trip from Lambourn for what should have been a simple schooling session rather than a bruising defeat by a potential chasing star of the future. A severe overnight frost left conditions glue-like and Geraghty was giving out distress signals well before he squared up to Howard Johnson's Quwetwo at the penultimate flight. Try as he might, Zaynar could not get on terms and the diminutive grey was left to suffer his first defeat over timber. Henderson said: "If the meeting had been off after the inspection I was going to go straight to Cheltenham, so it is a good job it was on as he has had a right good blow in ground that wasn't for him. "This doesn't change anything and we'll stick to the original plan.

HANNON NOT FIRING YET....SHOULD START SOON WITH DOUBLE ENTRY

According to Sporting Life, Richard Hannon could have two runners in the Sportingbet Supports HEROS Winter Derby at Lingfield. This year's renewal, which takes place on March 20th, has attracted 42 entries, with several high-class performers engaged. Soul City boasted some very good two year-old form in 2008, landing the lucrative Goffs Million at the Curragh and winning a Group Three contest at Longchamp in France. Last year he was restricted to two outings, with his best effort coming when a fine third in the Group One Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh behind Mastercraftsman. Heliodor was successful in a conditions race on Polytrack at Kempton in September and was last seen out when finishing fourth in the Group Three St Simon Stakes at Newbury in October. Richard Hannon Jnr, assistant trainer to his father, revealed today: "Soul City is a possibility for the Sportingbet Supports HEROS Winter Derby at the moment. We want to see how he copes with Polytrack, so the Winter Derby Trial Stakes (February 27) over the same course and distance at the end of February is a potential target beforehand. "He has done very well over the winter. The ground was a little bit too firm for him in the St James's Palace Stakes and he got hot and bothered so we decided to give him a nice break afterwards.

MUSSELBURGH CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH THIRD CHECK

According to Sporting Life, Musselburgh's chances of staging today's card are improving by the minute and a late course inspection is being held at 12.30pm. With temperatures rising racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, is hopeful the meeting will go ahead. First race is due to go off at 1.50pm but that could be put back by 30 minutes if need be and a six card meeting will still be possible "We were getting pessimistic while the fog was ill down, but that has cleared back now," said clerk of the course Anthea Morshead. "Temperatures have gone up a little between 10 and half-past. We are still not raceable but we will give it every shout.

FINAL FURLONG DEBATE: IS TONY McCOY THE GREATEST JUMP JOCKEY OF ALL TIME?

This debate has been ongoing for quite sometime now. AP definitely has his supporters who steadfastly keep reiterating the importance of his record as their sole defence to what it means to be the greatest of all time. But, is that all that matters? Moreover, does winning a seller in a race at Plumpton carry the same currency as winning the bigger more prestigious races? The answer to both those questions is..ofcourse not. Regardless let's see what some may say about the question posed here?
According to an online debate conducted by The Guardian, here are the pros and cons to the question:


FIRMLY IN THE YES CAMP:

Terry Biddlecombe: Former champion jockey and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner

There's no doubt that Tony is the greatest jump jockey of all time. He has a tremendous will to come home first and is a born winner. You could see that exemplified when he got to 3,000 victories at Plumpton on Monday. It was a wet day and he still got out there, made it down to 10st 4lb - his minimum weight - and ground out the win through mud and the rain. Added to Tony's determination is the fact that he's incredibly strong and a great judge of pace, and horses respond well to that. He's also the most dedicated jockey I've ever known and wins on horses he has no right to win on, and that says a lot. Some critics says he's a determined rather than skilful jockey, but that's not something I agree with. He's got every skill in the book: he can go wide, or up the middle, and he's a brilliant reader of races too. His weight can be a killer, but he's got it down to a tee. It's so hard to maintain when you're a jockey, and Tony does a far better job of it than I ever did, I always wanted to live a little. It's not just what he does on a horse that makes Tony a great jockey, though. He will quite often approach a trainer after a race and say how they can get a better performance out of a horse. He's a man of few words but when he does speak, you listen. That kind of advice is a great boon for a trainer because it's the jockeys themselves who are the best people to tell you how a horse reacts in race conditions. He's a lovely witty man away from the track, too, and a good example to others: he loves his wife, daughter and parents. I think he can certainly go and improve his tally because if he isn't at the peak of his powers, he's not far off. After he had won on Restless D'Artaix he would have been thinking about where his next winner was coming from. Looking ahead, only Tony will know when it's time to retire. It's the body that tells a jockey when it's over; you start to struggle making weight and you know it's time. But he won't be thinking about that now, he'll be on a high until after Cheltenham. The one thing he hasn't won is the Grand National. Knowing Tony, it will be playing on his mind, but I don't think his failure to win it is a blight on his legacy because so much of that race comes down to luck. It's a shame that Tony perhaps hasn't got more recognition in the wider sporting world; his record is so overwhelming that I can't see anybody breaking it in my lifetime. If anyone was that dominant in football or athletics they'd get far more acclaim, and racing is a harder sport. In football you just need to keep fit and steer clear of injuries, but Tony goes hard for 12 months with maybe two weeks off in Spain. It's very hard to compare Tony with Lester Piggott because jump and Flat racing are so different but in their own spheres, they're on a par.


IN THE NO CAMP:

Tom Segal: Horse racing expert and professional tipster

The figures suggest that McCoy is the greatest jump jockey of all time and he's certainly the most determined to win. He's the best jockey from Monday to Friday and brilliant on bad horses in bad races. But in terms of aesthetics, I don't think McCoy is even in the top four. For me, he doesn't win enough big races anymore. Yes, McCoy is a wonderful talent and clearly a very, very good jockey, but if I wanted someone to ride my horse in a big race, I'd go elsewhere. On the big stage I'd say Ruby Walsh is No1 by a mile, followed by Barry Geraghty, Timmy Murphy and John Francome. The important thing about Walsh is that he is a more sympathetic and patient jockey than McCoy and in a big race that can be crucial: you've got to get a horse settled and in the right positions so it can jump and travel well. McCoy can be a bit too forceful because so many of his victories have been on bad horses that need to be told what to do and almost bullied into going for victory. But good horses don't need to be cajoled into winning, they need to be relaxed and the worst thing you can do to an elite horse during a race is be too aggressive and push it into fences, getting it to do too much too soon. McCoy is suited more to a horse that's like a tank and in big races you don't often get rides like that. I think his failure to win the National is down to bad luck rather than any lack of skill: far worse jockeys than McCoy have won the National. He's just been in the wrong place at the wrong time on many occasions. McCoy's rate of victories has slowed of late, although it's clear that he's still an extremely prolific jockey. His will to win is still there, but he doesn't ride for the Pipes anymore and his main trainer, Jonjo O'Neill, hasn't had that many good horses recently so he doesn't get as many good rides as he used to. I still believe McCoy is more than capable of getting to 4,000 winners, although that doesn't necessarily makes him the greatest jockey of all time. It depends whether you prefer your Glenn Hoddles to your Peter Reids, your David Gowers to your Geoff Boycotts, your skilful jockeys to your determined riders. I happen to side with the former, such as Walsh, but whatever McCoy's strengths and weaknesses you can't deny he is a good guy and an extremely popular figure: you can see that in the reaction to this week's achievement.

DICK FRANCIS DIES

Writer Dick Francis, famous for his horse racing-based crime novels, has died aged 89, his family has said. Francis, who wrote more than 40 best-selling novels during his career, was also champion jockey in the 1950s and the Queen Mother's jockey. He first published his autobiography in 1957, and his first thriller, Dead Cert, followed five years later. Francis's most recent works, including Dead Heat and Silks, were co-authored by his son Felix. Mr Francis said he was "devastated" at the loss of his father, who produced a novel a year during his long career. "We share in the joy that he brought to so many over such a long life. It is an honour for me to be able to continue his remarkable legacy through the new novels," he added. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Queen would be "saddened" by the news. Former racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan called him "a very good mate" and said: "I particularly enjoyed reading his novels and found him a wonderfully efficient author." Former jockey John Francome said: "He was a lovely person who always had a sparkle in his eye and he had a wicked sense of humour.

NEWBURY SHOCKER AS DENMAN UNSEATS McCOY, LOSES THE AON CHASE

Tony McCoy's new association with Denman came to a premature end as the pair parted company at the third-last fence in the Aon Chase. After putting in a practically perfect round to five out under his intended Cheltenham Gold Cup rider McCoy, Paul Nicholls' runner clattered the fourth-last and was lucky not to unship McCoy. However, he met the next fence all wrong again and McCoy could not hold on this time and tumbled out of the plate. That allowed stablemate Tricky Trickster to just edge out Niche Market in a thrilling finish. Denman had been prominent throughout and looked to have built up a good rapport with his new partner as the 2008 Gold Cup hero put in a few of his trademark spectacular leaps. The pair pulled clear turning into the straight but Niche Market was trying his best and making up a little ground coming down to the fourth-last. Denman hit that one hard and as McCoy tried to regain his momentum, the third-last just seemed to come too quickly and the 10-year-old barely picked up at all, giving the 14-times champion no chance of keeping the partnership intact. Stablemate Tricky Trickster found a second wind for Ruby Walsh and flew up the straight to peg back Niche Market.

DENMAN RUNS AT NEWBURY TODAY

Tony McCoy rides Denman for the first time in public in Saturday's Aon Chase at Newbury and it will be interesting to see how the 14-time champion gets on with him. Ruby Walsh of course chose to partner Kauto Star in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup so this is a getting-to-know-you session for McCoy and Denman but it should be a straightforward task for the dual Hennessy and past Gold Cup winner against a field of horses who are distinctly inferior to him. Stablemate Tricky Trickster is being aimed at the Grand National and that's his main target so he is unlikely to have any real claims to beating Denman on Saturday. Niche Market, last year's Irish National winner, is a good horse but Denman looks to be in a different parish. That performance to win a second Hennessy under top weight in November was one of the best in jump-racing history. He should really come through this test and set up a third duel with Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. All eyes are on another clash between Master Minded and Voy Por Ustedes in the totepool Game Spirit Chase. The latter is possibly better at two-and-a-half miles and has been edged out his rival in most of their tussles. He was thrashed by him in the Champion Chase of 2008 and while he did turn the tables at Aintree after that, his subsequent performances haven't been encouraging. Master Minded himself is on a retrieval mission after suffering a shock defeat at Cheltenham on his reappearance. He hung badly right that day and was subsequently found to have a problem with a rib. He's been rested since and brought back slowly and is an extremely exciting horse but his last two or three runs have all been short of his best. His fans will be looking for a bold show and an impressive win if he's to successfully defend his Champion Chase crown again. The big betting heat of the day is the totesport Trophy and a maximum field has been attracted to an excellent renewal.

....DENMAN....

According to the BBC, Champion trainer Paul Nicholls reckons Tony McCoy will have few problems partnering 2008 Gold Cup winner Denman for the first time on Saturday. McCoy will ride Denman for the first time in Newbury's Aon Chase in his last prep race ahead of his bid to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time. Nicholls said: "It's a small field and it will be very straightforward. "Denman needs the run but is very easy to ride and obviously [stable jockey] Ruby Walsh will help him [McCoy]." Denman, who won the 2008 Gold Cup under Sam Thomas, has been ridden nine times by Walsh. But when he takes on stablemate Kauto Star for the third time in jumps racing's blue riband event on 19 March, he will be in the hands of 14-time champion jockey McCoy. This year's Gold Cup is expected to be another duel between Kauto Star - ridden by Walsh - and Denman, the former having taken revenge on his stablemate in 2009 to reclaim the crown he had lost the previous year. "If you were going to want [Denman] to have the best possible chance in the Gold Cup you would want the jockey who was to be riding him to have one ride before. However much you think you know the horse from what you've seen, it won't compare to having a ride with him," stated Nicholls.

BIG BUCK'S...A SURE BANKER? NOT ACCORDING TO ANDY STEWART

According to Sporting Life, Big Buck's is too short a price to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for the second successive year, according to his owner Andy Stewart. The seven-year-old is odds-on to defend his crown at Cheltenham next month after winning all his six races since reverting to hurdling last January, but Stewart believes victory is not a foregone conclusion. "I was very impressed with Tidal Bay's run (in the Cleeve Hurdle) and Karabak as well as former Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition," he told At The Races. "On paper Big Buck's looks the one to be on, but the prices are ridiculous - he's 4-7. "But it would be disappointing if he didn't continue to be top of the tree in the staying hurdle division." Stewart is also expecting a big run at the Festival from Poquelin in the Ryanair Chase.

SPIC N SPAN DOES THE BUSINESS WITH FANNING AT THE HELM

Well don't say you weren't warned about Spic N Span's consistency over the seasons. Although we posted an article a week ago saying that this horse is something special during the all weather season, it nevertheless finished rather poorly a week ago. Lo and behold, on February 9th 2010, at the 14:05 Wolverhampton meeting, Spic N Span went on to win rather nicely with none other than Mr Joe Fanning onboard. Nice to see this horse back to winning ways and we sincerely hope for the best in its upcoming scheduled races. We will keep you posted.

WAR OF ATTRITION TRAINER HOPES FOR LEAST PUNISHING MARK

According to Sporting Life, connections will wait to see what weight War Of Attrition is allotted in the John Smith's Grand National before deciding on his big-race target. Mouse Morris' 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner has found a new lease of life since reverting to hurdles, but owner Michael O'Leary fancies a crack at the Aintree spectacular. However, if the handicapper assigns the veteran a hefty National burden, he is likely to be rerouted to the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. "We were delighted with him last time," said O'Leary. "He hadn't run well over fences for about two years. It's very hard for him in Ireland because he wants good ground and he just doesn't jump out of soft that well any more.

TONY McCOY WILL RIDE DENMAN in CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

According to the BBC, Tony McCoy has been called up to ride Denman in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The 14-times champion jockey has been given the ride as Ruby Walsh, trainer Paul Nicholls' first choice, has stayed loyal to stablemate Kauto Star. McCoy, 35, has never ridden Denman but will be at the helm for the Aon Chase at Newbury next Saturday ahead of the Gold Cup ride on 19 March. "I am delighted to be riding Denman and I can't wait to take on Ruby on Kauto Star," he told the Daily Telegraph.

TERRY STRIPPED OF ENGLAND CAPTAINCY
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According to numerous news sources including Sporting Life, John Terry has been sacked as England captain.

The 29-year-old was informed of the decision by Fabio Capello during a brief meeting at Wembley on Friday afternoon. The decision comes after allegations surrounding the Chelsea skipper's private life came to light. "After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry," said the Italian in a statement. Capello made it clear that while Terry's conduct on the field had been exactly what he wanted when he made his decision to appoint the central defender as skipper in August 2008, recent headlines about his personal life left him with little choice other than to remove the honour from the Barking-born player. It is alleged that Terry had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge, also a former club-mate of Terry's at Chelsea.

SPIC N SPAN RUNNING AT WOLVERHAMPTON..Friday Evening
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According to sources close to Final Furlong, although Spic N Span may open at a large price for the 19:05 Wolverhampton meeting tonight, the horse has value written all over it. For anyone that knows Spic N Span, the one word that could be used to sum up its performance last season is inconsistent. That being said, and depending on the price, Spic N Span will be easy to back so tread carefully....but don't be too surprised if it's able to scrape a win. We'll definitely be having a small wager on the meeting.

PETER NOUGHTON LOOKS TO RESTLESS HARRY
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According to Sporting Life's Peter Noughton Suits Me and Restless Harry look to be in great shape.Restless Harry landed a super punt for the Notebook (11-2 into 7-2) when beating classy rivals General Miller and Royal Charm in the Grade 2 Neptune Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Robin Dickin stated beforehand that the talented six-year-old had impressed him more than any horse in forty years when riding him in a gallop this week. The son of Sir Harry Lewis relished the step up to this extended two and a half miles and Dickin insists he'll be even better over further. I've already backed him for the Albert Bartlett at the Festival.