King bullish over Vendor

Our tipster runs down his favourites for every race at the Cheltenham Festival meeting


TUESDAY
Supreme Novices' Hurdle: MONTBAZON (12-1, Boylesports) looks to have a fine chance for Alan King and TETLAMI (14-1, general) could fare better than his shorter-priced stable companion Darlan.

Arkle Chase: SPRINTER SACRE (10-11, Betfred, Paddy Power) looks the business and should have too much pace and power for main rival Al Ferof.

Champion Hurdle: HURRICANE FLY (10-11, Paddy Power) was a brilliant winner last year and should successfully defend his crown. Binocular and Zarkandar are his main dangers, while Oscars Well and Rock On Ruby have each-way claims.

Cross-Country: UNCLE JUNIOR (5-1, Boylesports) has winning form at the track and looks a solid each-way bet. Stable companion Scotsirish is a big danger.

Mares' Hurdle: QUEVEGA (4-7, general) is impossible to oppose and can make it four wins in this race. Another Irish raider, Unaccompanied, can chase her home.

Pulteney Handicap Chase: TRIOLO D'ALENE (6-1, general) is strongly fancied by the Nicky Hendersonstable and may be ahead of the handicapper.


WEDNESDAY
National Hunt Chase: UNIVERSAL SOLDIER (16-1, general) is one of trainer Charlie Longsdon's best hopes. Harry The Viking is likely to go off favourite flor Paul Nicholls.

Neptune Novices' Hurdle: Barry Geraghty won't hear of defeat for Simonsig (3-1, William Hill), but I like BATONNIER and Irish hotpot Boston Bob would be a threat if running in this.

RSA Chase: Grand Crus would be a hot favourite if taking part instead of running in the Gold Cup. At this stage, I much prefer Bobs Worth and FIRST LIEUTENANT (6-1, Boylesports, Paddy Power).

Champion Chase: SIZING EUROPE (Evens, Boylesports, William Hill) can dominate a sub-standard renewal. Somersby may chase him home.

Coral Cup: SMAD PLACE (16-1, Betfred, Coral) would be a strong fancy if running here instead of in the World Hurdle.

Fred Winter Hurdle: A wide-open contest for juveniles, but Alan King is bullish about VENDOR (7-2, general), whom he reckons could have the best part of a stone in hand.

Champion Bumper: A field of unexposed horses makes this a punting nightmare, but ROYAL

GUARDSMAN (10-1, Boylesports) was impressive at Ascot and could win for the connections of 2010 hero Cue Card.


THURSDAY
Jewson Novices’ Chase: Peddlers Cross would be a good thing at his best, but the vibes are not good and CHAMPION COURT (8-1, general) is a solid each-way alternative.

Pertemps Handicap Hurdle: OUR FATHER (13-2, Betfred) has been laid out for this and looks one of the best bets of the week.

Ryanair Chase: An open race for a Grade 1, but RIVERSIDE THEATRE (5-1, general) looks the class horse in the race and should go close.

World Hurdle: This revolves around the mighty Big Buck’s in his bid for a fourth successive win, but OSCAR WHISKY (4-1, general) could shake him up and is a great each-way bet.

Byrne Group Plate: Ferdy Murphy does not normally leave the Festival without a winner and DIVERS (8-1, general), who boasts solid course form, will be primed for this.

Kim Muir Handicap Chase: Back a horse with a capable amateur on board. If J T McNamara gets on J P McManus’s SUNNYHILLBOY (10-1), then take the hint.


FRIDAY

Triumph Hurdle: GRUMETI (6-1, Betfred) had a minor training setback earlier in the week but, assuming he has recovered, will take plenty of beating.

County Hurdle: A wide-open race in which SNAP TIE (16-1, general) is seriously well treated if able to recpature anything like his best.

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle: The dogs are barking for Irish horse Boston Bob (3-1, William Hill), but I prefer the each-way claims of Scottish raider BRINDISI BREEZE.

Gold Cup: With Kauto Star’s participation still in doubt, LONG RUN (15-8, Paddy Power) looks decent value to retain his crown.

Foxhunters Chase: Favourite Chapoturgeon has stamina doubts, so rely on SALSIFY (8-1, Betfred, William Hill) to win for Ireland.

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle: Not a race to be dogmatic about, but LOVCEN (12-1) looked good last time and is progressive.

Grand Annual: TANKS FOR THAT (16-1, general) has been trained specifically for this and boasts excellent course form.


Previously tipped:

Rock On Ruby, Champion Hurdle

16-1 (best current price 10-1)

Medermit, Ryanair Chase 16-1 (8-1)

Our Father (Pertemps Hurdle

12-1 (13-2)

Grumeti, Triumph Hurdle

10-1 (6-1)

First Lieutenant, RSA Chase

8-1 (6-1)

Brindisi Breeze, Albert Bartlett Hurdle

12-1 (12-l)

Salsify, Foxhunters Chase

12-1 (8-1)

New Year’s Eve, Festival Bumper

12-1 (12-1).

Ruby Light, Gold Cup

20-1 (N/A, runs in Ryanair Chase)

Triolo D’Alene, Pulteney Handicap Chase

7-1 (6-1)

Batonnier, Neptune Investment Hurdle

10-1 (8-1)

Snap Tie, County Hurdle

16-1 (16-1)