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LIVE CHELTENHAM BLOG! By Dave Ord, Cheltenham Click here to bet on all the Cheltenham races 1635: And that folks, is that. Wonderful day, highlight Big Buck's, and I can't believe the next time I'll be here will be for the Fez itself. Where has the season gone? Lots of water to flow under the bridge before then though and next Friday there's every chance I'll be blogging from Catterick (no honestly) where Festival clues may be thin on the ground but its only 20p to add a fried egg to any meal. Thanks for all your help, our Cheltenham microsite should launch next week and there's much to look forward to! 1630: Stephen Grosvenor writes: "Great performance FROM module. Lightly weighted and used it well.think theres more to come and will possibly come on again as is very lightly raced will BE INTERESTING TO SEE wich RACE hes aimed at! !!!" I get the impression he may swerve the Fez SG but surely they'll be tempted to stick him in a couple of the handicaps at the very least? 1628: Tom George is thinking long-term with his last-race winner here and says: "He's going to make a lovely chaser in time and we won't overdo it this season." 1620: There were plenty in the know there, Module seems to have got in around a stone light on his British debut and is a very impressive winner. Art Professor battles on well for second having been outpaced after the second last, the strong-travelling Hinterland is given plenty to do but doesn't pick up as expected back in third. 1615 Result: 1610: Going down for the finale and the money is for Hinterland – punters looking to go out on a high. Art Professor for me but I’m afraid of the jolly, very afraid. 1605: Sky Bet and the sponsors both now go 1-2 Big Buck’s for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, the latter are non-runner/no bet. Oscar Whisky played very, very late the only conceivable danger. 1602: Interesting line from Walsh on Hinterland in our finale – and he’s still in the mix for the Triumph Hurdle. ”We thought the bigger field would suit him here and if he’s going to be a Triumph horse then he needs to get more experience of a race like this.” 1600: Ruby Walsh on Big Buck’s: “He’s an incredible horse and a great jumper now. I’ve never ridden a horse who has won as many races in a row and unlikely to find another. He’s never flashy but keeps winning and you like grafters. Flashy horses never last, grafters do.” 1555: The perfect Launchpad from Trials Day to the Fez. Big Buck’s is off the bridle down the hill as Tom Scudamore and Dynaste strike for home, but he’s utterly dominant back up it. Wonderful. 1540 Result: 1533: I know some people are left a little cold by Big Buck’s beating the same horses, race in, race out, but a 15-race winning streak would be no mean achievement. And to be fair to him he’s been there to be shot at. Punchestowns and Grands Crus, came, saw and were conquered. Inglis Drever and Baracouda were wonderful staying hurdlers but BB has an outright domination of the division they never quite enjoyed. Perhaps it is a weaker one but I’ll leave that to the rating gurus. 1531: I’ve backed Restless Harry each-way without Big Buck’s at 17-2 here which looked big given his record in small fields but in all honesty I need Dynaste or Mourad to underperform. 1527: Damon In Selby writes: “None of these winners at Cheltenham other than Big Bucks to come will win in March at Cheltenham Dave,what do you think? Does Ruby now have a ban on betfair hurdle day and Zarkandar his intended ride? Stick Harry Durham and claim 7 pounds if so.” I believe he does miss it D. Interesting to see what they do Derham looks excellent value for his claim. 1525: Back to the emails and Falbrav says of our opener: “I was about to pat myself on the back for predicting that Hollow Tree would finish a close third today before winning the Triumph, when I saw that he'd been pushed out to 33-1 with one firm. ”Tell me I'm not insane old chap for I have gone in again.” You’re as sane as I am F. I said earlier I thought he was the sort to run a huge race in the big one. The searching gallop will certainly play to his strengths. 1523: I liked the last race. Winner certainly progressive and runner-up still looked raw and wants a trip. He’s full of potential. So is Hard To Swallow who came home well in fourth. Lively Albert Bartlett outsider perhaps? 1521: The trainer says: “That was impressive. He surprised me on New Year’s Day when he ran so well and keeps progressing. He worked really well on Tuesday with Hold On Julio and when you get him switched off he’s a proper horse. Two years ago we thought he was the best bumper horse in the place but we never quite saw what I was seeing at home. Now the penny has dropped and he’ll come back here for the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival.” 1520: Treble tops for Messrs King and Hutchinson. Our columnist is on fire, I’m just checking ghostwriter David John hasn’t resigned. 1510 Result: 1510: The pace here is relentless, this is a young man's game. No bet for me here but I thought the favourite looked opposable. 1505: If you backed Galaxy Rock each-way with Sky Bet you’re collecting, they’re paying first four in that race. 1503 The Henrietta Knight revival continues with Calgary Bay winning the Sky Bet Chase for Ben ‘Value Bet’ Coley. Our sponsors make him 25s from 33s for the John Smith’s Grand National and that’s his target. Would be a terrific Aintree story if he was to oblige for Hen and Tel. 1500: The more I look at the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, if there is still some each-way value left surely it has to be Weird Al who will go there fresh as paint and chased home the big two in the Betfair Chase. 25-1 too big. 1458: Bit more betting reaction to the Argento and Stan James are 14s Midnight Chase for the Gold Cup but Ladbrokes a much more dismissive 25s. 1455: Dougie Costello says of Midnight Chase: “He did me a good turn last year and he loves it here. He’s a star, was super-fit today and was brilliant. Last year he went to the Gold Cup off the back of a hard season. This time he’s fresh after only three runs.” 1452: So what do we make of the Argento as a Gold Cup trial? Not for me. Our sponsors SkyBet and the big-race sponsors both make the winner 16s for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup. 1445: Well, well, well. I’ll never doubt Mal Boyle again. Wonderful front-running performance from Midnight Chase and a lovely Ruby Walsh ride on Tidal Bay but Captain Chris pulls up after jumping deliberately and to the right in the early stages. Diamond Harry travels well for a long way but folds tamely and Time For Rupert is readily brushed aisde. We’re running out of excuses for that pair. 1435 Result: 1432:Right to the lawn for the feature. Lot of Big Buck’s scarves on show today. He’s about an hour away. Captain Chris very late into the parade ring. 1430: The Giant Bolster was a timely boost for Time For Rupert there but I’m sticking with Diamond Harry who looks very well. I’m scared of Tidal Bay but can you really back him at 9-2? I’m not convinced Captain Chris will stay, particularly given the guaranteed strong gallop we’ll have. 1428: Argento Chase up next, big crowd around the parade ring, big crowd in general. 1425: Interesting line from Tom Scudamore about The Giant Bolster, “he’s learning how to survive making a mistake.” He only won off 10st 3lb here but with the hike in the weights, I wouldn’t be surprised if connections aimed high at the Fez. 1424: Sir Des Champs wins at Leopardstown despite doing an awful lot wrong in the race. Some engine. 1423: News reaches me that the three-day ban Ruby Walsh picked up means he misses Betfair Super Saturday which includes Zarkander return to action in the Betfair Hurdle. 1422: Just seen the magnificent sportinglife.com fence branding at Doncaster. 1420: Simon Hunt is a proud owner of The Giant Bolster and says: “Scu has done an awful lot of schooling with him and Bridgy and the team have worked so hard. Today he had to show what he was about and it wasn’t unexpected. He jumped fantastic and I’ll book the Festival accommodation. He has a few entries.” 1415: Poquelin runs a fine trial for the same Fez feature and I’m afraid Hell’s Bay is one to swerve now. He travelled like the main danger to the winner for much of the contest but emptied badly from the second last and went from second place to being almost pulled up. 1413: And today The Giant Bolster gets it spectacularly right. He makes all under a magnificent Tom Scudamore ride and confirmed himself to be several steps ahead of the assessor. He won’t be for long – he won by 17 lengths – and may be a Ryanair contender now. 1405 Result: 1403: While they head to post here’s Paul Nicholls on Big Buck’s earlier and he’s not putting anyone off from going in at a short price. ”They said on the Morning Line this race was an after-thought, no way was it an after-thought. I said to Andy (Stewart) the day after Ascot I wanted to run him again before the Festival. He’s had a great preparation, is in good order and there are no excuses,” he said. 1400: Hell’s Bay coming up now. A speculator but you’ve got to roll the dice sometimes. I’d prefer The Giant Bolster of the market leaders. He’s potentially very well handicapped but those darned fences keep getting in the way. To be fair he’s had his share of bad luck this year too. 1355: Kid Cassidy goes on to score at Town Moor, a first winner back for AP. He’s not entirely straightforward (horse not jockey) but there’s no surprise given what he’s been through. It’s testament to the skills of the Seven Barrows team that he’s now two from two following his horrific fall and subsequent fight for life at Lingfield. 1355: Kid Cassidy goes on to score at Town Moor, a first winner back for AP. He’s not entirely straightforward (horse not jockey) but there’s no surprise given what he’s been through. It’s testament to the skills of the Seven Barrows team that he’s now two from two following his horrific fall and subsequent fight for life at Lingfield. 1351: Over at Doncaster, Menorah takes a crashing fall at the second fence in the Lightning Novices’ Chase. 1350: Jen from BSE is back and says: “Your blog is developing a Test Match Special like quality! For my namesake in Sarajevo yes BSE is Bury St Edmunds although I have been called a mad cow more than once. ”The old butchers is now a Patisserie Valerie and they have a selection of the former proprietor’s sausage rolls, of which I availed myself of an apricot infused example this very morning. I must warn you that their window display must have exceeded 4 million calories so I would be concerned that you might not make it to HQ if you encountered such temptation. ”In my earlier post I omitted to mention Unaccompanied running against Hurricane Fly tomorrow, the weight for age scale probably gives her the best chance to overturn the favourite. My chief concern is who will make the running although a sedate early pace may by more to her advantage anyway. ”Good Luck and safe journey northwards after racing.” Cheers Jen and your knowledge of – and passion for – pastry products is simply wonderful! 1342: Alan King was completed a rapid double and said: "The first race was a little bit anxious and I don't like getting them in the stewards' room but by all accounts the interference cost him the race. He's a very smart horse. Bless The Wings did it very well and we'll have to go away and think about the Festival now." 1340: Jumping is the name of the game and Bless The Wings is fleet-footed and an impressive winner. Very backable after a positive write up from sponsors Timeform. Mr Chow is never a factor after making a terrible mistake, Royale's Charter fails to complete again having worked his way into contention. The winner jumped and travelled throughout. That'lldoboy falls three out having twisted in mid-air. He was coming through seemingly as the main threat to the winner. 1330 Result: 1328: Well I’m positively exhausted and we’ve only had one race. At least I have two running for me here, Mr Chow and Royale’s Charter. I never did get round to the exacta combo. I was distracted by the sight of Ladbrokes’ David Williams resplendent in bottle green chords. 1325: The news doesn’t get much better for Ruby Walsh who as well as losing the first in the stewards’ room, picks up a three-day ban for careless riding. 1324: I’m inclined to take a positive view of the first-race and so are William Hill who make Pearl Swan their 5-1 Triumph Hurdle favourite. Stan James are 8s about both the front two. 1322: I even managed to back the wrong horse after the race with these quotes from Paul Nicholls about Pearl Swan. He said: "We came here to see if we were going to the Triumph or the Fred Winter. If it was the latter I'd have to get another run into him but we won't be going there now. "We've onlly just got him and i can improve him enormously between now and the Festival." 1320: As for Hollow Tree? He was third, gallant in third and I can see him running a big race in the Triumph with an end-to-end gallop sure to suit. Baby Mix went out very tamely after a mistake two out. 1319: It was a tough one for the stewards but having viewed the play I have to think they got it just about right. 1318: Our sponsors Sky Bet pay out on both 'winners' of the opener. They make the pair 9-1 for the JCB Triumph Hurdle. Coral were more impressed and go 6s but Ladbrokes are 10s about Pearl Swan and 12-1 Grumeti. 1315: And we have a rarity - an amended result. Grumeti has been awarded it for the bump after the last. There was only a short-head between them at the line. 1310:Much to ponder but first have to stress there’s a stewards’ enquiry and one or two very good judges think this is quite a tight one for the officials. 1255 Result: 1255: I can put Danny In Maidstone’s mind at rest when he asks: “Am i with the right blog sounds like a Delia Smith cooking class! You love your food dave you having a egg with it? POQUELIN 2.05 just loves chelt and will be a value e/w bet as the mugs go for Airel!” I do love my fodder D, it’s my one weakness….Poquelin has a big chance for me too but not egg. I repeat no egg. Never with a pie. Unless it’s a gala pie that is. 1253: Great to have Jon Eden with us and he writes: “Just love the build up to Chelters, though apart from the 1st race today, can't really see any other result having a great impact on the festival markets. ”Like you, am a Hell's Bay follower, at 66's when 2nd to Time For Rupert & 16's when beating Merdemit, both at Chelters over this sort of distance, so can't stop now. Others I've jinxed are Baby Mix(Grumeti looks good, but BM has done it over CD comfortably and that's a big plus for me) , Kid Cassidy & Galaxy Roc.” Best of luck JE! 1252: That’s good news from Jen in Sarajevo who says: “Jen from Sarajevo here! I'm afraid I can't compete with the „other Jen“ in the matter of sausage rolls, and I do hope the BSE means Bury St Edmunds and not Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis. ”Good to see Falbrav, too (Gruss Gott, Falbrav!) Here it's minus something or other, and if the meeting had been local, we would have been running on the snow, like St Moritz. There is a happily wide range of opinions on today at Cheltenham, so I have done the decent thing and made a complete fool of myself by doing the placepot – not in H Findlay style, with many perms and thousands, but my own feeble picks for two pounds (no pound sign on this keyboard, it only speaks Croatian and here's the proof č, ć, š, đ, ž.) ”They are 1255 Hollow Tree, 1330 Charminster, 1405 Tamarinbleu, 1435 Tidal Bay, 1510 Secret Edge, 1540 Mourad Have a good day everyone, wish I were there!” I required no proof of your keyboard woes Jen and good luck with the Pot! 1250: All is well with the world and this may be the Guinness talking but Hollow Tree looked magnificent in the parade ring. 1235: Right, I could lie, but won’t. I’m off for a paddock inspection via the Arkle Bar for a pint of the black stuff. Well I am at Cheltenham… 1226: I’ve somehow managed to get behind schedule which is an achievement. Forgot to mention I spoke to Nick Luck earlier about Hawk Mountain. He wasn’t overly confident but hopes there’s a bit of help in the ground for him today. The trip will suit. 1222: I’m with Diamond Harry in the Argento but confidence has taken a little dint after watching a replay of his run in the RSA Chase here where he missed out more than the odd fence. 1215: Now is the time to admit I've taken pie on for lunch. It was that or vegetable risotto. Honestly at least make me think about it. 1210: The blog has taken many an unexpected twist over the years but try this one. Here's Falbrav who says: "Forgot to add that it's always great to read entries from Jen, wherever in the world she is. "Can I share with you an easy recipe for a homemade pie? "You'll need one of those ceramic dishes that you typically buy good quality pate in at Christmas, but you can buy them in Debenhams etc. "For the pastry, you need two parts flour to one part chilled margarine sliced thinly. "Chuck it all in a mixing bowl and get your hands in there to mix into floury crumbs! "You know it's the right consistency, when you can mould it in the palm of your hand and it forms a ball that crumbles if you squeeze it between your thumb and middle finger. If it won't form a ball put a bit more marg in. If it won't crumble add a bit more flower. "When the consistency is right, add a bit of cold water to the mix so that you can make a big sticky ball, but not too sticky. Keep the bag of flour to hand in case it's too sticky and add more water if it's too crumbly to bind together. "Put plenty of flour on a pastry or chopping board and roll until flat. "Thoroughly and thickly grease your dish with cold margarine (don't use oil). Then make a pastry wall around the edges and a floor around the base...you can be really sloppy here and crudely patch any gaps, because it will all bind together. Don't forget to save pastry for the lid. "Fry some steak mince with some onion (not too much oil) and make some thick gravy using instant granules in a jug. When the mince is done add most of the gravy to the pan and mix.Then spoon it into the pie dish and put a pastry lid on top. "Bake for around 25 minutes on gas mark 5 or 190 fahrenheit or until top is nicely golden not burnt. Transfer to the microwave and cook for two minutes more...this will soften the pastry nicely. "Serve with carrots, peas and some leftover gravy and real ale!!" A tear of joy has just tricked down my left cheek. 1200: Interesting to see Little Josh (14s from 22s) is among the William Hill market movers. Strikes me he could run very well fresh here. 1150: Market moves time from our sponsors Sky Bet. From their trading room Seb James reports: ”14:20 Doncaster Tobago Bay 8/1 from 14/1 We've seen substantial early support for Gary Moore's Tobago Bay at Doncaster this afternoon, with the game front runner expected to go off half the price available this morning. Yet to fire this season, and was only moderate in a couple of flat runs last season, the seven-year-old did land a big gamble over hurdles in March last year off a 2lb higher mark. Jamie Moore returns to the saddle for the first time since May last year, and the seven-year-old could be hard to peg back under conditions that suit. “14:50 Doncaster Cape Tribulation 10/1 from 12/1 & Aiteen Thirtythree 6/1 from 7/1 Good money has come for Malcolm Jefferson's stable star in what is a hotly contested Skybet Chase. The step back up to 3 miles should suit the talented Hernando gelding, and providing a clear round, he has sound place claims. Aiteen Thirtythree disappointed when last seen in the Hennessy but has been supported into favouritism this morning. Few can doubt the strength of his Novice form, but the Paul Nicholls inmate still has to prove he can cut it in a big field. Whatever you fancy, bet with Skybet as we are paying 4 places. “15:55 Doncaster Kings Grey 13/2 from 15/2 Kings Grey is yet another to see good early support at Doncaster. The consistent Keith Reveley-trained eight-year-old has been placed in 7 of his 12 starts under Rules and has finished second on his previous two visits to Doncaster. The strong traveller has undoubtedly improved this season but faces his stiffest task yet running off 130 in a fairly competitive class 2 handicap. “15:00 Lingfield Waabel 11/4 from 11/2 Away from the jumps the best-backed horse comes at Lingfield with Richard Guest's Waabel seemingly ready to return to the winner's enclosure. Back down in class, running off his lowest ever mark, and at the scene of both his victories, the Green Desert gelding must go close if adopting his old front-running tactics.” 1140: I’m in danger of following Hell’s Bay off a cliff but I’m with him again in the Murphy Group Chase. He’s four pounds lower than on New Year’s Day when he travelled very strongly before hitting three out. They reach for the blinkers here and I still think back to his win in the Dipper to give me hope. Aerial looks plenty short enough, Poquelin could run well and I fear Araldur too. 1125: The Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase at 1330 looks just about the most competitive event on the card. I backed Mr Chow at 10-1 last night and have had a little saver on Royale’s Charter now he’s drifted to 12s but I have a healthy respect for both Bless The Wings and That’lldoboy. Perhaps there’s a combo exacta in there? 1115: Great to have Falbrav with us. He says: “Guten Morgen, schones Wochende and wie gehts? “It's trials day and the easiest punting error is to back today the horse that you think is going to do best come March. “I too think that Hollow Tree is underrated but he is surely going to put up a better performance on the book in a big field on a Friday in March than he is today? He reminds me of Paddy's Return who needed softish ground to slow the others up in the winter but was best on decent ground with a flat out gallop. ”I have 25s for the Triumph and that surely ain't going to get bigger if he finishes a close third today? ”Midnight Chase probably isn't going to finish best of the Argento field in the Gold Cup but he sets the standard today. Worth bearing in mind that Captain Chris did not run within a stone of his Arkle form until the Arkle and was a spring horse as a novice hurdler. Can't possibly win today. ”The horse I'm most looking forward to is Hard To Swallow in the 3.10. and I burgled the 12s this morning. By a Leger winner, I can see this one winning today and improving again for a step up in trip on better ground in the Albert Bartlett. ”Must be lunchtime soon, so 'gueta'!” Cheers for that F and it’s always close to lunchtime. Another very good judge has put Hard To Swallow up to me this morning, and it’s fair to say he took the scenic route last time. 1110: Early start meant early breakfast (Tesco Strawberry Crunch) which means early lunch cravings. I’m a strong man though. Glorious winter’s day here now. 1100: Great news from our sponsors Sky Bet who are still paying four places in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster providing 15 run. 1055:Simon In Leigh On Seasays: “Tricky card today...Gutted no Grand Crus as i genuinely believe it’s a very open Gold cup. Anyhow yankee today is Mister Hyde (good jockey with claim),The Giant Bolster,Time for Rupert & Module...My Nap today Rileyev @ Donny..When Venetia Williams is in form worth following.” Cheers S and Venetia is absolutely flying right now. Surely Art Professor is going to run a huge race in our finale here? 1045:Hammo From Surrey writes: “ Its a day to look to the past rather that the future and I'll be siding with those hardy perennials in the shape of tiday bay and poquelin. Tiday bay is like one of those friends you have who often lets you down but when they're in good form you remember why you like them so much. Throw in galaxy rock and we have a life changing treble on our hands. Given I have a life changing event in the form of the imminent arrival of my first child, the cash will come in handy.” Best of luck with everything H – especially the arrive for junior! Ben Linfoot has just become a father for the first time and has a new found respect for women apparently.
1030: Great to have our resident pastry expert Jen in BSE with us. She writes: “I trust you had an enjoyable festive period. I think your biggest trial will be surviving the day with your aforementioned shirt still on your back. Dear old Tidal Bay has the opportunity of making Ruby Walsh look a genius or a fool but while I would love him to win, he will not be burdened with my pound.
”For all the interest at Cheltenham, I find my attention looking over the Irish Sea. Stephanie Kate looks to have been given a chance by the handicapper and runs here after failing to get into the Thyestes on Thursday at Gowran. In the Boylesports Hurdle What A Charm could be the answer, a winner at the festival and listed class on the level, she doesn’t look over-burdened and her trainer has a fine tradition in the race.
”The Sausage Roll emporium closed its doors Christmas Eve amid much wailing, however they are still supplying their wares via the miracle of the internet and I believe there may be a shop in the town offering them as well. Given this development I shall investigate and give you a definitive answer before your first excursion here in the spring. “
Jen that is your task and I’m glad you accepted it. Tidal Bay is fascinating today, especially the Ruby angle. Also there’s going to be a furious gallop up front with at least three who’ll want to get on with it. Could easily play into the old rogue’s hands.
1020: Damon In Selby seems a little down on today’s card. He writes: “Bit of a disappointment for me with no Grand Crus so now you could stick a pin important the Argento Chase Dave.I do fancy Baby Mix in the first race at Cheltenham and obviously Big Bucks will win but I don't think its much of a Cheltenham trials day.”
It is a shame that GC doesn’t head here Damon – and a strange decision given it seemed to have been his target ever since Kempton. Interestingly his owner insists he still wants to head to the Betfred Gold Cup so I’d imagine we will see him on Betfair Super Saturday for a little more match practice.
As for the opener I have to think Hollow Tree is far too big at 7-1. I availed myself of a little each-way last night. Granted, both Baby Mix and Grumeti could improve past him but the McCain horse is a tough cookie with the form in the book. It wouldn’t surprise me if he managed to fend off one of the two “big guns” up the hill. Both would be nice though.
1010: Myself and Mal Boyle have a lot in common, a beard and flabby abs spring immediately to mind. However we disagree over two of today’s races - he writes: “Two for me today your highness, Midnight Chase (2.35) and Knight Pass (3.10)
”11/23 record for Midnight Chase could be good enough in a sub-standards renewal Six-year-old's have won four of the last five contests and Knight Pass is the clear pick of the sextet of vintage representatives.”
A very good morning MB. I’m not convinced Midnight Chase is quite back to fever pitch although Wetherby was a step In the right direction and while KP is on the Ord shortlist, others currently have one more tick next to their name. That can change though.
1000: Good morning and welcome to God’s own racecourse. It’s chilly, a little overcast but magnificent. The ground is good to soft after a dry night and there’s not a frost cover to be spotted out on the track.
Number crunchers, your goingstick reading is 7.4 and so far there are no non-runners here. Sadly Imsingingtheblues (lame) is out of the Sky Bet Chase meaning that’s down to 15 runners.
Outside a woman is hauling fake fur coats from her four-by-four onto a nearby stall and there seems to be a small fairground ride (four teacups that rotate) outside the gents toilet. Men should visit the latter before the former.
As always I’d love your emails on the day’s action – nay on any subject – to daveord55@gmail.com. Right – to work.
Friday: Festival Trials Day does exactly what it says on the tin. For horses and jockeys that is.
Racegoers on the other hand can be lulled into a false sense of security. True, the fantastic action on the track quickens the pulse for what lies ahead in just over six weeks' time, but the day does little else to prepare you for the March bonanza.
The racecourse should employ herds of students to stand at the bars, in the queues for toilets and on the middle of all stairwells to give it an authentic feel.
In their absence we'll make do with a fantastic seven-race card.
There may be no Grands Crus in the Argento but Captain Chris, Diamond Harry or Time For Rupert could conceivably emerge as legitimate contenders for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Big Buck's bids for a remarkable 15th consecutive victory in the Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle. It will take a brave man to oppose him although Mourad brings the best of the Irish formlines to the party and it will be fascinating to see how Tom Scudamore plays his hand on Dynaste this time.
Potentially the most telling clues on offer will be in the opening JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial with a clear-cut victory for Baby Mix, Grumeti or Hollow Tree certain to see them slashed for the yellow digger-sponsored showpiece back here in March.
Doncaster have a wonderful card too with the Sky Bet Chase and Menorah, Kumbeshwar and Kid Cassidy strutting their stuff in a Lightning Novices' Chase which promises to live up to its name.
But it's south I head, for a Festival trial of my own.
Shoes need breaking in, I have to ensure the Christmas weight-gain doesn' prevent the top button on the shirt earmarked for the Thursday of the Fez from fastening and a new jacket is set for it's eagerly-awaited debut.
And you thought I just turned up and winged it.
As always your input is craved at daveord55@gmail.com . The plan is to up and blogging from the course around 1000 GMT, A1, M18, M42, M5 permitting.
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