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1634: There was a close-up of Patrick Mullins as he pulled the winner up and he had a big, broad grin on his face and that's no surprise. He definitely enjoyed that.

The prices are still settling down for the layers quoted on Oddschecker but Kilcruit has been cut from 10/1 to around 2s and shorter for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with Sky Bet pushing the absent Sir Gerhard out to 10/3 - that's going to tempt some in isn't it?

What a day. The racing has simply been fabulous from start to finish and the good news is there's more top quality action to come tomorrow. I'll be back in the chair for a rare Sunday outing and I hope you'll all be able to join me for what should be a slightly less frenetic day.

Thank you for your company today - I hope you've enjoyed all of the action and especially the opening day of the Dublin Racing Festival which has served up stunning performance after stunning performance and was dominated - almost throughout - by Willie Mullins. Will we be saying the same thing in 24 hours time?

1620: There's a Hunter Chase running at Musselburgh and not long until today's finale at Leopardstown, the Goffs Future Stars INH Flat Race.

There's no Sir Gerhard but Gordon Elliott does run Chemical Energy. The market is dominated by a certain Mr Mullins though with Kilcruit favoured ahead of Ramillies in the market.

Patrick Mullins was on board the latter when he won impressively at Christmas and it's not difficult to conclude that his defection to Kilcruit is significant.

The three winners of this race have been Appreciate It, Envoi Allen and Blackbow; two of whom were trained by Mullins. The market isn't hugely competitive but we should see some very good horses. Emmet Mullins saddled the very disappointing Cape Gentleman in the opener and he'll be hoping for better from Noble Yeats who is third favourite at around 6/1.

Kilcruit races in sixth, around half a dozen lengths off the lead. Ramillies is in fourth as Letsbeclearaboutit leads. Six furlongs to run, the complexion of the race should change quite quickly. Kilcruit moves stylishly. He'll have his stablemate to beat. He eases past on the bridle, that's ridiculous. Letsbeclearabout it actually got second as Ramillies disappointed but that's all about the winner who posts a hugely impressive performance - it will be interesting to read in the coming days if the clock backs up the visual impression but he looks a serious player for the spring festivals on the back of that. He was returned at 11/10 and didn't go unbacked as they say.

1612: Gary Moore has a leading fancy going to post at Kempton too in Pure Bubbles (9/4) but Royal Touch is the 7/4 favourite for Tom Marquand and Charlie Appleby. He's got a typically good pedigree as you'd expect but it hasn't gone to plan so far and he returns to action in cheekpieces.

There is some each-way money for Lorca while Defined has a mark of 80 after five starts. Almost all in.

The Sting is on ITV4 (which I'd left on after the racing). I wouldn't have gone out of my way to watch it but while I'm here......the day gets better and better.

Marquand is low in the saddle and driving. Nothing very exciting to see. Defined ultimately sheds his maiden quite easily under apprentice of the moment Benoit de la Sayette who was riding for his 'gaffer', John Gosden.

1600: Kempton kicks off in 15 minutes - there are nine races on their card if you haven't had enough racing yet!

They're loading for the last at Lingfield and there's one more to come from Sandown too.

Dostal Phil had been odds-on but despite a double for both his trainer and jockey, he's out to 11/8 as support comes for the progressive High Up In The Air. He's won his last three starts and represents Gary Moore whose runners at Sandown are always to be feared. He's an interesting mover, a comment that applies to Arabescato at Lingfield who could provide Adam Kirby with a treble. Arabescato didn't look the most willing partner, consenting to run on all too late in the day as Murhib just held on.

Favourites at Sandown have flip-flopped - good little race in prospect. Antunes falls at the first and badly hampers Dostal Phil. Drama. High Up In The Air is left with a clear advantage but it's early days. Dostal Phil jumping nicely in third and the lead is only a couple of lengths now with four runners well grouped at the water. Dostal Phil pecks a bit at the first of the Railway Fences but takes the next two well as Beaufort West tackles High Up In The Air.

Joshua Moore is trying to put the race to bed but hasn't managed it yet. Length up at the last but challenged by Beaufort West who can't find enough and is around two lengths adrift at the last. Gamble landed with the winner returned at 11/8.

1551: Running at both Leopardstown and Musselburgh. I'm trying to watch both races but will probably manage not to see either.

Drop The Anchor (8/1) just gets the better of Champagne Gold in a thrilling finish, it's another winner for JP McManus.

Mighty Thunder (14/1) is going to keep the Edinburgh National prize in Scotland it would appear. Two to jump. Stay Humble goes down at the second last and is hopefully just very tired as he wasn't immediately on his feet but there's no word in commentary which doesn't bode well. Only four finished.

The winner (at Musselburgh) was trained by Lucinda Russell and ridden by Blair Campbell.

1543: The Edinburgh National is off shortly but without The Ferry Master which robs the race of a bit of interest. Le Breuil is only 9/4 and I'd like to see him win but I think he needs to be taken on (if that's your thing) as he's beginning to run out of chances.

Coming up at Leopardstown is one of the more competitive handicap hurdles of the season to be run in Ireland but that hasn't stopped Charles Byrnes saddling the last three winners. Consequently it's no surprise to see Advanced Virgo to the fore in the betting but it's the JP McManus first string, The Moyglass Flyer, who heads the market from the foot of the weights. Only one recent winner has carried more than 10-10 but there could be two after this race as only half a dozen runners have that weight or less.

One of them, Golden Jewel, was second last year and thus looks one of the likelier outsiders but Noel Meade's novice, He's A Hardy Bloke, is my token each-way selection.

1534: I haven't seen the race but it could well be worth digging out a replay of Longsider's victory at Lingfield. He's just made a winning debut for Sir Mark Prescott and could be an exciting prospect for the season ahead. The recently gelded son of Ruler of the World is related to the Group One placed Sea of Grace and could have an awful lot more to offer.

Ask Me Early has just been pulled up at Sandown having struggled from an early stage.

Three lengths cover five runners as they leave the back straight. Three to jump. They're all being rousted along. Coo Star Sivola hit the lead but got the second last all wrong handing the advantage back to Deise Aba who wanders around on the hill but digs deep to make every yard and provide Richard Johnson with a treble.

That's a double for Philip Hobbs too. It's been a modest season by his standards too but things are looking much brighter as we approach the spring. That's around 40 winners for the Somerset handler this season; he sent out 75 in the last campaign and 106 prior to that. I wonder if his return to form will see an upturn in fortunes for Defi de Seuil next month?

1525: A good quality staying handicap chase at Sandown is imminent.

Ask Me Early was well backed and justified that support in good style at Chepstow to record a victory that didn't come as a surprise to connections. This is a very different track though and I think this race is arguably more competitive.

It's reasonable to oppose him at 6/4, therefore, and I wondered whether today might be the day for Coo Star Sivola who is undeniably well handicapped. His stable saddled a winner earlier on the card which is good news as they've had a relatively quiet season by their standards. Danny Whizzbang has been thought capable of better and may enjoy this small field while Dominateur is capable on his day but can take a chance with a fence which wouldn't be ideal here. Throw in promising novice Kiltealy Briggs and there are plenty of viable alternatives to the jolly who continues to be backed as though defeat is out of the question. It isn't!

1516: Petit Mouchoir and Saldier lead with Honeysuckle close behind, on their outside. Aba races in fourth with Saint Roi and Sharjah at the rear. Already at the halfway stage. Saldier drops off the pace. Honeysuckle takes over, narrowly. Those behind must play their hands soon. She leads by four turning in. Aba is the first to go in pursuit. No one lays a glove on Honeysuckle though. Abacadabras runs well enough for second with Sharjah third and Saint Roi fourth. County Hurdle again?

That's a superb performance from the winner who could be bound for Cheltenham's Champion Hurdle now. Rachael Blackmore gave the 10/11 favourite a very good but uncomplicated tactical ride and none of her rivals were good enough to challenge. I expected the field to make some inroads in the straight into the advantage she stole turning in but they singularly failed to do so with the Mullins runners particularly disappointing.

That was a better run from the second who may well be able to step up on that run at Cheltenham but he'll obviously need to in order to play anything more than a supporting role.

1505: Where next?!

There's a 0-115 at Musselburgh but I think we can afford to pay only passing reference to that two mile contest with the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle due underway at quarter past the hour.

Honeysuckle is all the rage and is even even money in a place. She's the reigning champion, she's unbeaten and she receives 7lbs from her rivals.

County Hurdle winner Saint Roi was all the talk coming into this season and supporters are coming back for (yet) more (pain?). He didn't get the run of the race in the Morgiana and then was the horse that disappointed Willie Mullins (or words to that effect) more than any other over Christmas when only fourth behind Sharjah in the Matheson Hurdle. He's 11/2 and 6/1 to take a big step to living up to his billing but must be stretching the patience of his fans. His hurdling leaves a lot to be desired in the context of two mile championship races I would have said but connections' faith in his ability has to be respected.

Patrick Mullins explained earlier that they felt they got tactics wrong with Sharjah in this race last year and he'll be allowed to do his own thing at the back of the field in the hope that helps him improve on last season's showing.

Abacadabras is also likely to be played late and also has something to prove both in this grade and after a poor run last time but he's a big price and I'd be hopeful he can outrun his odds.

Back at Musselburgh, victory goes to Breguet Boy (6/1) whose trainer, Keith Dalgleish, has had a few run well today without winning, until now.

1453: It only seems two minutes ago that they were off for the Cotswold Chase but the runners for the Warriors Handicap Chase are at the start at Sandown.

Benatar is a fascinating runner after a good return to action at Cheltenham but Alnadam looks a huge player. It's Colorado Doc for Value Bet but I'm very unimaginative and it's the first two in the market that I want onside.

They're at the halfway stage, more or less, and Evander and Gardefort lead. Gardefort drops back quite quickly as the field close right up at the water where Up Helly Aa King makes a mistake. Doitforthevillage was adrift early but has made eyecatching headway to race alongside Alnadam in second. Gardefort is still there. Alnadam (3/1 favourite) leads at The Pond Fence and is kicked clear rounding the turn by Harry Skelton. They've become stung out very quickly. Funny old race.

1447: Running at Leopardstown for the Matheson Handicap Chase where The Shunter is favourite.

I think I caught the presenters saying that Patrick Mullins wasn't happy with Min from an early stage. There's enough time to get him back for the Ryanair Chase but the yard to have the perfect substitute for the race in Melon (who runs over three miles in the Gold Cup tomorrow); not that I'm bias or holding an ante-post ticket or anything.

One to jump. The Shunter is ridden to hold his position. Epson Du Houx and Capuccimix are prominent, the latter goes on but is passed by three JP McManus horses at the last. A Wave of The Sea (12/1) just has enough in hand to hold off Top Moon (50/1) while The Shunter rallied gamely to retake third.

The two that led into the straight finished a long way down the field; I wonder if they got racing too far out? In which case, The Shunter deserves plenty of credit.

1441: Apologies for the radio silence, it's all hands to the deck today and I was needed elsewhere briefly.

Running at Musselburgh for the Scottish Champion Chase where Rockadenn is by far and away the most interesting runner. We've already lost I'm To Blame. No sooner than that has been typed than Rockadenn has run out, 'out of control' says the commentator. Ruinous beats Rikoboy in a driving finish.

I enjoyed the Cotswold Chase. I felt it well and truly lived up to its billing (with the exception of Saint Calvados - frustrating for connections) and it's great to see Native River back, both for the horse and for the Tizzards who have had a lean old time of things. I imagine that connections of Santini will be pretty pleased with his performance too. He never really threatened but I'm not sure the track or the ground played to his strengths; he jumped well in the main and stuck to his task for pressure and I think that's another satisfactory step towards the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

1418: Native River is a big price for the Cotswold Chase, almost disconcertingly so.

Bristol de Mai is half a point shorter than Santini while Saint Calvados has another attempt to prove his stamina; it will be interesting for the future if he can but I'm a doubting Thomas until he comes out and does it.

Yala Enki has won the early battle for the lead from Native River and Bristol de Mai, they're already three clear from Santini while Saint Calvados is dropped out in last. The three prominent racers aren't taking each other on and all look content which is good. Native River jumps into the lead at the last in the back straight but Yala Enki has the inside rail and leads again as they straighten up. Bristol de Mai has just dropped off the front two, perhaps Daryl Jacob believes they're doing a little too much.

No move from Saint Calvados yet. They're over the water as Santini gets a slap down the neck or two. Saint Calvados is down and suddenly Native River is four clear. Yala Enki and Bristol de Mai close right up again on the approach to the Pond Fence. Santini staying on. Native River from Bristol at the last. Native River is good at the last and extends up the hill.

1405: Running for the Scottish County Hurdle where Ashington is a very well backed favourite. He'd do for me and, hopefully, supporters of our Punting Pointers team.

It wasn't to be for Ashington as Voix du Reve leads at the second last with Christopher Wood (11/4) for company. The latter battles back to lead at the last and goes on by a couple of lengths. That's a winner for Paul Nicholls and Angus Cheleda. I think I heard in commentary that the favourite may have gone lame.

Energumene is 4/5. I thought he might be shorter after the first two races. Franco de Port is just 5/1.

The favourite is straight into the lead. Franco De Port is in about fourth and I thought that he might have been ridden even more patiently than that. He has, now, only got one behind him and it's not Blackbow. Captain Guiness looks like he wants to go faster, he's in second. Two to jump and Captain Guiness departs at that obstacle. Energumene (5/6 favourite) wins unchallenged from Franco De Port and Blackbow.

That was every bit as impressive as supporters could have hoped. Unexcepted looked to be going quite well turning in but dropped out tamely. There was still some promise in his run though. The Patrick Ward & Company Solicitors Irish Arkle Novice Chase was all about the winner though and he's put down a real marker and breathed new life into the market for the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy.

1343: Bangkok is odds-on to repeat last year's success in the Winter Derby Trial. He was odds against this morning and could be heading out to Saudi Arabia if all goes to plan.

Messire des Obeaux is out to 4/1 at Sandown which starts to look tempting, not that I'm overly keen on him ahead of the other two principals just that he's starting to look a little long in the betting.

He left it late but Bangkok wins from a fast finishing Felix with Forest Of Dean third (having led for most of the straight).

Messire des Obeaux brushed through the Pond Fence on the first circuit. Paint The Dream leads but was outjumped by Shan Blue (no disgrace) at the first two fences before Harry Skelton was able to settle his mount a couple of lengths down in second. Hitman races alongside as they turn to the far side. Hitman comes down at the first of the Railway Fences leaving Shan Blue in front. Sporting John stays well and is latching onto the front three. He's going to be the danger. Better jump at the last from Shan Blue but Sporting John (14/1) has enough time to get back up on the run-in and wins by three or four lengths.

1329: Running for a veterans' chase at Musselburgh but very soon it will be the turn of Chacun Pour Soi (4/11) and Min (4/1) in the Dublin Chase with Notebook the shortest priced non-Willie Mullins trained runner at 10s.

From there, there is the Winter Derby Trial (1345) at Lingfield which I'm hopeful of being able to watch (!) and then the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (1350). It is a really fabulous day's racing.

Dubai Angel takes the honours at Musselburgh, 'he looks like he's just joined in' is the call in commentary. Racing for the Dublin Chase and Min leads with Notebook outjumping him at the first. Chacun Pour Soi sits a couple of lengths off them in third. Notebook is in a clear lead now having been slicker over every fence than Min. Min is pulled wide on the track approaching the fourth, perhaps looking for better ground? Most of the field have joined him but Notebook remains on the inside. Min is going to be pulled up. Three to jump. Fakir d'Oudairies is in second and maybe now first.

Chacun Pour Soi stalked them every step of the way and was asked to lead at the last. Very impressive. He went a long way clear in strides.

1324: Here's a clip from the first at Leopardstown (above)..

Patrick Mullins: "Confident would be the wrong word, it was a very competitive race, but we were hopeful he could do that.

"Stattler probably wants further again. Ganapathi might want to come back in trip. Shadow Rider was a little bit disappointing in the end but travelled well for a long way.

"I'm delighted to get the leg over him (Min). It's going to be very hard to beat Chacun but hopefully if anything goes wrong with Chacun we're there to pick up the pieces.

"Last year I decided to go forward with him (Sharjah) and sit on Honeysuckle's tail. We decided after that to ride him how he likes to be ridden and forget about other horses."

Sharjah will be ridden patiently then but Mullins is concerned about the soft ground which will bring Honeysuckle's stamina into play. Having been put on the spot, Mullins offers Kilcruit as his best chance of a winner today.

1315: I didn't see it but there's been a turn-up in the Kachy Stakes with Exalted Angel winning at 20/1 from Fizzy Feet and Misty Grey.

Karl Burke enjoyed plenty of success in this contest with Rivellino (won it twice) and has more cause for celebration. Not far away at Sandown, Moonlighter nearly came down at the first but has recovered to lead.

Having just watched the clip below, that's quite an encouraging start to 2021 from Mums Tipple - good to see.

A terrific start to the day at Sandown with Moonlighter (13/2) surviving that early blunder to see off a really game Dolos with Paddy's Poem in third. Caribean Boy posted a more encouraging run but needs further.

1258: Gaillard du Mesnil remains strong in the betting but there doesn't appear to be a lot of confidence behind either his Punchestown conqueror Holymacapony or impressive Cork winner Gentlemansgame.

In contrast, the favourite's stablemate (pictured below) has shortened a little but Cape Gentleman is the clear second favourite and, at 13/2 or thereabouts, can be backed each-way against the market leader if that's your thing. The idea appeals to me but I've left it as just a thought.

The big two at Musselburgh go well and things look rosy for Getaway Trump turning into the straight but Gaelik Coast (85/40) takes over at the third last as Getaway Trump again finds disappointingly little.

They didn't get away at the first time of asking at Leopardstown but they didn't waste anytime in getting them off at the second time. Stattler leads. Cape Gentleman is last, in company with Vanillier. Five flights and about 10 furlongs to run.

The favourite is on the inside in the rear of midfield. Gentlemansgame is a clear second with Holymacapony third. Shadow Rider moves comfortably in fourth. Two to jump. Cape Gentleman is wide and finding nothing. Mullins first and second and fourth. Gailliard du Mesnil (13/8 favourite) is impressive.

Photo for second with a rallying (and quite taking) Gentlemansgame challenging Stattler for minor honours and the former has been confirmed as the runner-up.

1250: Ryan Moore had to settle for second in the preceding race at Lingfield but he might be quite happy if Mums Tipple fills the same spot in the Kachy Stakes (1311). His mount was a very good juvenile of course but returns to the track for his four-year-old season as a gelding with 2020 having been a big disappointment. It would be nice to see some signs that the gelding operation has been beneficial but it would take a leap of faith to back him.

David O'Meara has a strong hand with Aberama Gold and Summerghand and the latter appeals (to me) as an each-way bet at 11/2 with a good record fresh and on polytrack, particularly given there are doubts about the suitability of the test for the favourite.

There were doubts about the favourite at Musselburgh but Getaway Trump no longer holds that position in the market having been replaced by Gaelik Coast whose trainer, Donald McCain, is at the track.

They're in the paddock for the first from Leopardstown too.

1240: Getaway Trump was last seen finishing a long way behind Caribean Boy at Newbury and the latter is himself looking to get back on track after disappointing at Ascot. He lines up in the opener at Sandown (1315) and is the marginal favourite ahead of Dolos in a competitive handicap where there has been support for outsiders Destrier and Billingsley.

Dolos has to concede weight all round but has a fine course record with two wins and two seconds from five visits. Those two victories have come in the last two renewals of this race and he's just 1lb higher than when beating First Flow 12 months ago. Regardless of First Flow's performances since, that's good form and the top-weight appeals as the best bet on the card.

On the upside that means I can get the disappointment out of the way early and then settle back to enjoy the rest of the action!

1236: There was more competition for the lead than supporters of One Hart might have expected or hoped for but he got a good split on the inside. That wasn't enough for him to win though as he could never get past Diligent Lady who sprung a big surprise at 40/1.

Count Otto never threatened to get involved but winning trainer Michael Attwater looks very pleased and understandably so.

1219: I was hoping to find encouragement either in the betting or in Jane Chapple-Hyam's record when applying headgear to persuade me to back Owney Madden in the 1235 at Lingfield but the betting has spoken strongly against a bold showing and the trainer's record when fitting a hood is modest too.

In contrast, One Hart is very strong in the market as he makes his debut for James Ferguson with Ryan Moore in the saddle. He reportedly clocked a good time when winning a Wolverhampton claimer for Mark Johnston and should be prominent from the off whereas principal market rival Count Otto came from off the pace when a well backed winner over C&D last time.

The latter is 6lbs higher but has won from his revised mark and higher so should remain competitive and it wouldn't be a great surprise to see him follow up.

1209: I've had to walk myself away from the Frodon Novices' Chase at Musselburgh (1257, their first) as my first thought was to oppose Getaway Trump.

Hopes were high that he could go to the top over fences but he's been desperately disappointing. I did wonder if I was viewing his chance in light of those expectations rather than by what he's actually achieved and I do feel that this track could suit. He doesn't have a huge amount in hand of some of his rivals at the weights but he is best in and his trainer has won two of the last three renewals.

Yet.....

There are some useful opponents who have scope for improvement, possibly more so than the favourite, and it's not a huge surprise that he's been a little uneasy in the market.

1158: At the post at Lingfield.

Support has continued to come for Merry Secret who is 10/3 - with Talking Point the 15/8 favourite - but He Can Dance is back out to 5/1.

I'm not sure who is in the studio on Sky Sports Racing but they've just said that Adam Kirby thought he had a good book of rides today. Will he start with a winner?

He won't. The finish was fought out by the two runners that attracted morning money with Merry Secret always holding the challenge of He Can Dance. Talking Point failed to settle while Halwa Azyan caught the eye in finishing fourth.

I think it's Matt Chapman on the microphone but whoever it is thinks the fourth should have won. One for the My Stable tracker?

1140: The two graded races at Sandown are fascinating contests too.

There is a lot of love for Hitman in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase and he's another that impressed the sectional fans; Paul Nicholls has long had this race in mind for him. He hasn't saddled the winner since 2009 but he had won the three preceding renewals too!

It's easy enough to pick holes in the form of Messire des Obeaux's victory at Wincanton (despite Lieutenant Rocco winning in the week) and, to some extent, the victory of Shan Blue at Kempton but both horses were highly impressive and it's easy to envisage any of the three winning this Grade One.

Nicky Henderson has won this race four times (in the last decade) and runs Dame de Compagnie but I think this is a huge ask on just her second chase start and I'd want to take her on all day long given the strength of the opposition.

The Cotswold Chase could be a humdinger with Bristol de Mai, Native River and Yala Enki all known for forcing the pace or racing on it, at least. I'd be keen enough to oppose Santini who is surely being trained with just the one race in mind.

He didn't impress on his previous visit to Sandown (the likely tempo of this race may suit far, far better) whereas Bristol de Mai has run well on all three outings at Esher, including when winning the Scilly Isles in 2016. The popular grey and Native River (whose yard saddled a welcome winner in the week) are the two that I want onside and could help to serve up a brilliant spectacle.

1121: I've ignored one friend's advice to back Honeysuckle for the Champion Hurdle (she's a best of 10/1 or 6s NRNB) ahead of her run in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle.

If you have backed her for Cheltenham or this afternoon it could be an exciting ride as her last three victories have each been by half a length, including when justifying odds of 8/11 in last year's renewal.

The unbeaten mare does know how to win (as she showed last time when not appearing to be at her best) which is something of a tautology but is mentioned as a way of leading into the lack of resolve, seemingly, shown by Abacadabras.

He was one of several Gordon Elliott trained horses to disappoint over Christmas and is far better than he was able to show the last day when 24 lengths behind Sharjah (they were sent off at 3/1 and 11/2 with Saint Roi the 13/8 favourite). I'm not prepared to write him off on the back of one bad run and 8/1 appeals to me as being a reasonable price but it's not difficult to envisage him being outbattled even if he does return to his best. Perhaps a small each-way interest despite there being 'only' six runners is the way forwards but I think I'll be content to sit this one out.

1104: I don't think too many are expecting anything from the Dublin Chase other than confirmation of Chacun Pour Soi's position as the leading two mile chaser. There were a few, myself included, who thought Notebook had a chance of upsetting him - or at least giving him something to think about - in the C&D Paddy's Reward Club Chase but the re-opposing eight-year-old was simply brushed aside.

It's hard to see him laying a glove on the market leader on that evidence.

The Patrick Ward & Company Solicitors Irish Arkle Novice Chase also boasts an odds-on Mullins favourite in Energumene who has quickly emerged as the leading two mile novice in Ireland but his victories have 'only' come in a beginners and a novice so this is a marked step up in grade. He may well be up to the task but there's more of a case for taking him on than there is his stablemate.

Darver Star is one of the likelier threats and Lydia Hislop had this to say in her Road To Cheltenham 10 column for racingtv.com.

"If I’m discussing Franco De Port, I must also mention Darver Star. Given how the Racing Post Novice Chase panned out, he performed far better than his literal four-and-a-half length defeat – getting involved in the unsustainable pace far too early and yet taking until after the last to be quelled.

"This horse was good enough to finish second in the Irish Champion Hurdle and third in the Champion Hurdle as a novice last season – admittedly a highly-experienced one – and had clearly benefitted from an operation to augment his breathing at Leopardstown."

In the same column, today's favourite also came under Hislop's microscope and she made mention of his first chase success at Gowran where he 'blew away – in sectional terms – both Annamix’s preceding victory and Hostage To Fortune’s subsequent one. On that occasion, too, he scorched his opponents early on and then unflinchingly maintained that gallop to the line.'

It should be quite a race.

1050: Leopardstown get off to a flying start at 1305 with the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors '50k Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff' Novice Hurdle.

This is only a quirk I'm sure but since the race was reconfigured for the Dublin Racing Festival, Willie Mullins has seen Fabulous Saga (7/4 favourite) finish last, Relegate (4/1 favourite) finish fifth with Elixir d'Ainay (3/1) filling the same position last year. He's had other representatives in those renewals and only Carter McKay finished in the first three (of seven runners).

None of those runners were as short in the market as Gaillard du Mesnil is currently and he's a popular selection to end Mullins' 'poor run' and that of favourites in the same period. Stablemate Stattler is surprisingly easy to back at 9/1 but there's plenty of depth to this race despite the betting at 2/1 and 7s bar.

Holymacapony beat Gaillard du Mesnil on his penultimate start and while that form shouldn't be taken literally he has to be considered as do Ashdale Bob, Cape Gentleman and Gentlemansgame to name but four and the list could easily be extended.

1039: Scanning the Oddschecker market movers list and Sylvester Kirk's He Can Dance is a name that stands out in the opener from Lingfield. He makes his handicap debut and is around 11/4 from an opening 11/2. Merry Secret, having a second start for Michael Appleby, has also been the subject of support in the same contest.

Aloomomo (pictured a little below) has been backed to make a winning return to chasing in Musselburgh's 1329 but there's nothing that really jumps off the page and catches my eye.

I had thought there might be a big gamble in one of the two big handicaps at Leopardstown (there's still time) but the support at present, seems to be for the market leaders The Shunter (who is chasing again after winning the Greatwood) and The Moyglass Flyer.

There are plenty of extra places on offer with the layers for those two races with some firms paying down to sixth and seventh.

1027: Lingfield and Kempton host all-weather cards too and the former stages a couple of Listed races.

There could be an emotional winner of the Kachy Stakes (1311) with both the eponymous hero's trainer and owner represented, separately. Misty Grey is the current market leader despite Tom Dascombe's concerns about the suitability of this test.

Bangkok lifted the Winter Derby Trial Stakes 12 months ago and is odds-on to do so again but Felix did beat him at Wolverhampton last time out and represents Marco Botti who won this race in 2013, 2015 and 2016 (with Planteur and Grendisar twice).

1016: The Dublin Racing Festival has firmly cemented its position in the racing calendar and has been very well supported by the trainers (as you would hope) and there aren't too many star names missing over the next two days.

It's a shame that Sir Gerhard isn't lining up in the Grade Two bumper that closes the Leopardstown card but there are still some good horses going to post and perhaps one of them can put down a marker to challenge his position as the champion bumper horse elect.

It's a big weekend for Musselburgh and today's highlights include the Scottish County Hurdle, Scottish Champion Chase and Edinburgh National and there are two cracking graded chases at Sandown in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase and the Cotswold Chase.

I've just looked up to see if I could find out why the Scilly Isles is so called and according to the font of all knowledge Wikipedia, 'the Scilly Isles is a double roundabout between the English towns of Esher and Kingston upon Thames on the traditional route of the Portsmouth Road. The name is a corruption of "silly islands", a nickname given to the road system when it was built in the 1930s.'

I do hope that's true.

1010: Maidin mhaith.

Which, according to a popular search engine, translates as 'good morning'. Thankfully I don't have to insult anyone by mangling the pronunciation.

It's a slightly less hectic day than forecast with Wetherby waterlogged but there's still a surfeit of riches for racing fans to revel in over the next two days, in stark contrast to recent weeks where so many meetings have been lost to the weather.

Are you excited? You should be. I would be but those levels are impossible to maintain (or read?) for the duration of a blog but today's highs will, hopefully, hit the heights.

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