Thursday 2.50 – RYANAIR CHASE

I’d probably say this is my NAP of the week.

It looks increasingly likely that Waiting Patiently will go straight to Aintree, and considering Cue Card has fallen in the last two Festivals, I cannot see how anyone will beat UN DE SCEAUX .

There’s no denying the 10-year-old has been one Willie Mullins’ best, after notching up eight Grade 1 victories – including this race last year – and a record three Clarence House triumphs.

UN DE SCEAUX is a superb jumper who should not be phased whatever the ground, having proved himself in a number of testing conditions.

He’s three from a possible four at Cheltenham, with his only defeat coming to Sprinter Sacre in the 2016 Betway Champion Chase. I think he’s a banker at .

Thursday 3.30 – STAYERS’ HURDLE

Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power stole the show at Cheltenham 12 months ago, and last year’s Coral Cup winner SUPASUNDAE looks a great bet for the Stayers’ Hurdle.

He travelled really well as he claimed the Grade 3 handicap last year, finishing two lengths ahead of Taquin Du Seuil.

Since then, SUPASUNDAE has finished a close runner-up to Apples Jade and Yanworth, both of which were over 3m, so I have full confidence he’ll stay the distance.

He dropped down to 2m last time out, where he produced a sensational performance to beat Faugheen by 2¼ lengths in the Irish Champion Hurdle, which boosts his credentials.

I think the Potts family could be in for more Cheltenham success here, and he is a nice bet at .

Friday 1.30 – TRIUMPH HURDLE

Next up is what I think will be the best race of the week.

There is a strong case for so many in this field, with several bidding to hold on to their unbeaten record.

Alan King’s Redicean and Nicky Henderson’s Apples Shakira are dominating the market, but I think WE HAVE A DREAM is the one to keep your eye on from Nicky Henderson’s yard.

He’s four from four so far and has already claimed a Grade 1 in the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow, which was made even more impressive given the horrendous conditions that day.

His victory in the Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle was also dominant, as he powered home by 10 lengths on quick ground.

Daryl Jacob has been on board for all four wins and holds this horse in high regard. At , I think he’s huge value.

Friday 3.30 – GOLD CUP

I backed NATIVE RIVER in the Gold Cup last year and I’m keeping my faith with him again.

He travelled really well that day but just fell away towards the end, finishing a respectable third behind Sizing John and Minella Rocco .

However, his performance to retain his Denman Chase, after such a long absence, was encouraging.

His jumping was fantastic that day and he beat Cloudy Dream and Saphir Du Rheu with ease.

A winner of the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh Grand National are highlights on a very impressive CV, and with Richard Johnson’s fantastic record on board (121-131), I think our Betway Ambassador could be set to claim a second Gold Cup.

Top Jockey

I’m backing Ruby Walsh’s five-year reign as top jockey to come to an end and perhaps a changing of the guard, as JACK KENNEDY looks set to challenge his crown.

There’s not many jockeys rated more highly than the 18-year-old, who has produced some fantastic performances over the past year.

He’s firmly established himself as a go-to man for leading trainer Gordon Elliot and is set to ride short favourites Apples Jade and Samcro.

He introduced himself to the racing universe last year when he guided Labaik to a shock victory in the Supreme. Twelve months on, I think he’s a nice price to challenge Ruby’s dominance.