12:40 CHELTENHAM

Apples Shakira won this comfortably for Nicky Henderson last year, and I think NEVER ADAPT  could follow up nicely.

She's just had the one run so far, but did win it by 10 lengths over this distance in horrid conditions in France.

She should relish the ground on Saturday and, with Barry Geraghty on board, I think she’s the one to beat in this field.

13:15 CHELTENHAM

The main focus in this Novices’ Chase is The Worlds End, but I’m going to take him on with MINELLA AWARDS  .

Harry Fry’s seven-year-old has been very consistent, with highlights being a Grade B triumph at Punchestown and Grade 3 at Sandown in 2017.

He was very convincing at Aintree last weekend, beating Robin Waters by a colossal 69 lengths, so I’m hoping he can produce something similar Saturday.

13:50 CHELTENHAM

I never shy away from backing COGRY  and I'm not going to change my mind here.

The nine-year-old is a superb jumper and absolutely loves Cheltenham, being only narrowly beaten by Relentless Dreamer last month.

Sam Twiston-Davies knows how to get the best out of him and, nicely-handicapped at 10-5, I think he’s a solid bet.

14:25 CHELTENHAM

The feature race of the day is up next and there’s two I like in this field.

The first is Gary Moore’s BARON ALCO  , who comes into the race in fine form (121-222).

He’s been superb for the yard having notched up six wins, five seconds and two thirds from 18 runs.

He put in a great effort in the 2017 Brown Plate when runner-up to Road To Respect, and was only narrowly beaten by Charbel last month at Chepstow, so should go close here.

The other one that catches my eye is another from Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard in BALLYANDY  .

He won the Bumper here during the 2016 Festival but hasn’t managed to replicate that kind of form since.

However, he’s nicely-handicapped at 10-2 and knows the course well, so this looks a nice each-way bet.

15:00 CHELTENHAM

A Listed race next, where the deadly combo of Olly Murphy and Richard Johnson look good for a win with WEEBILL  .

The six-year-old has solid form having only finished outside the top three once in seven trips, and was a tidy winner at Ayr in May.

A consistent jumper, the only worry is whether or not he will handle the step up to 2m 7f.

Nevertheless, I think he’s an attractive bet.

15:30 CHELTENHAM

LYGON ROCK has been very consistent for Henry Daly, and I think he’s set for a second win over hurdles here.

He's only had the one triumph so far with a win at Ludlow in May, but was impressive at Aintree last month when second to Paisley Park.

Tommy Scudamore takes the ride for the first time and he looks a good each-way chance here.

16:00 CHELTENHAM

For the final tip of the day I’m going to have to go with ROYAL ILLUSION considering it’s Willie Mullins’ only runner.

She’s unbeaten so far after notching up easy wins at Punchestown and Cork by a combined distance of 19½ lengths.

Proven over 2m and with the trusty David Mullins in the saddle, I think he’ll take all the beating.

WIN DOUBLE

NEVER ADAPT   | WEEBILL 

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