I backed Istabraq ante-post before he won the Sun Alliance last year and I think he looks the outstanding bet again this time in the Champion Hurdle. The way he won last year, winning despite almost running his race beforehand because of sweating up so badly, means I think he could be exceptional.

I took 4 to 1 about him for the Champion Hurdle when he won at Christmas, although I remember looking at 14 to 1 at the start of the season and thinking it was great value. Typically I didn't take it.

I think Dorans Pride has a good chance in the Gold Cup, although I don't know if I want to back him. I think Rough Quest is good each-way value at 20 to 1 instead. He's won at the festival, been second in the Gold Cup before, and he's had a relatively light season.

I think Florida Pearl is the Irish banker if he jumps and Elegant Lord looks another outstanding bet in the Foxhunters.

However, I don't see the Irish winning the bumper. Siberian Gale, who was sold to Martin Pipe, looks good, but I think Boca Boca is the dark horse in this.