The Best Of the Prest

It's seems like a very long time ago since we saw Kicking King bound up that hill and away from his rivals in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but finally the National Hunt season gets into full swing with the Paddy Power Open Festival at headquarters.

As always, the festival provides the public with the first real chance of the season to have a look at the major contenders for some of the big prizes in the jumps world. The meeting really gets going early on Friday with the Grade 2 Sharp Novices Hurdle over 2 m 1/2f. It's very often the starting point of a good hurdling career and this year looks to be no exception with Paul Nicholls, Martin Pipe, J Howard Johnson, Phillip Hobbs and Nicky Henderson all likely to send some of their young prospects to post. Look out for Buena Vista, Masafi and French Accordion to be among those making an impact in this one.

Another highlight of day one will be the Sporting Index Cross Country Chase. This race is run over ditches, hedges, water and timber rails and always proves to be an exhilarating and sometimes chaotic contest. Last years event looked to be heading the way of Registana until her jockey steered her onto the chase course and out of contention. That race was won by the Enda Bolger trained Spot Thedifference who landed a big gamble after being backed down to 6/1 after opening at 9/1. Spot Thedifference looks set to defend his title this year but will again find it tough to come out on top after what could be a very eventful 3 miles 7 furlongs.

The Beards Jewellers Handicap will be another race to pay close attention to on day one as Paul Nicholls will be hoping that his rising star Andreas returns to winning ways following a disappointing outing at Aintree last time out.

The high standard of racing continues on Saturday as the card features top class Chases and hurdles including races number 6 and 7 in the BHB Order of Merit programme. The former is the Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase. Stars from the past and maybe some future stars look set to go to post for this Grade 3 event. King George VI Chase winner First Gold will look to turn back the clock with a win but the 12 year old will find it tough, particularly when you consider Sir Rembrandt is likely to take his chance in this race. The Robert Alner trained Sir Rembrandt has managed a 2nd and 3rd place finish behind Best Mate and then Kicking King in the last 2 renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and positively loves the Cheltenham course. The ever improving King Harald may also have too much for First Gold when considering his 4 length defeat of Lacdoudal in the Jewson Novices Handicap Chase at this course back in March.

Number 7 in the Order of Merit and undoubtedly the highlight of the Open festival is the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Last years winner and 3rd place horse look set to renew rivalries over the 2 ? mile course. Celestial Gold was an impressive winner last year for Martin Pipe and Timmy Murphy whilst Monkerhostin looks in great form following his victory in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. It wouldn't be the Paddy Power Gold Cup if there wasn't a massive gamble in progress and this year the money has been coming for Our Vic. Despite being pulled up on his two most recent outings, it hasn't deterred the punters and their support has seen Martin Pipe's gelding move into the position of favourite for the event. It's rarely as simple as that in this contest so keep an eye on some of the outsiders that could run a big race on the day such as My Will, Therealbandit and It Takes Time. As always, the Irish raiders that make the trip across the Irish Sea could well be worth following. Euroleader won some good races before a fall in his last outing whilst Always is an improving young horse that may have a chance of landing success for Noel Meade.

The Greatwood Handicap Hurdle is the feature race on Sunday with the evergreen Rooster Booster looking to record yet another win over his younger rivals. The Phillips Hobbs trained former Champion Hurdle winner refuses to go quietly into retirement and as long he keeps pleasing the crowds, why should he? But he will find that there's plenty of tough competition in this race and any one from Genghis, Royal Shakespeare, Self Defense, Westender, Yes Sir and Power Elite all have good reasons to be supported. We could also have a much clearer picture of the Arkle Chase following the November Novices Chase on the same day. Currently prominent in the betting for the Arkle are Accordion Etoile and Cerium and they will continue their chasing careers after promising starts at Limerick and Warwick respectively.

It's early in the season but it's still shaping up to be a top quality festival with plenty of great runners so while you're watching events unfold keep in mind the Ante Post Markets for the big races for when we return to this course for the National Hunt showpiece festival in March.

For all horse racing odds click here