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11:26

Morning and welcome to our second weekly racing chat. You can now submit your questions so fire away!

11:31

[Comment From Nigel ]
Is now the time to back Cooldine for the Gold Cup before his run in the Irish Hennessy?

11:33

Morning Nige. It depends entirely on whether you think he can run to a mark of 185 plus as that is what will be needed if Kauto and Denman are on song in March. For what it's worth, I heard Mullins on Irish radio this morning and he was adamant that match-fitness is likely to be a problem for Cooldine on Sunday. I'm a big fan of Cooldine but it wouldn't surprise me if Leopardstown is being used a springboard.

11:34

[Comment From Steve T ]
Can Binocular possibly do anything tomorrow to warrant being cut for the champion Hurdle?

11:35

Thanks Steve - a very good question. In theory he should stroll home and if he does then he probably will be clipped - as that is just what bookmakers do at this time of year. From my point of view, the most important thing is to see him let rip at his hurdles again. He was unusually scruffy at Kempton and that is a big part of what's holding him back at present. Have I given up on him? Worryingly, not just yet.

11:36

[Comment From Pat ]
Morning Graham, what are your opinions on Nicky Henderson's Long Run and which race do you think he should go for at the festival?

11:38

Morning Pat. Just looked at Long Run's Kempton win again and, bar a couple of scruffy jumps, it was pretty much flawless. I trust we'll see him again before Cheltenham and I'll reserve judgement until then. One thing, though, history has shown that strong stayers tend to do well in the Arkle - think Tidal Bay and My Way De Solzen - but I wonder whether they would be thinking of going to two miles if they didn't have Punchestowns in the yard?

11:39

[Comment From Grant ]
Whats your nap selection for today

11:43

Morning Grant. Nothing dramatic in store today at this stage, but looking at the current prices I'm a bit surprised to see Ockey De Neulliac nudging 3/1 for Cattterick's 3.55. The money has come for Traffic Control again back at two miles, but he checked out tamely when things got tough at Newbury and I'm not sure what to make of him now. By contrast, Ockey jumped really well and travelled like a dream before his unlucky last fence stumble at Newcastle. He would have shown much improved form had he stood up and I suspect that the freewheeling Carrietau in opposition, this race should be run to suit him well.

11:43

[Comment From Rob ]
I always look for a shortie to oppose at the Cheltenham Festival, so which - if any - of the more fancied horses would you consider taking on?

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