Cheltenham's first meeting of 2008 opens with a banker in the shape of Milan Deux Mille (12.25). Greatly improved over fences last season, working up to a rating of 139, he is 31lb lower on this return to hurdling. Trainer David Pipe will surely have him tuned up to make the most of this opportunity. His odds won't be too generous, so it might be worth considering a win double with Sassanias (4.05) at Exeter. His trainer, Alan King, is on a roll with his bumper horses.
At around 13-2, Arafan (2.45) is each-way value in the Cheltenham handicap hurdle where Star De Mohaison is a warm order. It has taken Arafan a long time to get his head in front, but he is now thriving under the care of Dr Richard Newland.
Nosferatu, a useful sort on the Flat, is favourite to make a winning hurdles debut for the Howard Johnson stable at Catterick. But I hear he has been a bit of a slow learner at the jumping game. It might be worth opposing him with Starting Point (3.35), a good bumper winner. His trainer, Alan Swinbank, has a good record with his jumpers at this venue.
