NO STOPPING BOB OLINGER CLIMB TO TOP

Andrew Ayres with the handsome horses who have caught his eye

- Andrew Ayres

CHELTENHAM March 16 (soft)

2m novice hurdle Grade 1 (Class 1)

High class winner

APPRECIATE IT (Willie Mullins) is a proper physical specimen and had this won before turning for home. He’s got enough pace to make a Champion Hurdle horse but looks a chaser and will be hard to beat in the Arkle back here next spring.

2m110y four-year-old handicap hurdle (Class 1)

Red-hot contest

HOUX GRIS (Paul Nicholls) was well fancied and looked ready to rumble. He travelled like a good horse but hit the front too soon and did well to make the frame. It’s easy to envisage this fella improving for a summers’ rest and he’s one to keep a close eye on.

CHELTENHAM March 17 (good-soft)

2m5f novice hurdle Grade 1 (Class 1)

Impressive winner

BOB OLINGER (Henry de Bromhead) is an exceptionally handsome individual and quickened sharply to win with plenty up his sleeve. A drop back to 2m shouldn’t pose any problems for this strong-traveller and he’s nailed-on to go right to the top over fences or hurdles.

2m handicap chase (Class 1)

Ultra-competitive event IBLEO (Venetia Williams) has improved physically and might have won but for being set mission impossible by Charlie Deutsch. A return to 2m4f will help and he looks tailormade for the big middle-distance chases back here next winter.

CHETENHAM March 19 (good-soft)

2m1f handicap hurdle (Class 1)

Red-hot contest