JimiT

Two absolutely packed day's racing. I've given my thoughts a few of these, so from the rest; 1.40 Jewsons Novices Chase. Tough looking race, but the two that stand out are Mr Strachan and Gold Medalist. I think the run of Krugurova in the Arkle, really gives Mr Strachan a boost, Mr Strachan having beaten Krugurova last time out. It's still a tough 'un and really anything could win. 2.55 Ryannair Chase. Exciting looking race with a few good horses. For me, this is between The Listener, Our Vic and L'Antartique (I think Mossbank might prefer better going). I'm gonna risk the real Our Vic turning up. His bizarre run last year when only just beaten really stuck out for me. 3.30 World Hurdle. How can I abandon Inglis Drever? Loves Cheltenham and the performance of Tidal Bay suggests the yard is back to form. There doesn't seem to be anything close to Inglis Drever on form, although fellow Cheltenham lovers My Way De Solzen and Hardy Eustace could come close and Blazing Bailey should figure prominently. Hopefully, I've a winner or two in there, either way its going to be a long, long day's racing. It'll be great.

Still undecided, Davros. But I think I'm gonna stick with Kauto Star, he's the Champion and his jumping has looked miles better this year. Will be a fantastic race though. Nicely done on Pujabi btw. I ruled it out as 5 year olds have a bad record in the race, and that places and another 5 year old wins .

Very annoying. Still got ten races tomorrow and nine on Friday. Wouldn't mind if they'd have moved two decent races to Friday (when I'm going) but they've shifted the Coral Cup. Remind me to take a pin with me.

Couldn't find even a place on day one, hoping for better on day two. 2.00 Ballymore Properites Novice Hurdle. For me, the winner is Forpadydeplasterer. I think the ground is riding soft and this horse has good form on soft and, indeed, heavy. I just think Group Captain would prefer good ground. 2.35 Sunalliance Chase. An interesting one with plenty with good chances. Alberta's Run has won on heavy ground, boasts course and distance form and beat a few of these last time out (Air Force One, Battle Cry, Joe Lively). Silverburn interests me, but I'd question it's ability to stay. The closest rival to Alberta's Run, imo, will be Pomme Tieby. Another that'll act on the ground. 3.15 Champion Chase. A thrilling looking encounter as anything could win. Although very impressive, I don't fancy Master Minded. Not sure why, just think he's appeared from no where, had two decent runs and is suddenly favourite. I think the run of Sizing Europe should highlight what a different course Cheltenham is and how difficult it is for a horse to win here. That in mind, dispite struggling on it's previous few outings, Voy Per Ustedes is worth serious consideration. It really loves Cheltenham. There should be no question marks over Tamarinbleu's ability to get the trip on whatever ground. Twist Magic was everyone's idea of the winner of this until disappointing behind Tamarinbleu, and while Tamarinbleu could again make this a test of stamina, Twist Magic is actually looking value as it's drifted to 5/1. All in all but with no great conviction, I siding with Tamarinbleu. I think Master Minded could struggle and that VPU will go close. Twist Magic could be a really good place bet as I think it might drift further. I ain't bothering even looking at the Coral Cup. The 4.00 Peter O'Sullevan Chase looks tough, and I'd be tempted to look at those with experience over distance, namely Over the Creek and Beantown. I wouldn't get too involved. The Bumper at 5.20 is again a toughy, but I going for a big outsider in Genuine Pearl @ 33s. No real confidence but this has won its last two outing impressively and is a big price.

Am I right in thinking that Stam's our longest serving professional?

Dragging it back two hours I know, but it's every Latics fan's god given right to compare every striker we have with Maradona. I wouldn't have it any other way.

RE the betting forum, you don't happen to have the posts from last years Cheltenham festival do you? Been doing a bit of research ahead of this year and I'd be interested to read what we thought of a few horses from last year. If not, no worries. Well looking forward to this years festival too HTC, IC. I'll be posting my thoughts on here, like last year and there's the bonus that I'm going on the Friday to see what will hopefully be one of the classic Gold Cups.

Nish has gone to Hibs.

I'll be there, definitely. Don't post on here that often anymore (I know, I should do more) but I'd like to say congratulations on some fantastic work today from everyone. If there's anything that I can do to help (besides turning up, obviously), please let me know.

Alas, no. (would've stuck a joke about cricket and lesbianism in there, but can't think of one. Pity it ain't horse racing, could've cracked a double carpet gag). Derek, tried a couple of times and can't for the life of me get on it. Studio 60 blah, blah, blah on in 15...

Quick bump for this 'un (can you actually bump a pinned thread though?). Anyone see that Studio 60 on Sunset Strip thing last week on More 4? Highly rated (i.e. no one watched it) drama/comedy from the guy who did the West Wing. Stars Matthew Perry (not being as annoying as he can be) and Sarah Paulson, who was in Deadwood. Reading up about her, I find she bats for the other side. Fantastic. Anyway, it was actually not that bad although slightly pretentious. Shaving - luckily I've only really known the comfort provided by two, then three, then four and now five blades. Wonder what'll come next? Oh, having mentioned it before - IM, how you getting on with Deadwood season II?

Quite probably NT. I work on Oxford Road and walk into town every night at about that time. Apart from today, had the day off and finally bought me season ticket. Congrats on the new job too.

And I get an 00 to boot .

Not posted on here for a while...

My favourite player of all time. He had, as Inspiral points out, an art when it came to crossing. Like Beckham, he seemed to be able to bend his ankle in such an unnatural manner, which allowed him to really whip it in. My favourite Rick moment (highlighted in my signature thing) is his cross against Everton in the FA cup. The most perfect cross I've ever seen and he was barely in Everton's half. A true folk hero of Oldham Athletic.

Good to see you again BT, been a while, hence why I barely recognised you. I immediately thought of what you'd said when I read about Chris Hall. Typical, eh? Hopefully this fine weather will continue to provide some much need perving opportunities. There were some fine looking students about today. Best thing about summer, imo.

Well, I finished the 10k. Final time of 57.38. My legs are very, very sore though. Celebrating this (and consoling myself for Saturday) with a load of Guinness tonight, gotta be done.

Badly mate. Very short at the mo, too short. I hate short hair. I asked for it cutting back and sides, prick didn't listen and shave it. Lisa, hope the training going well. I've done a bit but not enough, I don't think. Having said that, I'm fairly fit and not carrying too many pounds so should be ok. Gutted I can't drink though. And Stipes, it's because Hazel doesn't photograph well

Managed to get the afternoon off work, got to BP at 2 and there was no queue at all. Got my ticket. About 100 left then I think. Now all I need is to sort myself someway of getting there, hmmm.

Whatcha mean 'going'? Meant to mention, been listening to BRMC and it's nothing like I expected, I'm enjoying it, pretty good. Haven't got round to Two Gallants yet. Claire from Lost is my favourite celeb woman at the mo. She's got something about her, apart from being fit as. Can't find a decent picture of Hazel though

Nowt wrong with Hazel. I'd imagine she's the sort who would make really nice pie on a Sunday afternoon. I'm gutted I can't drown my sorrows with alcohol, not drinking ahead of me 10k attempt next weekend. Won't even be able to celebrate when we stuff 'em 3 nil at bloomers.

Not a fan of Edith meself. I mean she's no... Yum, yum.

Glad you like it IM. Personally think their first album is better. I queued for ages too BT, three and a half hours this morning/afternoon. Was bloody freezing and well hungry by the time I got me ticket. The snooker's gotta be enjoyable, it's hosted by the lovely Hazel

Clearly didn't see this in time, will do them for Sunday now we're there. And I arrived in plenty of time today...right at kick off

Well news on the job front, I didn't get it. Ho hum. Glad you enjoyed James, IM. I'm off to see another of Madchester's legends, Northside, on Thursday. I'm actually helping them out for a DVD of the gig, so will be back stage hanging round with Bez and Mani. Rock 'n' Roll