Djakadam can make it third time lucky in this afternoon’s Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is the feature on the final day of what, until yesterday, had been a very difficult meeting for punters.

Five rides, and probably not the strongest-looking book I’ve had, but that’s the nature of racing in the countdown to the Cheltenham.

Two of our racing gurus debate whether or not Sizing John is on for glory at this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

For a number of years now the Irish Gold Cup has become increasingly irrelevant as a Cheltenham trial and this renewal is more notable for those that are missing, rather than those who are running, writes Pat Keane.

Last season’s Cork Grand National winner Vics Canvas has been given the go-ahead to bolster an already-strong Irish challenge in the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

Paul Nicholls retains every faith in Silviniaco Conti as he tries to make it third-time lucky in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Paul Nicholls believes there is even more to come from Dodging Bullets after he beat Sprinter Sacre and claimed his second Grade One of the season at Ascot.

Paul Nicholls reports Silviniaco Conti to be bouncing ahead of the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day but is hoping for suitably soft ground at the Sunbury venue over Christmas.

Al Ferof will head to the King George VI Chase after returning to his brilliant best when running away with the Amlin 1965 Chase for the second year in succession at Ascot on Saturday.

Trainer Tony Martin believes the drying conditions will play to the strengths of Benefficient in today’s Ryanair Chase (2.40) at Cheltenham.

Al Ferof, Benefficient and Dynaste are among 12 runners in Thursday’s Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, with First Lieutenant a significant absentee.

Long Run is to travel north of the border for the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase later this week as connections head to Kelso in search of better ground.

Willie Mullins plans to run Smashing in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday.

Silviniaco Conti is virtually certain to go straight for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup following his victory in the William Hill King George VI Chase.

Sir Des Champs will line up in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup with a new jockey after Davy Russell was ruled out with a punctured lung.

Trainer Nicky Henderson has his fingers crossed Sprinter Sacre’s class will see him handle what are likely to be difficult ground conditions at Cheltenham today.

I ride in all seven races at Newbury today, but the undoubted highlight promises to be Silviniaco Conti (pictured) in the Denman Chase.

All plans for Grands Crus are currently “on hold”, according to David Pipe.

Jezki, unbeaten over hurdles and favourite for the William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, is, reportedly, to be bought by JP McManus.

Willie Mullins remains at a loss to explain Hurricane Fly’s disappointing performance when losing his crown in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday.

Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Long Run could face up to 10 rivals as he bids to get off the mark for the campaign in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

HENRIETTA KNIGHT is leaving a decision on Somersby’s Cheltenham target until as late as possible because of the unpredictability of the British weather.

GOLD Cup-winning rider Sam Waley-Cohen left Taunton yesterday in frustration after picking up his third suspension in less than a month.

NICKY Henderson feels Spirit Son is the dark horse among his three-strong contenders for the StanJames.com Champion Hurdle.