Royal Charm and Pistolet Noir must stake Festival claims

I RIDE in all seven races at Cheltenham this afternoon and will certainly be disappointed if returning to Ireland tonight without a winner.

Let’s begin with one of my best chances, Royal Charm, in the Grade 2 novices’ hurdle. He’s won twice at Exeter and the form of his latest success, a handicap, is rock solid.

This is a horse who clearly excites Paul Nicholls and when Paul tends to become animated then it usually pays to listen. Of course we are taking on a particularly smart sort in Nicky Henderson’s General Miller, who is now unbeaten in three races.