Doumen set to rock the Kasbah
He is in the care of that master trainer, Francois Doumen, who rates the seven-year-old even better than the great Baracouda, a dual winner of the contest.
Kasbah Bliss went close a year ago, only giving best to another mighty warrior, Inglis Drever, who was taking the race for a third time.
The selection made significant progress on the flat through the summer and was then allowed a long break with the Festival in mind.
He returned to action at Haydock last month, producing a stunning performance to give Hills Of Aran 8lbs and an 8 lengths thrashing.
Punchestowns and Big Buck’s appear the only realistic dangers. They met at Cheltenham last time, with Big Buck’s beating his rival by four lengths.
Punchestowns now reopposes on 8lbs better terms, so it will be no surprise should he reverse the placings.
Kasbah Bliss, however, possesses an intoxicating blend of speed and stamina, which is going to make him a hard nut to crack.
The only other contest on the programme worth any sort of serious financial interest is the Ryanair Chase.
Alan King’s course specialist, Voy Por Ustedes, is a reasonably confident selection to do the business.
His track record speaks for itself, a winner of the Arkle Trophy and the two-mile Champion Chase and second in the Champion last year behind Master Minded.
For good measure, he then went to Aintree and slammed Master Minded, admittedly in a two and a half miler.
At this stage of the game, Voy Por Ustedes seems best over a trip and two miles and five looks ideal.
He has been in terrific form this season and was particularly impressive when cruising to victory at Ascot last time.
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