Hopefully you had your tricasts on the first three home in the Punchestown Champion Chase and again in the Punchestown Gold Cup this week, after we nominated them as the main candidates for the race. Djakadam almost did it for win purposes in the latter race, but Sizing John proved once again what a good horse he is to top a memorable campaign.

The Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle on Friday could prove to be a cracker, albeit a tough betting race.

In such an open field I’ve scratched my head for the right outcome and come to the conclusion that Brain Power is the one who could still progress and improve, whereas most of the others are known quantities. He tired at Cheltenham because he behaved like an eejit. I think if he settles better and can get in to a good rhythm, he might just pip some of his better-fancied rivals. Each-way play.

In the following novice hurdle, Finian’s Oscar has real class and can gain success for the British-trained contingent.

Switching to Friday’s Flat card at Sandown and there’s a short priced one in the first who could be something special. Atty Persse was bought by Godolphin after winning his maiden over course and distance in September.

Roger Charlton is flying so far this season and I think this colt who has entries in the Dante and the Derby can open his campaign with a win. The Frankel-sired boys in the Classic Trial at 2.55 dominate the betting. Not really a betting prospect for me, because I think Monarchs Glen probably should win, but he’s odds-on and there’s no value in him.

On Saturday, Sandown becomes a Jumps track again.

To be frank, the race calendar needs a shake-up across Europe. In any other sport, there’s a logical start and finish to the season. Here, the Flat season sort of splutters in to life like an engine that has been clogged with years of dirt.

Just as you start thinking ‘ah here we go The Flat season’, there’s another big Jumps day. I love both codes, but honestly somebody needs to pull their finger out. You won’t make any friends in the racing community, but you might just create some more fans, which the sport really needs.

I love both codes, but honestly somebody needs to pull their finger out. You won’t make any friends in the racing community, but you might just create some more fans, which the sport really needs.

Rant aside, it’s a good day of jumping. The magnificent Altior will hopefully be a joy to watch in the Celebration Chase, but spare a thought to consider how often you see the Arkle winner facing the Champion Chaser and the odds being so skewed towards the Arkle hero. Special Tiara is a previous winner of this race too, so Altior better bring his ‘A Game’.

Rounding off this weekend’s preview, the bet365 Gold Cup. Last year’s first and second, The Young Master and Just A Par, both have good chances again. They are on very similar marks and should give a bold show. Neil Mulholland’s also got The Druids Nephew who is a well-handicapped horse. He was fifth to his stablemate The Young Master last year but is now 10lb better off at the weights. Vyta Du Roc is an interesting bet for me. He mixed it in Grade 1s as a novice hurdler and I feel he’s been campaigned with a big chase in mind. I think this might just be it.