As the tapes go up for the Supreme Novices a 70,000-strong salvo will lift the roof from every stand, stable, pub and pavillion at Prestbury Park. It's the highlight of the year for much of this giddy crowd in a playground for grown ups.
Most donning their tweed suits and Barbour jackets which have not seen daylight since Galopin Des Champs bounded by in the Gold Cup, and won't see it again till this week next year. There will be debutants, day trippers and champagne sippers, but the heart of the cohort will be lovers of the game on their yearly pilgrimage.
Each with their own rituals, staying in the same haunts, picking their naps and renewing friendships that busy lives have put on hold. Telling tales of gambles landed or tanks emptied, won or lost on the opening of a gap, the clipping of a hurdle or the bob of a nose. Recounting the 'I was there when moments' of Istabraq, Kauto Star, Sprinter Sacre, or if you are of that age to be able to say, 'when Arkle beat Mill House....'.
My 'I was there when moment' was on the second Tuesday in March last year. Honeysuckle with Rachel Blackmore concluding a legendary career for the girls with glory in the Mares' Hurdle. Every spot with an eye shot of the parade ring was filled with a well wisher, clapping and cheering for their entire walk back in to that hallowed winners enclosure.
It was a reminder of why we love the game, punters despite losing dockets in their pockets were teary eyed in appreciation of what the game is all about, that special horse.
And on that very same day Constitution Hill entered the Champion Hurdle with the loftiest of reputations and put in a performance for the ages. Nico De Boinville allowing him an inch of rein approaching two out, that was the only encouragement his eager companion needed, slipping clear, no rival able to lay a hand, on the way to greatness?
But greatness cannot be bestowed from a moment of excellence, it is hard earned from proving oneself time and again. Constitution Hill has only had two big tests, he aced them both but we want to see more. And while it is for the right reasons, blood test abnormalities and poor work, it is still disappointing not to see him in the Champion Hurdle.
He easily accounted for State Man last year but that challenger has been impressive since and Paul Townend felt he was not up to par on that occasion. It was going to be a match to saviour, one by which the pair would be judged, Djokovic needs Nadal, Messi needed Ronaldo, Ali and Frasier, these two need each other.
Let's hope a healthy Constitution Hill comes to Punchestown, where the pair can lock horns in a match reminiscent of Dawn Run and Buck House. His other alternative is Aintree where he will go off at long odds on, achieving no more than a lady's man adding a notch to the bed post.
Nicky, it must be Punchestown.
With the would-be favourite resting at home in Seven Barrows, State Man is given a much simpler task to fill the only significant gap on his CV. This is a star in his own right, I would love to see him put this race to bed with the ease he has pushed aside talented rivals such as; Honeysuckle, Vauban, Impaire Et Passe etc.
To earn himself the plaudits whereby that match will be hyped all the more when it does come to pass, come on Nicky, it must be Punchestown.
Now that this race is a little less daunting, some trainers have thought, "hold up, there's only one to beat". So some new contenders have emerged. Nicky Henderson has supplemented Iberico Lord and Gordon Elliott has re-routed Irish Point (below) from the Stayers.
The Prestbury Cup is a novelty event, who has the most trained winners, Ireland or the UK. I don't even know who receives the award. One time it would have been inconceivable that Ireland could win, nowadays to suggest otherwise is laughable.
With the shortest price UK runner on day one at 7/1, interest in that competition won't see out the day. This dominance is due entirely to Messrs Mullins, Elliott and DeBromhead. Once more they are well stocked.
Willie has six favourites on the card and will be busy saddling a Supreme six in the opener, headed by Tullyhill and the best ever bred jump horse Mystical Power. Throw in Elliott's Firefox and DeBromhead's Slade Steel and you have a great race, surely one in there to rattle next year's champion.
Gaelic Warrior is surely the most talented runner in the Arkle chase, the favourite has the right leanings of a Republican which will be exacerbated on Cheltenham's left-handed continually turning track. If Paul Townend and the application of a hood can't convince him to have a more centrist viewpoint the likes of Found A Fifty and Il Etait Temps are good enough to get up his inner.
I have a soft spot for Lossiemouth, mostly because she is very good. I've far less interest in money-on shots, which she will be in the 'Mares'', but if you're that way inclined, I can't see how she gets beaten.
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