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In other race on the first day of the Festival the rains came at the wrong time for Broad Hinton trainer Andy Turnell's Blue Bajan, the rain softened ground did him no favours but he ran well to finish just behind the first four in sixth spot Tidal Bay sunk the punters nap of the week Noland, who was relegated to third spot and the Carberry family plundered the last two races with Nina winning on Grade Chapetre and brother Paul partnering Crack Away Jack to victory in the last race on the card.

Looking ahead to Friday, the course will be expecting the biggest crowd of the four days for the long awaited clash between the Paul Nicholls pair, Kauto Star and Denman in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

With plenty of rain about the going could well be on the soft side for the highlight of the four days and could possibly enable some of the other runners to get closer to the Nicholls duo.

Alan Kings Halcon Genelardais could be one to benefit from the softer conditions and could well be worth a bet to get in the frame at rewarding odds.

The trainer was reported as saying the softer the ground the better, King added : " I have deliberately kept him back because he is a horse that loves to be fresh, we will let him take his chance, there is some good prize money up for grabs."

The opening race on Friday is the Triumph Hurdle where the Barbury Castle trainer runs Franchoek.

The trainer has picked him out as his best hope at the Festival, but having already been in the winners enclosure with Katchet to win the Triumph as well as the Champion Hurdle would be a bonus.

In the Johnnie Henderson Grand Annual chase Nicky Henderson's My Petra will be a popular choice and according to the trainer his charge Chomba Womba is the yards best chance of a winner at the Festival in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle.

Attention on Saturday turns to the all weather at Lingfield where the highlight is the Winter Derby. Trainer Mark Johnston will have his eye on the valuable prize with Royal Ascot winner Zaham who also finished third in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes.

Last years winner Gentlemans Deal also holds an entry as does Silver Pivotal the mount of Jamie Spencer.

Feature race at Uttoxeter is the John Smith's Midlands Grand National. With £100,000 on offer there will be plenty of stayers competing for the prize including the Caroline Bailey trained Arnold Layne, winner of four staying chases this season.

Other meetings are scheduled for Newcastle, Wetherby and an all weather evening meeting at Kempton where the best bet could be Segal in the final race on the card.

5:30pm Wednesday 12th March 2008

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