Cheltenham Gold Cup

(Though before we start - a bonus "in praise of.....Fulham 4 Juventus 1" - I swear I felt my dad giggling).

So, this is the day we've been waiting for since this day last year. I've already done in praise of Denman and Kauto Star, and the only problem I can see is that no-one thinks Denman is fit and well. Even his owner (who is a proper professional gambler as opposed to a grubby little grinder like me - he once lost 2 million pounds on the All Blacks) plans on backing Kauto Star.

We'll see. Kauto Star is the best horse I've ever seen. He jumps, travels, quickens, stays. In athletics terms he's like Lasse Viren or Haile Gabreselassie. Early on in his career Ruby crossed the line on him and the look on his face had to be seen to be believed - he could smell and taste the future glories.

Denman on the other hand has put up three of the gutsiest performances I've ever seen. He's quite different, taking the Paula Radcliffe approach - get out in front, and go at such a brutal pace mid-race that the rest can't cope, then try to hang on all the way home.

So, Kauto Star should win, but I'll be cheering Denman, and I've backed Imperial Commander at 14/1. I call this an "Olaf Beyer" bet, which you'll have to google if you don't understand...



.