Leaving on top of the world

1800: Must be time to go, the Hothouse Flowers are playing in the Centaur. Right. I'm off for a - drum roll please - another rump steak - but not before news from our sponsors Sky Bet

From the trading room Andy Twitchen reports: "Punters have struck back after day 3 on a frustrating day for the bookies.

"A huge public gamble on the David Pipe-trained JUNIOR proved very costly rounding off many a yankee and lucky15. Previously it was great to see BIG BUCKS hold onto his staying crown in a race that didn't end up as costly as expected for us."

1745: Wonderful scenes in the winners enclosure and Rachel is rightly proud of her efforts.

She says: "That's the most exhausting thing I've ever done. The race went well but at the bottom of the hill both horse and jockey began to get a little tired!

"I have so many people to thank for their help along the way, especially JP McManus and those who kindly donated to my Just Giving page. It's been incredible. We're raised over £150,000 between us for a great charity and I've had the most wonderful six weeks. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat."

1720: Henry Cecil has a Cheltenham winner courtesy of Plato, and Rachel and Silent Jo are back safely - fantastic effort from her given six weeks training.

1713: Right onto the press stand to watch this. Just hope all goes well and everyone gets back safely. Well over £100,000 raised for Cancer Research so far by the 12 riders.

1710: Going down and has JP McManus snuck off and backed Silent Jo? He's 8s from 25s. Just hope Rachel hasn't been told the whole of Cheltenham seem to be backing her mount.

1705: Great scenes in the parade ring. The Kingmaker Ed Chamberlin guides Rachel to her connections, via Jilly Cooper. And there to greet her are Jonjo O'Neill, JP McManus and Tony McCoy. She looks ready to me - as does Silent Jo - and the majority of the crowd has stayed behind for this.

1656: There can't have been many races in which the colours of the Niarchos Family, JP McManus and Michael Owen have been carried but they are here. Go on the green and gold.

1655: Can't believe I've had a bet in the charity race. Will donate the winnings to Rachel's Just Giving page if Devil To Pay wins. Damn you Marksman! Silent Jo the one we're watching though.

1645: And mamma used to say, take your time young man. Junior wins - and well. Faasel placed for East Yorkshire too! Great end to the pro stuff - but now all eyes on the St Patrick's Day Derby. Nervous times for Team Wyse.

1630: It seems the bespoke weather forecast is now not predicting much rain for Cheltenham tomorrow as the ground dries out. Paul Nicholls feels it will be "perfect" for Kauto Star and What A Friend but he admits he's getting concerned about Neptune Collonges now.

1620: Good luck to Alan Campbell who says: "Albertas has made it a good day so far, looking forward to Junior winning and bringing home the placepot along with his pals Deal Done and Galant Nuit..."

Junior for me AC and I hope the Pot is scooped.

1610: Sky Bet go 6-4 Big Buck's for next year's World Hurdle - and that race is definitely the plan. He'll run at Aintree next before being finished for the season.

1608: Managed to miss the Byrne Group Plate because of the presser, never would have backed the winner though!

1606: Walsh admits he "wouldn't be at all surprised if either or Kauto Star or Denman wins the Gold Cup".

Of the choice between the two he said: "There wasn't one really. I haven't ridden Denman since last year's Hennessy and I wasn't going to get off Kauto".

1600: Fascinating conference. Nicholls admits that BB will never go chasing now, Walsh says dropping the whip was a "schoolboy error and unacceptable" but both clearly knew they'd achieved something very special.

1536: Right off to the press conference. Full fall-out to follow.

1533: We got the match we wanted despite it being run at no more than a sedate gallop for the first circuit. Three cheers for the winner now.

1532: Huge roar welcomes the winner back to the unsaddling enclosure.

1530: Wonderful, wonderful race. Big Buck's is the winner with Grands Crus second. The runner-up was held up in last and made stealthy headway to chase the champion going to the last. However once again Big Buck's found, and found and found under pressure and halfway up the run-in had cracked his rival. Terrific reception from the crowd including chants of "Ruby, Ruby, Ruby" from the grandstand.

1515: Well team this is going to be fascinating. How will the Grands Crus team play it tactically? I haven't had a bet - just going to watch and savour. Unless I crack and have a little play on Ashkazar. Good luck to all.

1512: Is it a two-horse race? Well the ground is clearly a question mark against both the principals. Mourad and Fiveforthree are potentially interesting but Zaynar seems to have lost his way a little. Ashkazar strikes me as one who could outrun his price with the ground right for him at least.

1508: Big Buck's looks magnificent in the parade ring, he seems to walk with a swagger.

1505: Paul Nicholls not exactly brimming with confidence ahead of Big Buck's bid for a World Hurdle hat-trick, saying: "He doesn't do a great deal at home but looks great in his coat. People keep talking about the ground for Grands Crus but this will be the quickest ground Big Buck's has ever run on too."

1500: "This is the first horse I've won three races at the Cheltenham Festival on. He's a great will-to-win and a joy to ride," AP McCoy says of his second winner of the day.

1458: Trevor Hemmings is here and says of Albertas Run: "I'm so proud of the horse, to come back from his Ascot fall and the King George disappointment. AP said beforehand he was going to win it - so I put it to the test and backed him!"

1457: It's like groundhog day here with Buena Vista and Albertas Run going in for the second successive season. Similar performance too.

1455: "He's been incredible for us and it's a shame that he's finished up as bridesmaid again. He's a Grade One winner but it seems he won't win one around here," Ferdy Murphy says of runner-up Kalahari King.

1452: Got to say I'm thrilled for Jonjo O'Neill - one of the good guys.

1450: Good old Albertas Run wins but what on earth happened with the Ryanair protestor? A guy holding a placard which I couldn't quite read appeared alongside the principals as they powered up the hill.

Ruby Walsh and Paddy Brennan came back down the hill after the race to let him know their thoughts while next on the scene were photographers. When a policeman eventually appeared our man on the track attempted to run for freedom but was felled by a high tackle which would earn a spell in the sin-bin in Super League. Incredible.

1437: I've never really warmed to Poquelin which is why I'm taking him on here. I may be wrong (as you've noticed over the last three days) but he looks an opposable favourite.

1435: Despite the atrocious hand fate has dealt me I'm not a nasty man but I'm close to snapping with the people here who decide to set up base camp on a stairway. It's a pet hate.

1430: John Sandys writes: "Hi Dave, I remember the connections winning the triumph hurdle with upgrade in 1998. A really heart warming sight to see them all (sadly minus Jean broadhurst) celebrating in the winners enclosure, well done Buena Vista. Also knockara beau ran a fantastic race off top weight, not a bad advert for Grands Cruz!!!"

Knockara ran a huge race JS - so pleased for connections that he's had such a good second-half to the season.

1420: Right Gauvain and Albertas Run coming up. Both were in the Pot. Oh the Pot, why did you leave me so early? In an Exacta though and little cheeky singles. Oh yes, little cheekers.

1418: Yet to tip a winner on my Sky Sports News Radio interviews. I'm failing in all media forms right now.

1415: Remarkably the winner was running at the Fez for the seventh time and winning trainer David Pipe says: "He's a wonderful record here and the ground has come right for him for the last two years. It's dried out and he loves good ground."

1413: What a remarkable record Buena Vista has here. He just doesn't know how to run a bad race at the Fez.

1410: Well that didn't go according to plan but Buena Vista defends his title with a wonderful front-running display. Well done to the Pipe team and Placepotters hope you survived. I, sadly, didn't.

1403: Wifi is one of the great inventions of modern times but when it goes wrong you don't half feel frustrated. Struggling to catch up now but a win for Alfie Spinner here and Barafundle and Chartreux placed would be nice.

Oh interesting to see the money for Don't Push It too. Jonjo said he wanted to win a race before Aintree with him...

1350: Bob Davies says: "Dave, if a steak pie served in the Cheltenham press room is billed as home-made, where did it come from? I always insist on seeing a photograph of the maker (if not present) and the home it was made in in such circumstances. You never know who's had a finger in it otherwise."

Marvellous point that BD. I'm onto it now. Digit hygiene is very much a concern for me at all times.

1345: Apologies for the delays - wifi woe - at least the Pot is up (along with the rest of Britain and Ireland!).

1322: Simon In Essex has his bet sorted. He says: "Great festival as always..super yankee on Noble Prince..Sivota..Poquelin..Beautiful Sound (Nap)..Junior...Also E/W Voy por Ustedes & Mostly Bob..How long before the Irish start crowing about Rugby!!!!"

Michael O'Leary was telling all and sundry yesterday that the English would have more winners here this week than the Irish and would win the rugby too. Good job he owns the airline, they wouldn't let him on otherwise.

And now the sunshine, a bottle of water and winning exacta awaits. Good luck team!

1320: Right before I head to the lawn confirmation that Wishfull Thinking is the bet in the first. I can see why people think Robinson Collonges has a real chance against him but the Hobbs horse looked much improved in a tongue tie last time.

He's in the Pot along with Mr Gardner and Loosen My Load. That's the exacta too folks!

1315: Stats fans are walking round in a daze ahead of our opening race, the first running of the Jewson Novices' Chase. The sun has won the battle with clouds and it's glorious here now.

1312: David Howells will be wining and dining here tomorrow. That's my job. He says: "stayed away yesterday bar the sentimental bet for Sizing Europe which has got me back into the game. I'm sure the mood is upbeat on St Patricks Day with the result the Irish got yesterday, hope it continues through till tomorrow as I've blagged a hospitality ticket. I'll review the food accordingly. I seem to be jumping on bandwagons today if theres any room; Noble Prince, Mourad and Junior. With you Mr Ord on Alberta's Run, with Quartz de Thaix and Barafundle thrown in for shiggles."

I don't know what a shiggle is DH but sounds painful. Best of luck with those, especially the ones we agree on.

1310: John Newnes has been concentrating on the Ryanair Chase today. He says: "Managed to scrape a lucky 4th place with fair along on Tuesday,i'll take it, but on to todays racing,and the Ryanair in particular,this J'Y vole looks a stonking bet,travelling like a dream in last years race,she was almost put through the rail on the bend after the 3rd last,after a lot of recovering from that she was bumped again 2 out,surely compensation awaits if shes in the same form today,9.8 on betfair looks value.

"In the 1st the betting is all wrong,Robinson collonges clearly has the beating of Wishful thinking,providing his jumping holds up,with Ruby back onboard,this horse will take all the beating.

"I know Big bucks has won the last 2 runnings of the world hurdle,but he made hard work of it in 2009,prepare yourself for something special from Grands crus."

I was wrong, JN's covered most of the card! One or two shrewdies in here with you on J'Y Vole today JN. But not this hairy-faced one,

1307: Ian From Newcastle says: "FAASEL is all you need today.Enjoy."

Now if I've lost faith in Kalahari King, where do I begin to describe my relationship with Faasel. Huge fan of the word at least, lends itself very well to the East Yorkshire accent.

1305: Great question from Mark 'T-Bomb' Townsend. I'll be smashing into his stag do at the end of next month, Worcester lock up your daughters. Or at least your butchers.

Anyway he writes: "Dave, question. And I think you're going to like it.

"Looking back over all your time at Cheltenham can you name your favourite breakfast, lunch and dinner? And, if time allows, your worst?"

Best: Full cooked breakfast (included black pudding and fried bread) from the Corner Cupboard Winchcombe. Lunch: Homemade steak pie (Cheltenham press room). Dinner: Hereford rump steak (last night at the Exmoor Arms).

Worst: Cheerios (this morning). Fish pie (Cheltenham press room: Thought it was shepherd's and wasn't expecting overpowering taste of salmon). Dinner: A donner-kebab topped pizza (from a now defunct shop close to the St James's Hotel). There's two worlds that should never have been allowed to collide.

1300: Calm down Ian In Birmingham! He says: "Worried , very worried, I can't seem to find a mention of KK anywhere .Am I the only person who has backed him ? What is the racecourse "vibe" please ?"

I think a lot of people have lost a little faith in KK Ian but the ground will be right this afternoon. I just think he'll find one or two too good. He didn't the Ord Placepot perm so make that three too good!

1255: Jonathan Reardon knows me too well and writes: "I give you till 3pm and you will be diving into the crisps and chocolate! I did after a bad day yesterday.

"Bouggler, Kayf Aramis, Mourad, Gauvain and Peplum for me today."

Kettle crisps I trust JR. Must be a quality fried snack for me now.

1252: Great to have Jeff Bevan back with us and he says: "Morning again Dave from Bermuda.... Day three and no easier, I am sure the bookies slept well again last night and looking forward to the slaughter.

"Managed to avoid too much damage yesterday and typically after winning the placepot on day 1, went crashing out after one race yesterday. Cannot believe morning price about Grand Crus, for that reason I am investing. Also like Noble Prince in 1.30, Nolan shrewd trainer, in form and AP will be bursting for that first winner..."

1250: Come on Stephen Miller, man up! He writes: "Couldn't get near a winner yesterday and cried into my Guiness last night. I'm ready for a comeback today - It's time for an English comeback today, what better day to do it? If the Irish are now better at cricket now, why can't we be better at this lark?

"Here's what I'm fiddling with today: 1.30 - Noble Prince, 2.05 - Tarablaze, 2.40 - Poquelin, 3.20 - Big Bucks, 4.00 - Aigle D'or, 5.15 - Plato."

1245: John Lawler writes: "John here from Ireland, I'm sitting in the library trying to study for my finals but all I'm analyzing is Cheltenham. Quick question do you know the reason why Davy Russell has got off Beautiful Sound in 4.00 at the last minuite to let Maguire ride him? Eillot up to his old tricks!?

"Pause and Clause is a cert in the 2nd!"

In the dark over Beautiful Sound and he's just gone in my exacta JL. Weight an issue at 10st 6lb? Nice and positve re Pause And Clause by the way. Now get back to those books.

1240: Danny In Maidstone is a GC man - Crus not Cunningham. He says: "Just got back from the bookies and got 9/2 Grand Cru £100 e/w which means i got the win bet for free!! Kate miller a mug!"

She's not D, she's not. You've got a price you couldn't have envisaged 24 hours ago though.

1232: Perhaps it was starting the day with Cheerios but I've swerved a pie hat-trick for a chicken and rice lunch. I can feel the weight dropping off me as I type.

1215: I've lost JP McManus, he went when I returned to the desk to type the 1210 update. Boss will be furious, I've been given a Blackberry to use when on the move. Stalking is clearly a young man's game. A young skinny man's game.

1210: I feel like David Attenborough and sadly look about the same age. Just sat in the sun on the pres stand and JP McManus came into view heading towards the rails bookmakers. He stopped about 12 feet short of them and hasn't moved since. Seems in a good mood though and looks resplendent for St Patrick's Day. Where he goes, I go.

1205: Andy Hobbs raises a medical question by writing: "Is it possible to have festival fatigue? Studying up last night I lost the will to live and collapsed into bed after only two pints!

"All the form seemed to be melting into one big stream of words and nothing was making sense anymore!

"Thinking of having a quieter day today after two manic ones and get myself ready for tomorrow. Still, I have had nice wagers on Mr Gardner, Albertas Run, Big Buck's and Khachaturian. Hope you have a top day."

No what you mean about the fatigue AH. The Fez does seem more gruelling than our other showcase fixtures. Perhaps we put too much into it? No thought not...

1155: Time for a word from our sponsors Sky Bet and Andy Twitchen's trading room report.

1.30 Jewson Novices Chase
After a Cracking day for the Irish challengers the opening race of the day has a similar theme. Although WISHFULL THINKING is strong as the 10/3 fav our worst results are NOBLE PRINCE 9/2 from 5/1 and LOOSEN MY LOAD 13/2 from 7/1. We are quite keen to keep on the right side of Emma Lavelle's BOUGGLER who will relish the ground and looks overpriced.

2.05 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle - 5 places instead of 4
We laid the pricewise pick TARABLAZE last night and again this morning so our liability is mounting on this son of Kayf Tara (18/1 from 25/1) - his handicap mark looks very reasonable after an aborted chasing campaign and there won't be many who can match his engine. David Pipe won last year's renewal with the returning BUENA VISTA but is also responsible for the current fav CHARTEUX but we are happy to lay the 13/2.

2.40 Ryanair Chase
One of two grade one races on the card and we have a very strong fav in POQUELIN (5/2) who is yet to run a bad race at the track - some firms have been keen to lay Poquelin but the one with us has been the reigning Champion ALBERTAS RUN who is 11/2 from 6/1 - his followers will be hoping AP McCoy can gain his 1st winner.

3.20 World Hurdle
We hope this race turns out to be as good as expected with the clash between BIG BUCKS and the new kid on the block GRANDS CRUS. We have obviously laid plenty of both however there is also good money for the improving MOURAD (8/1 from 9/1) from the Willie Mullins stable and is stronger than stable mate FIVEFORTHREE - some genuinely believe there is one to spoil the party because these bets are not necessarily for each way purposes. Best of The Rest
In the Kim Muir Royal Ascot winner JUNIOR (5/1 from 6/1) is currently our biggest loser of the day after some huge each way bets mainly due to paying 5 places instead of 4, he is another from the Pipe Stable who is on record as saying this is one of his best chances of the week. In the same race we can report interest in the Dessie Hughes trained DEAL DONE who is into 14/1 from 16/1

1140: Ryanair next and not one of you has asked for my each-way tickle that I promised yesterday. Not one. You're having it anyway, Gauvain. He ran a cracker at Ascot last time and the enthusiasm for him at this sort of price at the excellent Ripon Bowls Cup preview evening was infectious!

Albertas Run to finish in front of Poquelin again is another bold Ord prediction.

1125: Pertemps thoughts now. Lots to like. Shortlist included, and several will make the exacta and Placepot perms, Duke Of Lucca, Lush Life, Barafundle, Buena Vista and Rivage d'Or.

However the all important vote went the way of Alfie Spinner who ran a cracker at Sandown last time. I need Nick Williams to have a very good day

1115: Adam Robinson writes: "I think Robinson Collonges is the one to beat in the Jewson, based on that Wincanton run he was giving Wishful Thinking 6lbs and he would have given him a beating to. I will be joining you at Cheltenham tomorrow, cant wait...come on Kauto!!"

Would love it if the Star shone again AR, love it.

1110: Mal Boyle is here at last. The Placepot guru says: "Grands Crus is too big, would have been 11/4 tomorrow if all the anticipated rain arrives. Have you got your brolly ready, or just a large pizza to cover your nimble frame?"

Just a sparse covering of greasy hair to protect me from the elements MB. However if John Kettley's bespoke forecast is correct I'll be in slumberland, or rather trying not to wake Dale Tempest up with my throat-wrench snorts, as it finishes tipping down.

1105: Good luck to Tony Chapple who says: "Noble prince will win the first.. Queiros on better ground and low weight in pertemps at 33s e/w must go well.. Ryanair with stable flying and a grade2 hurdler the ground and stiff track will suit roberto goldback 25-1 e/w get on. In 4-00 quartz de thaix will prove to good for these at 7s e/w."

1100: My former agent Bob Davies writes: "You're unusually tight-lipped about your room-share with Dale Tempest.

"Sounds like a recipe for a night of extreme turbulence, the Tempest versus the rump steak and bitter-fuelled Ord-nado. If I was the proprietor of the establishment in question I'd be checking for cracks in the double-glazing and scorched linen."

My snoring is another potent ingredient to throw into the mix too BD. I'm no-one's ideal room companion. Not even my own.

1050: I can't quite believe it but William Hill have pushed Grands Crus out to 9-2 for the World Hurdle until 11. Simply has to be too big a price.

1040: I'm now prepared to share my thoughts on the opening Jewson Novices' Chase with you. I respect the Irish pair of Noble Prince (now Montjeu is a proven Cheltenham stallion of course) and Loosen My Load. Robinson Collonges is considerably better than he showed the last day but I was very taken by Wishfull Thinking's win with the tongue tie on here in January and he'll do. Oh, he'll do.

1030: Mentioned before that bloodstock_al is worth a Twitter follow and his 140-word submission today reads: "Accordion does well with his chasers at the Festival (7 of his 8 Festival wins have come over fences including 5 in the last 3 years). He has Blazing Tempo, Albertas Run and Cornish Sett running for him today".

1025: Bodily functions are far too readily discussed here. Allan Campbell says: "One more day till we hit the track, (insert word here) myself with excitement now.

"Yesterday was a day of 2nd places, but Sizing Europe did me proud and meant I finished slightly up. Today am going for another 10-1 shot to upset the supposed big two, think Mourad will run a huge race on good ground. Also fancy a Pipe handicap plot double with Chartreux and Junior. Blazing Tempo on the ground and with the girls' allowance must go well in the Jewson. Backed Albertas as 16s and Kalahari King at 9s antepost so happy with that but wouldn't be that keen on either at their current prices..."

Think Albertas will run well AC and interesting that they managed to persuade Trevor Hemmings to run here rather than his first choice of the Gold Cup.

1022: Ian In Birmingham says: "Following my request for your views on the going yesterday re Master Minded , and lack of reply which shows a blatant disregard for your (ex) followers ,it took the mighty Graham Cunningham to dissuade me from backing Master Minded.

"Therefore the surplus is today going on a fearless double on Kalahari King and Big Bucks and am fully confident as Ferdy Murphy is a wily bird when it comes to these races and Big Bucks is unbeatable."

OMG I thought I had told you MM would be taken off his feet on the good ground. GC is more persuasive and talking of him, he's here and ready to chat for his life from 1030. He's up for it.

1020: Matt O'Driscoll is down with the kids and writes: ""I like Big Bucks and cannot lie! " Sang Sir Mix A Lot, and today I'm rather inclined to agree with him, this will be my big bet of the festival.

"Other selections are: Wishfull Thinking, Chartreux, Albertas Run, Aigle D'or, Alderley Rover."

Sir Mix A Lot? I was singing Roger Whittaker's The Last Farewell over by pint of 3X last night. Haunting.

1015: Kevin Painter writes: "No matter how bad the previous day has been I'll still be back for more, that's how much I love this game - or how stupid I am. Just what is the opposite of the Midas touch?

"Anyway, Big Buck's just cannot be opposed at a price anywhere near odds against, but other than that I've gone for a few longer prices in Knockara Beau, J'Y Vole, Edgbriar and Galant Nuit."

Keep the faith KP. I've twice gone through the four-day Fez without a winner and just look at me now! £250 down for the week.

1010: Just bumped into The Marksman and he tells me AP will get us out of trouble in the last. No not McCoy, Alice Plunkett.

If she doesn't win there'll be hell to pay. Alan King has two runners in this year's charity race - King's Troop, who you may remember won at Epsom but earned Ryan Moore a hefty ban in the process, and Devil To Pay.

He was runner-up in this last year under a novice rider and won a novice hurdle here at the November meeting. The dilemma was picking between the two, who should we go for? Kings Troop, ridden by Liz Ampairee who runs her own marketing company and first sat on a horse in 2007 or Channel Four broadcaster A Plunkett and Devil To Pay?

Well Alice rode as an amateur for five years riding winners for Nigel Twiston-Davies and Martin Pipe. She also had a grounding on the point-to-point scene riding ten winners and completed the Grand National course in the Aintree Foxhunters.

Among her other achievements in the saddle she represented Great Britain in the European Under 21 championships and rode at Badminton in 2000 and Burley in 1999.

Alice told our mystery man her mount is a really strong traveller and she's hoping that a few will get run off with to give her a lead as he needs to make his move late and be produced to lead on the line. She's talking a very good game.

Now I bet you weren't expecting a tip in that race...

1000: Matt Taylor says: "I too broke my normal festival habit for a bowl of cereal this morning then went out for a quick cycle. In a whole world of pain now and vowing to knock that sort of behaviour on the head tomorrow.

"Good day for me yesterday, had Sizing Europe at 18s antepost plus my buy of Irish winners on the spreads and ew place for Battle Group helped matters. Oscars Well was difficult to watch with money riding on it but the fact you had the winner makes it easier to stomach!

"Filled my boots with 5/4 about Big Buck's today, great price and think Grands Crus has been overrated. Will also be backing a few at decent prices - Ashkazar without BB, Mr Cracker in the Jewson and Hey Big Spender in Ryanair."

Best of luck with all those MT. Cycling is a brutal form of exercise, even on Wii Fit when if you're honest all you're doing is gently lifting your feet off the carpet.

0955: Daz Ottley writes: "Not such a profitable day yesterday but hoping for a better one today.

"Going for a Big Bucks and Poqelin double and queiros bleu e/w at a nice price in the pertemps final i thnk this has a great chance of a low weight has the right ground too. Also like junior in the kim muir too."

I'm a Junior man too DO. And a DO.

0950: Just done my spot on Sky Sports News Radio and sadly the Tuesday flasher was again the main talking point. I need to leave Wee Willie Winkle behind. P>0935: They're handing out free samples of a new HP Sauce which tastes of Guinness. Apparently it brings a sausage sandwich to life. I always throw in a fried egg to do that job.

0922: Jon Lahive continues to fritter away his kids' inheritance. He says: "Day 1 couple of Exacta's kept the kids inheritance topped up, Day 2 Carlito thanks to the SL tip, nowt else.

Day 3 Looking at AP on Noble Prince & Albertas Run to do the business, and a small ew on Galaxy Rock in the last."

Those poor kids. How little they know.

0920: Dunc Frae Scotland is back - he's up for it this week. He writes: "Morning Dave, Still too get a nice juicy winner but today im optimistic starting with Robinson collanges,ruby will suit this horse. In the Ryanair i see the Racing post taking a chance on Voy pur estedes so i think the race is up for grabs and Hey Big Spender at 33s is big value.This horse gets 3 mile and if hes in the right mood he travels well.Buena vista is good value to repeat last year , although theres plenty of pace.Big Bucks is a Certainty in my view.He grinds it out always over the hurdles."

0915: Harveysridge is expecting a big day for West Witton, where you'll find the magnificent Blue Lion pub. He or she says: "Ferdy Murphy double today. hollo and Nina to follow up in the next."

0910; Ed is literally ahead of the game and says: "I'm 8 hours ahead in a damp, driecht, but always lovely, Nanning, China.

"Day 1 and 2 were a blowout, but Day 3 may change all that. Here's hoping. Not that big on the gee gees anymore but who doesn't love Cheltenham?

"Picks: my nose, then my bottom....TIP: never get them in the wrong order...awful.

"Racing selections: 1.30pm: Loosen my Load : "Arrgghhh....NURSE!!.....sigh.....Thank you" Henry in great form and this one can have shout even if he has failed to do the biz in graded races prior. The fav looks solid but then so did many of the last 2 days! Banker for a place @ 6/4 Paddypower.

"2.05pm: Kayf Aramis : Backed him in the Pretemps in '09...great day!.....an exposed sort, but down in grade and at the prices I'll give him an e/w punt as it has an open look about the race. Also, ....Queiros Bleu from Henry again.....big odds for a well handicapped horse, I think.

"4pm: Quartz de Thaix: (let's have some good old fashioned names again, eh?....c'mon!....I had to pay a intern to type that!) ...luv a duck VennyW looks like she has found a very nice one for this and will be my banker for the day . Venetia Vidi Vici!!

"Have a good day, Dave....and as we say in China...Bye!.......always the same, always the same."

I never knew bye crossed the language barriers Ed. Have a good day and be careful with your picking of horses and other things.

0900: Eight of the Irish-trained horses have a stretch of the legs out on the course - well seven are. The eighth is rolling around, happy as larry by the winning post. I wish I had his attitude to this game.

0855: Barrels of the black stuff are being rolled into position outside. It's going to give me one of my heads - but happy St Patrick's Day to all in Ireland.

0850: First tip of the day courtesy of Darran T, who says: "Good Luck to you today. Taking a chance on Duke of Lucca in 2nd race, fresh horse today, will like ground/trip and on last years Aintree,Punchestown runs, could be the forgotten horse in this."

Yard couldn't be in better nick DT. Very competitive affair though. The Ord shortlist currently stands at 13.

0845: Things are better, well in some departments, for the Paradines. Elizabeth writes: "Dave yet again I have good news! Another positive day on the gambling front! He is in front!!! I have told him to get to the shops and buy me a 'thank you for putting up with my losses' prezzie in the morning before the curse of St Paddy strikes again! :-) he has also managed to acquire a black eye! He has assure me this was from a fall after trying to retrieve a dvd of fez 2009 from his room (above pub) for a man in the pub! The stewards are out! :-)"

Hmm. I'm afraid they are. It's a novel way of getting a black-eye at the Fez. Singing football songs to rival groups as you leave the racecourse is the preferred option of the masses.

0842: Oh the naivety of youth. The catering staff are flooding in and are being given their lunch in a brown paper bag. One chef, well he had a hat on, immediately opened it and tucked into his sandwich. It's a long day ahead of you son. Mind you I'm now of the opinion that Cheerios aren't the breakfast of champions.

0835: Don't forget we switch courses today, out with the Old, in with the New. Going still good, good to soft in places mind you after a dry night. There's moisture in the dank air at the moment and a proper deluge forecast for overnight. Hope it isn't delayed. I've left my large-peak flat cap (not beret) at home in picturesque West Yorkshire.

0830: Good morning and welcome to day three of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival. We're up and at em early today courtesy of an outstanding rump steak at the Exmoor Arms last night. It's given me a reason to go on.

Owing to a breakdown in communications I had to change rooms last night and ended up in with Dale Tempest. Single beds mind you, not Morecambe And Wise.

So what do we think today? Can anyone believe Grands Crus is a top-priced 4-1 this morning? Or that I shunned a full cooked breakfast for Cheerios this morning?

There's something in the air down here, and not just the light drizzle. Get your emails over to daveord55@gmail.com and let battle commence!