'I think he should be favourite, not 7-1' - David Jennings gets stuck into the action at Cheltenham on Friday

What's the big story?

Could we see a Gold Cup dark horse illuminate Cheltenham on Friday? Kim Bailey reckons Chianti Classico has another 8lb or 9lb to go before he becomes a Grade 1 horse but, should he lump top weight to victory against some solid staying chasers, he'll have to be campaigned at the top level from now on. 

How fitting that the event Chianti Classico contests is called the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Coming Soon Handicap Chase (1.50) because sometimes you watch the seven-year-old and wonder if his jockey is playing a computer game and pressing a button every time he arrives at a fence. His jumping is electric and this time Ciaran Gethings is in charge of the controller. 

There wasn't a Gold Cup winner in the race last year but there was a Ryanair winner. Protektorat was third behind Broadway Boy and went on to victory at the festival, so this could be a good pointer for March. 

Kick us off with a winner, who wins the opener at Cheltenham?

That's Nice must be every bit as nice as she looked at Warwick, and a bit more, to take down Wingmen in the British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (12.10). While the latter wasn't overly impressive at Navan on his jumping debut, he won a hot bumper at the Punchestown festival and will more than likely set out to make this a decent test under Sam Ewing. He could take the inexperienced filly out of her comfort zone and might not be caught.

What's the bet of the day?

There's an Irish invasion for the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase (3.00) but this could be one of those rare occasions when a Cheltenham prize doesn't go for export. 

Latenightpass bolted up in this very race last year and has only a 4lb higher mark to defy 12 months on. Don't forget he touched down at the back of the second-last in the Grand National in front and was still upsides at the last before getting tired. 

The Grand Sefton ought to have blown away the cobwebs for this and I think he should be favourite, not 7-1. Don't be surprised if he goes off half that price. 

And, the lay of the day?

Caldwell Potter. The Grade 1-winning grey made a winning start for his new stable at Carlisle, but he got a six out of ten from me. Seven max. 

Maybe there is more to come, but Jango Baie is in receipt of 5lb from him in the 2m4f novices' chase (12.40) and he strikes me as just the type to improve plenty for the switch to chasing. I'd much rather back him at 11-4 than Caldwell Potter at 4-5. 

What's the best piece of advice for Friday?

How about a Super Yankee to small stakes with Wingmen (12.10), Jango Baie (12.40), Willmount (1.15), Latenightpass (3.00) and Might I (3.35), who could still be well handicapped up in trip. 

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