For too long now, this country has been enveloped in economic doom and gloom. One of the constant beacons of brightness, however, has come from racing. Yes, as an industry it too has been badly hit by the downturn with attendances at meetings, numbers of horses in training and prize money all dwindling from where they once were. It must be said, though, that, in recent months, the numbers attending fixtures has begun to rise again which is a very encouraging sign.

For all the negativity there has been swirling in the air, Irish trainers, jockeys and horses have always been able to keep pace with and more often than not better their counterparts. Indeed, ironically, with things on the downward spiral they were in Ireland last year, their representatives in the Cotswolds enjoyed their most bountiful ever visit, amassing 13 victories, including, aptly, taking six out of the seven races on St Patrick’s Day.

And, on Friday (March 2nd) preparations and anticipation for the fantastic four days of racing will be ratcheted up several more gears when a Cheltenham Preview Night in aid of the Arkle Memorial Statue Fund will take place in Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club, with proceedings under starter’s orders at 8.00pm.

A top class panel has been assembled for the event. They include MC Tony O’Hehir, trainer Jim Dreaper – whose father Tom, of course, trained the legendary Arkle – jockeys Andrew Lynch and Robbie Power, Brian Flanagan, Deputy Sports Editor of The Star, PJ Moran of LMFM Sport and Barney Curley. Some of Nick O’Toole’s Arkle memorabilia collection will also be on display and the entry of €20 includes a €5 betting voucher from Bambury Bookmakers.

The Dreaper yard listed with entries over the four days. Cavite Beta, Go All The Way and Harpsy Cord are the horses who could fly the flag for the Greenogue handler in 2012. The latter named steed in particular has been in outstanding form of late. After two promising runs behind the extremely well regarded Rathlin and Soll, Ann and Alan Potts’ gelding got his head in front when showing admirable resilience to score at Gowran Park last month.

Judging by Jim Dreaper’s comments post race, there could be more to come from the son of Accordion. He said: ‘The trip was tight enough for him as he wants three miles ideally. Andrew (Lynch, jockey) said the ground was tacky enough for him, but he handled it’. In other words, upped in trip and on a sounder surface this lad is well worth keeping an eye on.

Other than Jim, other Meath handlers like Noel Meade and Tony Martin also have a big list of horses entered for the Festival. Without knowledge of confirmed running plans, it’s hard to fancy anything particularly strongly. That said, Meade’s Monksland and Corbally Ghost as well as Beneficient and Edeymi from the Martin establishment could make their presence felt if lining up.

The Meath and wider Irish interest won’t end there though, not by a long shot. With Andrew Lynch riding all the Potts horses – including Sizing Europe – and Barry Geraghty having first call on all Nicky Henderson’s horses and Robbie Power having likewise for anything Summerhill native Jessica Harrington will send.

Hardly surprisingly, Willie Mullins will send by far the biggest battalion from Ireland. Such will be the amount of runners the master of Closutton is likely to field, putting some of them in a bet could be a tricky job because none of them warrant omission. If forced to, however – though it might not seem original – I would suggest that Hurricane Fly, Quevega, Sir Des Champs (all previous Festival winners) and Champagne Fever might go closest.

Of course, the ‘home’ team challenge will be led by Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. I cannot see Big Bucks (Nicholls) or Sprinter Sacre (Henderson) being beaten. I also feel Kauto Star will relieve Long Run of his Gold Cup. Aside from that, when top Flat trainer Dermot Weld sends out stock over jumps it must be noted. Natural High and Galileo’s Choice are top performers in their own right, but Hissabaat probably holds the best chance of scoring for Rosewell House. Any optimism surrounding him must be tempered by the fact that he goes in the notoriously trappy Triumph Hurdle.

So, to sum up, the best four days of sport for the entire year is nearly upon us! Cheltenham exploits have lifted the spirits of the nation before and can do so again. They will certainly lift mine!

Cheltenham is no easy place to back winners, but read/punters could do a lot worse than speculate a few euros on the following:

Lucky 15 A with: Hurricane Fly, Big Bucks, Quevega, Champagne Fever.
Lucky 15 B with: Kauto Star, Sprinter Sacre, Scotsirish, Sizing Europe.
Each way options: Monksland, Garde Champetre, Harpsy Cord, Hissabaat.

Happy Punting!

The Guvnor...

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