The big betting race of the weekend is the Paul Stewart Iron Spine Gold Cup and a chance is taken Golden Chieftain (2.30) representing the yard of Colin Tizzard.

The stable made a very good start to the campaign and although they have cooled somewhat in recent weeks, the selection must be forgiven his latest effort when looking to need to go left-handed in the Badger Beer at Wincanton.

The selection gets further than the 2m 5f trip, will enjoy the underfoot conditions and carries a low weight which will be a help as the rain continues to pour at Cheltenham.

Walkon is a worthy favourite after his second to Al Ferof in the Paddy Power but there is a feeling he may be best fresh and I'm not convinced he will repeat that effort four weeks later.

Unioniste sneaks into the race at the foot of the weights after the 11th hour defection of Divers following the rainfall and he must be a big danger although as a four-year-old he lacks experience of these big-field handicaps.

Our Father looked a potential star at Cheltenham on his first start over fences at the Open meeting but he is another who I wonder will be able to repeat the feat.

Emma Lavelle has a strong hand and I like the booking of Barry Geraghty for Highland Lodge but preference is for her Court In Motion (12.45) who is still a maiden over fences and so receives weight from the principles.

Coneygree (1.55) looked a dour stayer when scoring over 2m 5f last month and he should take the step up in trip in his stride in the Albert Bartlett' Novices' Hurdle. A lightly-raced half-brother to the Hennessy winner Carruthers he can maintain his upward curve in what should be a most informative event.

The International Hurdle is a fascinating event with three top-class horses in Grandouet, Zarkandar and Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby; the latter may need better ground and in receipt of 4lbs from his rivals Zarkandar (3.05) the Triumph Hurdle winner of 2011 can follow up his recent Wincanton success.

The selection has over six lengths to make up on Rock On Ruby from the latter's win in the Champion Hurdle in the spring but the ground looks sure to be more testing than the Champion would like and he is opposed first time out.

International Hurdle: Cheltenham Saturday: prices from BetVictor;

Zarkandar 5/4; Rock On Ruby 15/8; Grandouet 5/2; 50s Bar

We are sponsoring a number of races at Doncaster including the Grade 2 BetVictor.com Summit Hurdle which can go to Vasco Du Ronceray (2.45) for Nicky Henderson.

The selection swerves a re-match with Paul Nicholls Far West at Cheltenham and receives 3lbs from the Nicholls' contender Sametegal so impressive at Wetherby on debut

Easter Meteor will be very hard to peg back in the 2m 3f handicap Chase for Emma Lavelle but, despite a string of second placed finishes, I favour Midnight Sail (2.10) who jumped very well despite losing out again at Market Rasen last time.