Part of the National Hunt Guide to the 2008/09 Season service from Graham Richards. The full Cheltenham Festival Guide is out now: order your copy today.

COOLFUN GRIMTHORPE CHASE (A HANDICAP CHASE) (CLASS 2)

Likely Going: GOOD - Distance 3m 2f

Apollo Creed: Nigel Twiston-Davies won four races with Apollo Creed between May and July 2008. His best form has come on good or good to firm ground, though in fairness he has only run three times on soft ground. The stable are gradually finding their form after a lean spell. This race represents a step up in class for the horse.

Alderburn: Henry Daly has been bringing this fellow along quietly this season. Following an excellent return to action over the “Brush Hurdles” at Haydock Park, Alderburn ran well behind Niche Market at Ascot. That effort was all the more respectable given he ran too freely in the early stages. Since he won at Kempton Park and Newbury over the 2006/07 season, he has been fighting a losing, if honourable, battle with the handicapper. Third in the race last season, off a 4lb higher mark, he comes into the race in better form this year. With his trainer in good form, he should go close. Long-term, he has the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown Park in April, as his end of season target.

Comply Or Die: Reported by his trainer to be coming back to form, the 2008 Grand National hero will have the blinkers refitted for the first time since Aintree. His record with the blinds on is 2-1-1. At David Pipe’s recent media day, he galloped with enthusiasm, showing all the right signals as the better weather approaches. However, on this occasion, the distance and ground may count against him; one would imagine a place is the best he can achieve given those circumstances.

Gidam Gidam: John Mackie’s representative is a tough staying chaser that lacks a turn of foot. His best run in Class Two Grade came when third to Jass recently; he may find himself short of speed against some of these.

Gungadu: Paul Nicholls charge has been below form this season. Having started the season with a decent run at Ascot behind Roll Along, he has disappointed at Aintree, Ascot, and Sandown Park. Although appearing to prefer going right-handed, this flatter track should suit him, though he is still 4lb higher than his Racing Post win last year. On a positive note, he appeared to be racing with his old enthusiasm at Sandown Park, before taking off a stride too early and parting company with Mr. Skelton.

Idle Talk: Since joining Donald McCain Idle Talk has promised to refind his best form. Nevertheless, the fact remains he is winless since January 2006 and has never won a handicap. Fifth in this race last season, he has a chance of reaching the frame off a 4lb lower mark.

Noir Et Vert: This fellow was sent off a 7/1 shot for the 2008 Scottish Grand National despite being way out of the handicap. Unsurprisingly he was beaten a long way, though he may have found the trip stretching his stamina. His last two runs have caught the eye; he looked sure to be involved at Musselburgh, until he was hampered four from home. He looks to be approaching his best and should go well. Noir Et Vert was fourth in the Kim Muir last season on his seasonal debut off a 5lb higher mark. It should not be forgotten An Accordion won this race before taking the William Hill Handicap Chase at last years Festival. Betfair punters may like to consider taking odds about this chap for Kim Muir, his only entry at the Festival, prior to this run.

Out The Black: Ran well behind Alderburn at Ascot a course he has won over. He has been pleasing his trainer and it maybe significant he comes here instead of a Veteran Chase at Newbury. Good ground should suit him well and he should be thereabouts.

Ungaro: There can be no denying this fellow is well-weighted these days. Unfortunatley, he is none too consistent as we saw at Kempton Park last weekend. It is never a good policy to make continual excuses for beaten horses. Nevertheless, the fact remains three of Ungaro’s four best FSF ratings have come at Doncaster (2-2-2), on good or good to soft ground. This includes the runner-up spot in this race a year ago, off a 6lb higher mark. Reunited with it would come as no surprise if made the frame again though his last win came over two years ago.