I can’t resist the 12-1 about this JP McManus horse who looks a smashing chaser for the future at Cheltenham

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL . . . the two words racing folk obsess about.

Even the hardest of men can’t help but get a little weak at the knees when they hear the infamous roar moments before the Supreme kicks off the Festival — it is truly something incredible.

Corbetts Cross ran out at the last in the Albert Bartlett but looks perfect for the TurnersGetty

And the Irish know this feeling better than most.

Every year they put their British counterparts to shame by cramming on those so-called ‘fabulous’ Ryanair flights.

Passion is a wonderful thing and the Irish have that in spades. An hour flight from Dublin to the UK must feel like an eternity, considering there is more leg room in a tin of sardines.

But most feel the sacrifice is worth it and you can’t beat the buzz of those special four days in March which get even better if you have a proper ante-post portfolio.

However the glory can come at a price.

I know I’m not alone in waking up in a cold sweat in a panic for the last few weeks before Cheltenham, anxiously waiting to find out if my big-price ant-post fancy has come down with Festivalitis!

A reputable doctor would diagnose the symptoms as Cheltenham Fever — be warned, it’s very contagious!

A big thank you to Betfair, who have kindly agreed to stake me £50 every week until the Festival.

So I’m ready to bash the bookies and win a few quid for charity. Wish me luck, I am going to need it . . .

ONE TO WATCH

THE nights are getting darker, the heating is on and already costing you a fortune.

So that must mean one thing — the real racing is back! The card at Cheltenham is competitive and BLUEKING D’OROUX (1.50) looks a solid bet and BASHFUL BOY (3.00) is decent each-way value.

FESTIVAL PUNT

CORBETTS CROSS is a smashing chaser for the future.

It sounds like a cliche, but whatever he did over hurdles was always going to be a bonus!

He has the physical scope to reach the top over fences and in time he could be a serious contender for the Gold Cup.

Trainer Emmet Mullins could train a Blackpool donkey to win a race these days and I reckon he has one eye on the Turners at Cheltenham.

So my first Festival punt is £25 each-way on him at 12-1.

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