Under Alan King’s training, Il Duce had managed to finish second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival and fourth last year at the same race. Now I hear that he will be taking a third pop at the race, but this time of course under his new trainer, Renee Robeson.

It seems that Renee is however rather nervous of the opportunity and challenge of bettering what Alan King achieved with him. As we all know, racing at Cheltenham is no easy task.

It was planned that he should race one more time before Saturday, however as the owner wants Il Duce to run at Cheltenham, but this may not happen. Either way the feeling is that the horse is ready to go. Sam Jones, a 3 lb-claiming conditional jockey has been booked by Robeson for the race.

In other racing news, I’ve heard that Gary Moore hopes to repeat Numide’s win in last year’s Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, only this time on the much fancied Harry Tricker.

The gelding is in good form and is putting in excellent performances, even when not winning races. Totesport were seemingly the first to cut the odds of the impressive, progressive gelding, and the rest of the front line bookies soon followed.

Can Harry Tricker live up to top billing, it’ll be an interesting race as I feel the going could be all important for several horses.