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A CRACKING weekend of national hunt action with the Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Cheltenham, 2.20) at the centre of the betting circus at the headquarters of jump racing.

This year’s event is dominated by those at the head of the market and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that we have two potential Festival winners in the line-up in the form of the The Real Whacker (Gold Cup) and Stage Star (Festival Trophy).

I am not so sure that the latter really wants a slog at this trip and to my eyes, much will depend on the state of the ground. The Real Whacker is sure to be at the sharp end throughout and being a big, robust horse, his welter burden shouldn’t prove a problem. Both of these classy animals are probably where they should be in the market place, and I am prepared to let either of them win in favour of an each-way call on the under the radar Willie Mullins-trained charge AUTHORIZED ART.