Less than seven weeks to go and it's time to take the Cheltenham punting seriously (which sadly means avoiding the pub)
There is now no getting away from it. There are less than seven weeks to go before you know what and even the most die-hard of Flat fans must at least be thinking about who to back in the Pertemps Final or the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Things are only going to ramp up even more in the coming weeks. The hype for some horses will reach hysterical levels and before you know it you'll have been sucked into backing something you had never even heard of only a month ago.
To avoid such a scenario and to help keep your feet firmly on the ground, I offer this alternative checklist, from someone who's seen (and heard) it all before, to keep you focused and help you save time in your form study.
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- Never mind the price of the beer - kids go racing for nothing and that's worth a lot
- Bank holidays are in sad decline - why not let unloved Brigadier Gerard march to the rescue
- Is there a cure for the Derby? A dose of Epsom salts might get it moving again
- British Flat raiders restore a little sporting pride. It may be far-fetched, but can our jumpers do the same?
- 40 years on: memories of an era when winning at Epsom made a horse too valuable to race on