'I wouldn't put anyone off the 33-1 for Cheltenham - that's a tasty price'

You better not have had too many pints on Friday night as you will need a clear head for the early start on Saturday. My best bet of the entire weekend runs in the middle of the night – or 11.35am in the language clocks speak – at Fairyhouse. First up, best dressed.

The Jim Ryan Services Beginners Chase is a fascinating affair but, realistically, there are only three horses who can win it – Minella Crooner, Highland Charge and I Am Maximus – and I am very much in the camp of the last-named.

I Am Maximus was a smart horse when trained by Nicky Henderson and is confidently recommended to make a winning start for his new trainer Willie Mullins on his chase debut. He looks every inch a chaser and this lightly raced son of Authorized is fancied to take care of Minella Crooner, who sports first-time cheekpieces after disappointingly losing out to Darrens Hope at Punchestown. I Am Maximus should take care of him.