Ed Chamberlin joins the panel for a Cheltenham Festival special

Who will profit if the ground is soft at the start of the Cheltenham Festival?

Ed Chamberlin, ITV Racing presenter Saint Calvados in the Racing Post Arkle. He has a pronounced knee action and soft ground would enhance his prospects in what is shaping up to be one of the races of the meeting. If the ground was soft on the Friday, that would suit a strong long-term fancy, Chef Des Obeaux, in the Albert Bartlett. He’s a grinder who loves a slog and a battle.

David Crosse, jockey The one I like if it does come up soft/heavy on the opening day is Summerville Boy of Tom George’s in the Sky Bet Supreme. He’s got a good rating and is a Grade 1 winner on heavy ground at Sandown in the Tolworth, beating Kalashnikov, who then won the Betfair Hurdle. I think that ground brought about some improvement in him and his form is rock solid.

Brian Hughes, jockey I think it will suit Getabird and Kalashnikov in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ and Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle because they’re proven on soft ground already. That’s the key, finding a horse proven on softer going rather than one untested on it. Kalashnikov’s win in the Betfair Hurdle was a particularly good trial.