As you know, I’m of a mind that stats are everything when it comes to predicting future winners and over the last few years we have seen this proven right time after time. Cheltenham is no different to anywhere else. In fact, I’d suggest that when it comes to predicting the winners of Championship races, they are more vital than any form book.

If you fancy debating this, feel free to put your gloves on, on the forum!

Tony McCoy will have to wait until Friday morning before he learns if he has the all-clear from the British Horseracing Authority to ride at the Cheltenham Festival. The 12-times champion received a positive verdict on his recovery from a back injury from his own surgeon last week, but must undergo an independent assessment at the request of BHA chief medical officer, Dr Michael Turner.

Derby winner Authorized has been bought by Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stud operation as a future stallion.  The horse has been leased back to the current owners with the intention of targeting the Coral-Eclipse Stakes on July 7th.  He will continue to be trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam and managed for the owners by Tony Nerses.

Kerrin McEvoy was in sparkling form at Sandown tonight, notching a near 2,817-1 treble.
The Australian rider got off the mark with  Bertoliver (16-1) in the Sterling Solutions Handicap before following up on Pintle (50-1) in the IG Index Mile Handicap.
Greek Well (9-4 favourite), completed McEvoy’s hat-trick when finally getting off the mark at the sixth attempt in the IG Index Handicap.