The calm before the Cheltenham storm and here are the thoughts of our Long Shot tipster.
Taunton
J: Phillip Armson
T: Miss H C Knight
De Vega's Warrior had some fair form at a modest level on the flat and has shown a similar level of form over hurdles this winter. He wasn't beaten far in a couple of handicap hurdles recently and it is probably best to ignore his run last time out at Southwell where he may not have enjoyed ground conditions. The handicapper has given him a real chance today and dropped him down to a mark of 80, only 17lbs higher than his flat rating and considering in his earlier career he reached a mark of 85 on the flat, he could be well handicapped today. The track and drying ground conditions are bound to suit De Vega's Warrior and he should be in the mix at the end of the race. De Vega's Warrior rates a 4 star each way Pick.