Racing: Cheltenham - Professional punter: SIMON 'DODGER' McCARTNEY

I THINK that LE COUDRAY is a good thing in the Stayers' Hurdle this afternoon. Aidan O'Brien's runner is in a different class to Lady Rebecca, the best of the British-trained hopes and should have no problems in conceding the 5lb weight-for-sex allowance to her.

I've been through the Gold Cup time and time again and, in the end, I've narrowed the race down to two horses, Florida Pearl and DORANS PRIDE.

My selection has impressed me with his form in Ireland this season and I think this could finally be his year.

I can also pass on a good word for See More Business, and I am confident that he will finish in front of Double Thriller, his stable mate.

See More Business had a problem and wasn't firing when disappointing in recent outings, but my information is that he has been flying at home and he will start at a decent price.

Double Thriller, however, looks a short price to me for a horse that had nothing to beat in either of its races this season.

Dodger McCartney was on the mark yesterday with Barton, who landed a gamble from 5-2 to 2-1 favourite in the opening Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle.