CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL: eve-of-meeting preview and tips update

File photo dated 05/04/2013 of Sprinter Sacre ridden by Barry Geraghty. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday February 23, 2014. Sprinter Sacre will not defend his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown at Cheltenham next month, trainer Nicky Henderson has announced. See PA story RACING Sacre. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire

Now that running plans are almost finalised, I can pass on some last-minute updates to supplement my day-day, race-by-race previews and tips, posted at the end of last week. All original comments and tips stand, unless stated below.

DAY ONE (TUESDAY)

1.30 GARDE LA VICTOIRE is a surprise contender in the opener, rather than the County Hurdle on Friday. He has plenty to find, but is no mug.

2.40 Tony Martin’s Irish raider SRAID PADRAIG does not run. He has been switched to the 2m4f handicap chase on Thursday. Similarly, BUDDY BOLERO is also a non-runner and is likely to be diverted to the Kim Muir on Thursday. If you need an each/way substitute, have a look at MULDOON’S PICNIC at tasty odds.

Jockey Barry Geraghty celebrates after winning the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on Bobs Worth during the Cheltenham Gold Cup Day on Day Four of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 15, 2013. See PA story RACING Cheltenham. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire

4.00 After a disappointing performance at Sandown on Saturday, SWING BOWLER does not run in the Mares’ Hurdle.

4.40 TOUCH THE EDEN is a non-runner. ROGUE ANGEL enters the equation as a live outsider.

5.15 Nicky Henderson’s novice ERICHT turns up in this novice handicap chase instead of a race later in the week for which I’ve tipped him. Take the hint and include him, instead of ATTAGLANCE, as one of the Next Best Bets. Ericht won’t be far away, despite top weight. FESTIVE AFFAIR also has an each/way squeak for Jonjo O’Neill.

DAY TWO (WEDNESDAY)

Big Bucks ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies jumps the last ahead of eventual winner Knockara Beau ridden by Jan Faltejsek (right) in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday January 25, 2014. See PA story RACING Cheltenham. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire.

1.30 UN TEMPS POUR TOUT is lame and unlikely to run. I am now strong on ROYAL BOY, who becomes the Main Bet. RED SHERLOCK is now the main David Pipe contender, while LIEUTENANT COLONEL looks good each/way value.