After decent write ups for two winners on day one of the December meeting, concentration turns to Saturday’s big two races.

The 2m 5f Boylesports.com Gold Cup takes centre stage as the main betting heat of the day at 2.30pm. Imperial Commander looks to follow up his win here last month in the Paddy Power. The market leader is a 15/8 chance with totesport and still looks in at the weights to make it a memorable double for the Twiston-Davies stable.

Elsewhere, claims can be made for 16/1 chance Three Mirrors, who was giving weight to the winner when finishing fifth in the Paddy Power and goes off the same mark here this time.

Depending on the state of the weather, My Petra’s an interesting runner from the in-form Nicky Henderson stable. Two good wins including an eye catching reappearance over fences last time out at Ascot has seen the five your old earn a hike in the weights but could still be well in here. The biggest concern is over the going and as the rain comes the odds are currently on the drift, currently available at 14/1 with totesport.

The 3.05pm 2m 1f Boylesports.com International hurdle looks to be an entriguing Champion Hurdle trial with current ante post favourite in March Binocular, a 7/4 shot here. The Henderson trained bullet has shown imperious form since it’s defeat in the Supreme Novices at last years festival to Captain Cee Bee. Wins at Aintree and an impressive if unchallenged victory last time out at Haydock have seen the four year old’s price cut for this one and a win here will surely shorten his Champion Hurdle odds also.

Elsewhere, trio Crack Away Jack (4/1), Chomba Womba (11/2) and Katchit (4/1) will all be looking to capitalise on any weakness from the market leader. Katchit has shown little form so far this season but Saturday’s race will give us a better idea of his long term chances of defending his Champion Hurdle title in March.

I can’t let this piece go without a little mention of an old favourite and former winner of this race Harchibald. The Noel Meade trained 9 year old has struggled since winning the Fighting Fifth just over a year ago and the odds available of 28/1 could single the end of any serious Champion Hurdle aspirations.

For all your horse racing betting at Cheltenham, bet with totesport.