YOU can bet on virtually anything at the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival, which starts next Tuesday — from how many pints of Guinness will be drunk over the four days to which will be the first cliché uttered by Channel 4 presenter Derek Thompson. But, let's just concentrate on the horses and their pilots. To a fan of racing 'over the sticks' there is nothing quite like it — whether you bet or just enjoy the spectacle. The Totesport Chelt­enham Gold Cup, run over three miles and two furlongs on the Friday — the final day — is inevitably one of the best races on the card. This year, it promises to a classic which may be long remembered by the racing fraternity and spoke of in reverential tones like the Arkle v Mill House clash, Desert Orchid's famous victory in 1989, and Golden Miller's five wins. It is reigning champion Kauto Star against upcoming Denman, both trained at Ditcheat by leading trainer Paul Nicholls. I just can't wait. Kauto gets my vote, but only narrowly. If you go to Prestbury or watch it on TV and want a bet that give you an interest throughout the mouth-watering four days, then plump for who will be champion jockey. Most bookies give odds on this — usually win only. Ruby Walsh will be short-priced favourite because he rides Nicholls's hotpots, but better value may be found with Tom Scudamore or Richard Johnson. Two and a half mile chaser Don't Push It (Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase or Ryanair) looks to have a good chance, Alan King's Franchoek could well win the JCB Triumph Hurdle, and his Prideus might be worth an interest. David Pipe, another Westcountry trainer in form, rates Gaspara highly, and don't write off Jonjo O'Neill's chances of festival winners — they're aimed at this big meeting, and these include Wichita Lineman. If you want to back an outsider in the Totesport Gold Cup, have a bit on Halcon Geralardis after his wonderful weight carrying performance to come second in the Welsh National. Pipe's Osana should go really well in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle. Let's hope for four days of good weather, perfect going that's fair to all, and no casualties — equine or human. LATE NEWS: The weather forecast of rain and high winds may make the going good to soft or even soft. Late tips: Turko in the Ryanair Chase and Gone to Lunch in the Spa Novices' Hurdle (Westcountry pointer with course form). Keith Whitford