FOR PETE'S SAKE GET STUCK IN; Harbour's a safe bet for Mullins.

Byline: TANYA STEVENSON

ALTHOUGH successful four times in its history,the last Irish win in the Paddy Power was Bright Highway in 1980.

Tranquil Sea was one of the best Novice Hurdlers of 2008, beating Fiveforthreein a Punchestown Grade One. The transition hasn't produced the results expected, only two wins from six starts, thrown in against the best, his jumping has let him down with crucial errors at key times. He did show his true worth at Punchestown in May with a trouble free round of jumping only to be in front too soon and picked off on the run in. Strictly on a line of form from the Jewson in March, he has much to make up on Chapoturgeon and Northern Alliance.

Eight of the last eleven winners came from the first three in the betting, and eight of the last 11 winners were seven or younger.

Tarotinohas been improving all the time over fences. Stepped up in class with each run he has passed his examinations. This test, I believe is too tough for him at this stage.

Poquelinneeds good ground to showhis best. Much was expected of Tatenenlast year and because he didn't win everything he ran in, he's been wrongly swept to one side and ignored, I vote him having the best claims of the Nicholls trio.

Chapoturgeonappeared to be Pegasus when he winning at the Festival, but fell at Aintree and his jumping let him down back at Cheltenham in April.

Northern Alliancewon't mind a slog, he won the Kerry National but may find himself too far behind early.

Positive vibes have been emanating from Nigel Twiston-Davies regarding Ballyfitz. Like Northern Alliancehis preferable distance is three miles plus and I'd question whether he could show his form on really soft ground, but there is no denying he thrives at Cheltenham. Seven runs at the course haveproduced two seconds and three wins..

Philip Hobbs last ten runners in the contest, have produced two seconds and four thirds, From Dawn To Duskis an each-way must.

Against all the stats known to man for this race my each-way saver will be on OUR VIC.Heis a horse who has been there, done that and is back to do it all again. He has raced at Cheltenham 12 times, winning three, second three time and third once. No horse aged over nine has finished in the first three since 1992.

Selection is ACCORDING TO PETE(2.35) who may not have covered himself in glory on his last run on the Flat in October, however that would have been to blast away the cobwebs in preparation for this.A revelation over fences last season, he copes with heavy ground and is a stupid price at around 20-1? BARIZAN(12.50) has proved himself as the best juvenile hurdler to date, he's won five of his six hurdle races and can shows his star quality today.

Three miles, three furlongs and twenty-one fences are to be taken on by the runners in Cheltenham's Servo Trophy. Malijimarfinds the hill to the finishing line at Cheltenham notoriously difficult. Twice now he has been picked off by momentous drives from Tony McCoy and connections will be mindful the great man is aboard Don't Push Itthis time round. Chelsea Harbourbypassed an engagement at Clonmel on Thursday to take part in this. He can't have it heavy enough and is very capable in a test of stamina.

Miko de Beauchenewon the 2007 Welsh National, since then he failed to complete on fiveof his next eight starts. He's changed stables to now be trained by Venetia Williams. Russian Triggerhas been rested since his win in the Midlands National in March. I'm rowing in with CHELSEA HARBOUR(1.55), as the rain pours down he will thrive in the conditions.

Campbell Gillies will be hoping to keep the partnership in tact with LIE FORRIT(3.10) after the horrific incident at Aintree on their last start. Time to put things right.

At Punchestown today look out for DUNGUIB (1.15). He won't be a backable price, but that's not the point, he is stepping up the next rung of the ladder to superstardom.

Tomorrow at Punchestown Champion Hurdle favourite HURRICANE FLY(2.50) appears. He'll have to do something special to remain at 3-1 for March after Celestial Halo'simpressive run at Wincanton last Saturday.

Sunday at Cheltenham and 15 mins after Hurricane Fly is the Greatwood Hurdle. Harry Trickerhas halved in price having won at Sandown last Saturday. He gets a five pound penalty which helped squeeze him in to the race.The weight he receives from all his big rivals will prove invaluable.

Medermitwas a neck runner-up to Go Nativeat the Cheltenham Festival. El Dancer was heavily gambled when first arriving on the scene. After he could only muster a sixth, more money was invested on him for his second start at Sandown and he showed his true worth when it was third time lucky.

Issaquahis a super mare but she may not be suited to the undulations of Prestbury Park. Gee Dee Nen ran a strange race at Ascot, Philip Hide took the initiativeand raced clear when the tapes went up,only to be collared with three to jump, he then went to the front again and just lost out on third late on.

Hecould be dangerous. Imake ISSAQUAH(2.20) my selection with Gee Dee Nen my each-way.

The Connaught Chase is a new race created by Cheltenham which has attracted Master Mindedand Well Chief.

He is the first of the marquee names in chasing to appear from Paul Nicholls stable with Kauto Stardue out next week and Denmanreadying himself for the Hennessy on November 28.

For an really outlandish statement, I'm going to put up MAHOGANY BLAZE(1.45) to surprise.

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MALCOLM JEFFERSON: Chance with According To Pete