RACING CHELTENHAM PREVIEW:THE REJUVENATED Finger Onthe Pulse can emerge victorious in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham today.

Not since Bright Highway in 1980 had an Irish runner struck, but, following Tranquil Sea’s victory last year, Tom Taaffe’s representative can keep up the good work.

Finger Onthe Pulse won the Jewson here back in 2008 but subsequently seemed to lose his way a little before roaring back to form in the Galway Plate in July.

The nine-year-old was sent off at generous odds in the wake of his below-par showings, but Tony McCoy managed to steal the advantage from the front, setting a steady pace before really digging in at the finish.

Taaffe then stepped him up to three miles in the Kerry National, but that trip looked to be beyond him as he finished a creditable third under a hefty burden after again racing prominently.

Finger Onthe Pulse will certainly be fit for this ultra-competitive test after being kept busy during the summer and he has proved his aptitude for the Prestbury Park fences before, which is another major plus.

While Finger Onthe Pulse has not been the most consistent of runners in the past, he is evidently back in good heart and the assistance of McCoy can only strengthen his claims.

Palawi is the choice in the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial after winning his only start to date over obstacles. John Quinn’s runner drew a blank in seven starts on the level but looked a different animal when switching codes at Haydock last month.

While he did not beat much there, his 11-length verdict was impressive and the experience should stand him in good stead for what is a big leap to Grade Two company.

Razor Royale tends to go well fresh and he merits the utmost respect in the Morson Group Handicap Chase.

He won at this meeting last year before going on to Racing Post Chase glory, form which got a significant boost when second-placed Nacarat strolled home in the Charlie Hall a couple of weeks ago.

A rare quality day of racing in Britain tomorrow again sees all eyes on Cheltenham, where Forpadydeplasterer can stamp his authority on the Sinbad Testimonial 2010/2011 Chase.

The Tom Cooper-trained eight-year-old has an incredible career record, and is the proverbial model of consistency – finishing out of the first two just once in 16 starts.

He has found one too good on his last six outings and has actually not won since taking the Arkle Trophy here at the 2009 Festival meeting.

But he plies his trade in the top company and only Big Zeb was too good for him in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March.

Although this race is over two miles, he is to be targeted at Kauto Star and company in the King George at Christmas.

And while he will not be at peak fitness, he has the requisite class and fondness for Cheltenham to get the job done.

Menorah is the headline act in the Greatwood Hurdle, but a chance at an each-way price is taken on the race-fit Astracad, who carries a measure of stable confidence.