THE Christmas period is expected to clarify the picture as we look ahead to the Cheltenham Festival. Many of the main players were in action. But it offered as many questions as answers.

It looks like we can cross the Mullins duo Djakadam and Yorkhill off the Gold Cup list. The Mullins horses may have performed below par in general but Djakadam’s day has surely gone in regard to playing a part in the Gold Cup. Yorkhill appeared not to stay and is surely off the list for that race.