Nick Grant of the Press Association gives his thoughts on the horses to follow at the four-day Cheltenham Festival which begins on Tuesday (GMT):
1: SEEDLING (Warren Greatrex) Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
A big run at a working man’s price can be expected from Warren Greatrex’s six-year-old, who is undoubtedly going the right way and impressed at Cheltenham in December.
2: BROTHER BRIAN (Hughie Morrison) Pertemps Final
The apple of trainer Hughie Morrison’s eye, even the handicapper accepted the seven-year-old was one of just two imponderables at the recent Cheltenham weights launch. Kept fresh since his fine third behind Rock On Ruby in the Cleeve and almost certain to appreciate the step up to three miles. One of the bankers of the week.
3: THE NEW ONE (Nigel Twiston-Davies) Stan James Champion Hurdle
Amid the pre-race ballyhoo surrounding Faugheen and Hurricane Fly, the leading contender for the home team has become a forgotten horse. Far too much was made of what was seen as a lacklustre prep at Haydock, but he was well in command at the finish and arrives on the back of five wins. Good ground will improve him again.
4: ROAD TO RICHES (Noel Meade) Cheltenham Gold Cup
On a steep upward curve and has made the transition to the top level in impressive fashion. Best yet came in the Lexus Chase at Christmas, form which has since worked out well. Looks nailed on to come up the hill.
5: MA FILLEULE (Nicky Henderson) Ryanair Chase
Endured a slow start to the campaign, but ran a blinder to finish second in the Ascot Chase behind Balder Succes. The fact she is a relatively fresh horse could see her turn the tables on her Ascot conqueror and that would make her hard to beat.
6: KINGS PALACE (David Pipe) RSA Chase
Five visits to Cheltenham have yielded four wins, with the only blip coming when he fell in the Albert Bartlett last year, and has taken to fences like a natural. Last run was a bit scary, but it was a mess of a race with just two runners and the extra experience will not be lost on him.
7: LIEUTENANT COLONEL (Sandra Hughes) World Hurdle
Makes plenty of appeal for what would be a most poignant success for the daughter of the late Dessie Hughes, whose idea it was to return to hurdling for the remainder of the season. That has proved a wise decision, with wins at Fairyhouse and at Leopardstown on his first try over three miles.
8: VALUE AT RISK (Dan Skelton) Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Skelton has purposely brought him along steadily in two runs short of his optimum trip, winning at Newbury and only just failing in a Grade Two at Cheltenham over an extended two and a half miles. Looks tailor-made for three miles.
9: PAIN AU CHOCOLAT (Alan King) JCB Triumph Hurdle
The way he ploughed through the mud at Sandown suggests he will still be going when plenty have had enough in what is always a helter-skelter affair. Quicker ground is a potential issue, but he is in the right hands.
10: VIBRATO VALTAT (Paul Nicholls) Arkle Trophy
Un De Sceaux is either going to turn this into a procession or he will come unstuck, such is his bold-jumping, free-going ways. In the chance it is the latter, then by far the best proposition is this grey, who has thrived for a breathing operation and going over fences.
