All eyes will be on Simonsig as the electric grey gets the chance to live up to his tall reputation in the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old has dominated the ante-post market for the two-mile novice championship ever since he won his two races over fences at Ascot and Kempton by an aggregate margin of 84 lengths inside a week at Christmas time.

Twelve months ago his gifted stablemate Sprinter Sacre burst on the scene by blowing his Arkle rivals away.

Simonsig did his bit in 2012 by winning the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle and it is now his turn to strut his stuff over the bigger obstacles at jump racing's premier event, where he will face just six rivals.

"Simonsig has only had two runs, only six days apart, and he's got to jump around Cheltenham like a pro," said Henderson.

"He'll have to (do it) in an Arkle and there's no complacency in the camp, I can tell you.

"We ummed and ahhed whether to keep him back for the Champion Hurdle this year and not even go chasing, but he's built like a chaser - he's won point-to-points in Ireland.

"He's got a huge amount of speed, we were always going to come back to two miles this year even though he won the Neptune last year. We were always coming back to two miles whether it was over hurdles or fences.

"He has tremendous ability and enthusiasm for racing. It will do him no harm for Overturn to give him a lead - he has wonderful pace.

"We went two and a half last year just to be able to try to drop him in and go to sleep. Now it has gone soft, it is going to slow it down.

"We don't mind soft ground. I do know Donald's (McCain) horse (Overturn) is slightly ground dependent - he loves it very good."

Overturn has been Simonsig's main market rival but the soft ground will not play to his strengths.

Trainer Donald McCain has avoided testing conditions all winter for his admirable nine-year-old. Last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up has won all his three races over fences, but none have come on going as deep as this.

"I'm not thrilled about it. It's a shame as the horse is bouncing," said the Cholmondeley handler. "We'll make the best of it we can, but everybody knows it's not ideal."

Despite his reservations about the ground, McCain has been in no doubt about the qualities of a horse that has done so much for his stable.

"Every time he does something else you forget what he has already done and the number of good races he has won, starting back with the Scottish Champion Hurdle," he said.

"He's a fantastic little horse and he seems to have really taken to fences. When he ran in the Champion Hurdle last year, it was probably the only time when I have seen him shattered. We brought him out the next day and he wanted to go again - that is just him. He just cannot get enough of the job.

"He has been on the go since he was a yearling and we keep expecting him to cry enough at some point, but he just thrives on his job and racing.

"We aren't going to have to change anything with Overturn. His ratings are 112 on the Flat, 166 over hurdles and 165 over fences. A great credit to him.

"I would love Overturn to have his big day jumping. He has this gallop for two miles - he keeps galloping and is just so enthusiastic. Touch wood, the jumping has gone with it. Simonsig has been very impressive, but he hasn't been second in the Champion Hurdle."

Majala will relish the ground as he is already proven on heavy, but his trainer Tom George does not know how his French import will handle Cheltenham's undulations.

The seven-year-old has gone from strength this winter and has won his last three races in the style of a progressive young chaser.

"Everything's spot on with him. He's had a good season, but we know it's going to be difficult," said the Slad handler.

"We're not sure if he's going to act on the undulating course but we'll find out tomorrow. It's as good a place as any to find out and he warrants taking his chance.

"He'll love the ground - the softer the better. It's no worry at all and he couldn't have done any more for us. He's on a roll and he's in good form. It would be great if he could run into the frame."

Arvika Ligeonniere looked a top recruit for the Willie Mullins team when completing a hat-trick over fences with victory over Oscars Well in a Leopardstown Grade One on Boxing Day.

However, he blotted his copybook when falling in the Irish Arkle on the same track in January.

"He's in good form and hopefully if he jumps well, and doesn't make an elementary mistake like he did the last day, he'll run well," said the County Carlow trainer.

"I think the ground being as soft as it is will suit him and if he can bring a chunk of place money, we'll be delighted. We'll leave tactics up to Ruby (Walsh). He'll decide what he wants to do down at the start."

The Irish are also represented by Baily Green, who was third to Arvika Ligeonniere at Leopardstown.

Baily Green's trainer Mouse Morris knows that Simonsig will be an extremely tough opponent, but believes his horse has each-way prospects.

The seven-year-old came through the ranks with seven wins on the spin, completed by three Grade Three wins, before being placed on his last two starts at a higher level.

"The favourite is going to be hard to beat, but we only have three lengths to make up on Willie Mullins' horse, so we'll give it a go," said Morris.

"They'll go a good gallop but our horse is in good shape and we know jumping is his forte. I think he has an each-way chance and if you're not in, you can't win."

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