Oli Bell: New Year's Day Best Bets for Cheltenham and Musselburgh

Goes well fresh so long layoff since his course win in April isn't too much of a concern and no surprise to see the cheekpieces retained. Still open to a bit more improvement around this trip.

Improved on the Flat recently and, if transferring that progress back to the jumps game, he could prove to be really well handicapped from a mark of 128.

Shaped quite well for a long way on his return to hurdling here last time and the former Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle hero looks worth another chance off what is a dangerously low mark.

Seriously progressive novice hurdler last season and his Aintree second to Champ has worked out really well. Lacks a recent run but strong stayer and likely to be fully tuned up on return.