Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Handicap Hurdle

One time talented chaser for Keith Reveley, but has been absent from the track since June 2016 when pulled up at Hexham. Presumably has had a problem hence the belated return this campaign, but did win here over hurdles from a 5lb lower mark in April 2016, so isn't totally dismissed if able to replicate that form.

Not won since October 2015, but has been placed on three occasions over fences this winter, posting a particularly pleasing effort when going down by a neck to Festive Affair at Doncaster in November. Reverts to hurdles from a slightly lower mark for the first time since June 2016, but perhaps wouldn't appreciate volumes of rain to fall.

Has hit a rich vein of form, unbeaten this season with a pair of victories since upped in trip at Market Rasen (Boxing Day), and just last week at Catterick. Comfortably on top of Tomkevi (runner up) on the latter occasion, the pair meet again with a 7lb reversal in the weights (for six lengths). Likely to make a bold bid for the hat-trick.

Very well supported in the market at Newcastle on his penultimate start from a reduced hurdles mark in the first time tongue strap when finishing fifth of ten to course specialist Rhymers Stone. Stepped up on that run when going down to Kauto Riko at Catterick last month, and has a chance of reversing placings on amended terms today.

Flat winner for Dianne Sayer in August 2016 from a mark of 65, and is well treated from this mark on his best form over hurdles, but hasn't won in this sphere since June 2014 at Hexham. Given plenty to do last time by Ross Chapman, but whether he'd have troubled all the way winner Ask Paddy is questionable anyway. Any significant rainfall will probably be unhelpful to his chances.