I’m excited to see what WENDIGO can do, now upped to an extended three-mile trip over fences. The Grade Two chase winner finished his race off strongly, when 3rd in the G1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas. He was subsequently given an easy race at Ayr, to set himself up nicely for this assignment, and has Cheltenham Festival form to offer. His 5th in last season’s G1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle was a good performance, keeping on well after nearly being brought down two from home. I can envisage him staying on strongly to reach the placings.

STORM HEART is a confident selection for the powerful Willie Mullins stable. The son of Storm The Stars kept top company as a novice hurdler, finishing placed in a Grade One. He has continued his progression this term, with back-to-back hurdle successes, including an easy handicap debut victory last time. He smacks me as a definite Graded horse in a handicap here, and if he is to make into that kind of performer, then he should be able to land this valuable prize, for a team who won this last year.

This isn’t going to be one of the strongest betting races of the week, that is for sure! I admit, it is a good spectacle, though, as the chases embark on three tight circuits of the unique course. FINAL ORDERS is a solid staying chaser, who has speed to be positioned handily throughout. He also brings track form to the race, having won over course-and-distance, earlier in the season. His latest 5th was a fine effort back here, considering the ground was against him. A return to a quicker surface ought to see him involved at the business end of the contest.

Majborough is the obvious horse in this year’s edition of the G1 Champion Chase. Whilst there are those who like to pile into a short-priced favourite – I cannot justify backing him at odds-on.

For all of his star quality, which was clearly evident in a romp in Grade One company last time, he has the capability of getting in far too close to a fence. That was apparent in last year’s G1 Arkle Chase, where he made a bad mistake two from home. I’m happy to take him on at the prices with IL ETAIT TEMPS, who on official ratings, is the most likely danger to the favourite. The five-time Grade One-winning chaser has to shackle a 0-3 record at the Cheltenham festival, but I’m giving him another chance to run a big race.