I think it is extremely interesting (and hopefully significant) that connections and the trainer of SIXMILEBRIDGE send him to this handicap chase, rather than a tilt in graded company. They must surely feel that his handicap chase mark of 150 can be exploited – despite its apparent high rating.

The Fergal O’Brien-trained seven-year-old is unbeaten in three chase starts, including for this column at this venue in December. He has improved considerably in each of those chase outings this season, most notably when landing the G1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown. He also brings a sensational record over this distance – being undefeated – except for being demoted at Cheltenham last January, for a banned substance. I expect him to wear his heart on his sleeve and attempt to make all. On Day 1, we saw those ridden prominently excel, which bodes well for the selection.

MA SHANTOU holds outstanding each-way credentials, following her superb course record. He has won three times from four runs at the track – all coming over this staying distance. His upward trajectory was clearly evident, when a seven-length scorer of the Cleeve Hurdle. Dominant winners of that race have gone on to land this prize – including stablemate Paisley Park and Thistlecrack. The selection is almost guaranteed to run his race and stay on strongly, when it matters most.

BOLD ENDEAVOUR is seriously well handicapped on old form.

The Nicky Henderson-trained runner is a whopping 13lb lower than when fourth in this race two years ago. His form had tailed off completely for his former trainer, but the switch back to Henderson may have turned him around here. A recent pipe opener for this was a good third at Huntingdon, where he showed much more spark about himself.

I’m hoping that a return to Cheltenham can further improve his form, in what is obviously an extremely competitive event.

Show less

DAILY PRESENT is another returning Cheltenham festival winner, having been an impressive scorer of this race last season.

He is 6lb higher this time around, but I don’t believe that is insurmountable, given how he won that race. I also believe that he is another who has been handled well by his trainer this campaign.

I’m sure those two hurdle runs were merely preparation efforts to ensure he arrives in peak condition. The quicker ground will definitely suit, too, and he is reunited with last year’s winning jockey.