Racing once in France where he won easily by 6 ½ lengths, MAESTRO CONTI then made the switch to Dan Skelton’s yard, where his performances have dramatically improved.

Currently unbeaten in his three racecourse appearances, the four-year-old won impressively on his UK and stable debut at Kempton, where he made most of the running to cruise to a 9 ½ length victory. An impressive debut, and he proved it was no fluke last time out when winning a competitive Grade 2 over course and distance. He’s a promising addition to the Skelton yard.

Racing keenly throughout the race, Maestro Conti stayed on eye-catchingly well in the latter stages, and although this race asks more of him again, his performances suggest there is a lot more to come.

Handy in bumpers, picking up one win from his four starts, DOCTOR STEINBERG has really kicked on since transitioning to hurdles in October and looks set to continue his unbeaten streak.

Beating the consistent Frankie John on his hurdling debut, who has gone on to win since, he then went on to make all in a Grade 2 at Navan, beating today’s market rival Thedeviluno by a comfortable 4 ¾ lengths. Impressive form on his opening two starts, but taking it a step further and winning a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time out, he’s a front-runner that just keeps on finding.

Beating the reopposing Kazansky by a staggering eight lengths at Leopardstown, he is stepping up in trip today, so may need to rein in his keen going tendencies, but he looks a superstar in the making and will be tough to reel in.

In what appears to be a highly competitive and enthralling G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup, I’m given proven festival winner, GAELIC WARRIOR, a huge chance.

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old won the G1 Arkle Novices’ Chase and has some top three-mile form to his name, since being raised in distance. He won in Grade One company at Aintree and has placed in both staying Grade One events he has competed in this campaign – including a head-bobbing third in the G1 King George VI Chase.

He is joint top-rated in the line-up, and with him coming alive in the spring, I’m banking on a huge effort.

Nicky Henderson may successfully bookend the 2026 Cheltenham festival, courtesy of East India Express, who looks primed for a solid showing.

Admittedly, he is 8lb higher than when last successful, but is a course-and-distance winner who has less to prove than most.

He arrives after an unlucky second at Windsor, aiming to be among the place contenders at fair odds.