MINELLA STUDY has been well-touted for this race over the past few weeks.

The Adam Nicol-trained unbeaten hurdler is certainly a huge threat to the Irish challengers, given his upward profile.

The Study Of Man gelding has gone from strength to strength in those three hurdle starts, with his recent course success excellent form – he beat Winston Junior easily by over six lengths – and that runner has subsequently finished in the places here this week.

MACHO MAN is capable of running into the placings, for a trainer who, like usual, has a plethora of chances.

The son of Ivanhowe may be able to reverse form with the much-shorter-priced Proactif, from their run at Fairyhouse in January.

The rise in distance may help him bridge the gap, and at the bigger price, it offers better value to show considerable improvement on second run for Willie Mullins.

I’m confident of a big run from KARBAU, in what promises to be a hugely informative race, going forward, with a whole host of unexposed types.

The selection could easily prove to be extremely well handicapped, on first outing in this company, for a trainer who excels in this race.

He has run two third-placed finishes in Grade One hurdle company, before an excellent second in a Grade Three, on sole start this season. I believe he is well-treated from an opening mark of 150.

TELLHERTHENAME is certainly one of the numerous each-way players at double-future odds.

The son of Malinas is a relatively unexposed type, who most interestingly is making his stable debut for a notable target trainer. His handicap mark of 133 may be exploitable here, despite being such a hot race.

He was beaten out of sight in Grade One action at Aintree last year, but that was over 2m4f, and he led for a fair way.

The drop in distance is exciting, and I wouldn't be surprised if he attempted to go from the front, which has been advantageous all week.

The Mares’ Chase has been won by those at the front of the market in all five runnings of the race.

I expect DINOBLUE to be able to back up last season’s impressive eight-and-a-half-length victory in this contest.

The J P McManus-owned daughter of Doctor Dino is clear on official ratings, and despite facing a tougher challenge here, can get the job done.

She warmed up for this with a pair of facile odds-on wins, which means she arrives with supreme confidence.

ONLY BY NIGHT is among the place protagonists, for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

She has made a promising start to chasing, with a record of four wins from seven runs.

Her Grade Three success on penultimate outing was a clear personal best, and she brings festival form to the table, having finished an outstanding second in last year’s G1 Arkle Novices’ Chase.

The rise in journey can suit here, as a three-mile point winner, and I’m hopeful of a positive performance.

Paul Nolan trained a horse to finish fifth for us earlier in the week, and I’m sticking with him to provide us with a strong showing.

THEDEVILUNO is 2-3 over hurdles, including a dominant Grade Two win over a slightly further distance at Doncaster. In fact, he is one of only six in this 22-runner event who have won at or beyond this journey.

As an assured stayer already, I think he is one of the more likely winners, with further progress well within reach.

This staying hurdle is often a war of attrition, where many less fancied runners seem to excel.

Of those at longer odds, it is KING’S BUCKS who has caught my eye. The Henry De Bromhead-trained Buck’s Boum gelding is a maiden over hurdles, but his handler has scored in this race with a similar type (Minella Indo).

He has all the hallmarks of a thorough stayer, who has the chance to show improvement over this stamina-sapping trip.

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.

Welsh and Irish Grand National winner – HAITI COULEURS – has developed into a genuine Graded performer, having surged to victory in a Grade Three and Grade Two this term.

He stays forever, and any rain will certainly be to his advantage, as his proven stamina is definitely his most prized asset.

In what may develop into a real battle, I would much rather have my wager on my selection to determinedly fend off his rivals – especially if able to get to the front early.

CON’S ROC has interested me for a while, after his narrow third in a Down Royal Hunters’ Chase at Christmas.

The lightly-raced runner was keeping on strongly that day, behind the reopposing Its On The Line and Willitgoahead (who I also like for the race).

He has scope for improvement, especially raised in trip at this testing circuit. First-time cheekpieces could also spark progress.

The aforementioned WILLITGOAHEAD offers serious each-way value, having finished a fine third in this event last season.

With that top run under his belt, I believe he can replicate it, with more experience under his belt.

The assistance of Harry Swan in the saddle is only positive, and he has the potential to rank higher in this division.

I give WENDROCK a serious chance, despite a pulled-up effort last time.

You can easily strike a line through that run, given it came over three miles on testing ground. The drop to a suitable distance here, coupled with a sounder surface, can see an upturn in form, with this race an obvious target.

His trainer has an outstanding record in this race, too. Carl Millar was aboard when the pair ran on powerfully over this trip, earlier this term, and they scope to go close under optimum conditions. I expect him to be well supported in the market.

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.