1.20pm Cheltenham

Fantasy World

He clearly hasn’t translated his impressive Flat form to hurdles yet, but there was a lot more promise in his third in the Adonis at Kempton last time. He was ground-versatile on the level, so the rain that was forecast Thursday into Friday isn’t a concern, and this track could suit given he stayed so well on the Flat. Of course, he needs to step up considerably on his hurdles form to date to even be competitive here but stranger things have happened. And hopefully the first-time cheekpieces will help, too.

2pm Cheltenham

Joyeuse

She was hugely impressive when winning the old Betfair Hurdle last season and she went on to finish a good sixth in the Mares’ Hurdle afterwards but it is fair to say things haven’t gone smoothly since and that has included a spell chasing, But she didn’t run badly despite finishing last of four at Ascot last time, making a mistake at the last at a crucial time, and she is down to a mark of 135 now, having been 142 after that good run here last season. She certainly has her chance, but this is clearly hugely competitive. We try her in first-time cheekpieces.

4pm Cheltenham

Jango Baie

I am excited by the prospect of riding him here. Of course, it is a hugely competitive race, with no stand-out performer, but I’d like to think he has as good a chance as any. A winner of the Arkle last season, he has really blossomed since stepping up in trip this season, winning really well over 2m5f at Ascot and then finishing a close fourth in the King George last time. I don’t think we saw the best of him at Kempton and a more strongly-run race over 3m2f+ on a track on which we know he operates well promises to see him step forward again.

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