The team look at the live action from ITV Racing on Friday.
Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Chase Series Veterans' Handicap Chase (Class 2) – Cheltenham (1.45)
The two-time course winner Fugitif clearly goes well here and ought to be a forced to be reckoned with in veterans' chases this season. Richad Hobson's ten-year-old, who won't mind if conditions get testing, has the form to go extremely close off a mark of 145 having finished fifth in the Paddy Power and third in the December Gold Cup last season. He also goes well fresh and the booking the Charlie Maggs takes off a further 5lb.
Sun's 'Save Our Bets' Novices' Chase (Listed) – Cheltenham (2.20)
Wade Out was impressive on his chasing bow at Worcester but needs to prove he can handle this step up to an extended three miles on this track. One Big Bang was just about the best of these and might be the one to side with on his chasing debut should things get testing. He ran an excellent race in defeat when third in a Listed handicap hurdle at the Punchestown Festival last season and ought to be well drilled for his first start over fences by James Owen.
Shloer Chase (Grade 2) – Cheltenham (2.55)
Jonbon is clearly the one to beat as he bids for a third Shloer success, but he's not always at his best at this venue and might just need the run as he now hits the age of nine following a wind-op. Liberty Hunter loves it around here, won't mind if the ground become very heavy, and was still travelling well within himself when coming down in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last season. He remains on an upward curve and now could be the time to strike for connections.
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) – Cheltenham (3.30)
John McConnell's recent form is a slight concern, but Heads Up looks like the most solid option on the formbook. He only found one too good in the Champion Bumper here last March and made a seamless transition to the hurdling game when quickening clear to land a Listed prize at Listowel on his seasonal return. Stepping up in trip can unlock further improvement and he might just take some stopping.
