Champion Four Year Old Hurdle Guide

1. Coko Beach

Trainer - Gordon Elliott

Jockey - Davy Russell

Three starts in Ireland since making his debut (second) in France.

Was ninth at Leopardstown on Boxing Day which did not really get the best out of him, before a better third to Band Of Outlaws at Naas.

Arrived at Cheltenham well handicapped in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and was just denied by the Joseph O'Brien star once again by a couple of lengths.

Away from him now, he has a good opportunity to break his maiden tag in Ireland.

2. Fakir D'oudairies

T - Joseph O'Brien

J - Mark Walsh

Joseph O'Brien made the brave decision to send this 4yo to the Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival, as he was well represented with the ill-fated Sir Erec in the Triumph.

Fakir D'oudairies - who had won stylishly at Prestbury Park earlier in the season which saw him purchased by JP McManus, ran his heart out in the opening race on Tuesday, finishing a good fourth in tough conditions.

Was narrowly beaten by the Triumph winner Pentland Hills at Aintree, and should go close again.

3. Fusil Raffles

T - Nicky Henderson

J - Daryl Jacob

Intriguing contender who was forced to miss the Festival after cutting his leg during his debut win for the yard at Kempton in February.

He quickened away in the style of a very good horse, and it was a shame to see him miss both Aintree and Cheltenham, but repeating his debut performance which he should improve upon, he could be a massive player in this.

Still an unknown and finished first and second in France on his two outings, so should be in the firing line here if fulfilling his potential.

4. Way Back Home

T - Padraig Roche

J - Robbie Power

Failed to land a hat-trick of wins at Fairyhouse when well beaten in a Grade Two juvenile hurdle.

His two previous victories had come in lower company and his maiden, and perhaps he could be the first to rule out here with some of the top players arriving here in the division.

Was third here again behind Gardens Of Babylon in December, and a career best is needed to make the frame.

5. French Made

T - Willie Mullins

J - Paul Townend

The filly French Made - that so, represents Willie Mullins in this small field, and was the horse who beat Gardens Of Babylon and Way Back Home in that Grade Two at Fairyhouse.

He had significantly improved from his 50/1 eighth in the Triumph at Cheltenham, and after winning last time out perhaps he is better than we think he is.

Won on debut for the yard in a maiden at Clonmel in January, so has progressed in a short space of time and more could be on the horizon.

6. Surin

T - Gordon Elliott

J - Jack Kennedy

Gordon Elliott also has the Gigginstown-owned Surin, who has failed to finish outside the top three in four attempts.

Victory at Market Rasen for former boss Mario Hofer saw him make a winning debut and transfer over to the Irish Sea.

Second here to Gardens Of Babylon in the maiden here on New Years Eve, before a good-enough third to Sir Erec at Leopardstown.

Got potential, but improvement must be demonstrated.