Cheltenham Sunday Preview

A competitive looking Conditional Jockeys handicap hurdle and Henry Oliver's Ozzy Thomas is the one we've taken a chance on.

He's back over hurdles after a few moderate attempts over fences and Nathan Brennan takes off 10 from his mark of 118.

He hasn't won over hurdles in over four years but his last win came off a mark of 116 and that was his last rules victory, which was over fences, was off 133. He's technically running off 108 here and could be very well handicapped in an open looking affair.

10 tackle the re arranged Cross Country chase which is just shy of four miles and we've sided with Jamie Snowden's Fact of the Matter to go one better this year.

He was second to Josie's Orders a year ago, when it seemingly looked like he had the race won but for Josie's Orders to battle back and go past him.

He followed that up though by winning over course and distance in the International meeting in December before going onto race at Cheltenham and in the Topham at Aintree.

He loves the course and this isn't as competitive as his last two assignments, and he should be right up there.

Only four runners for this Grade Two Arkle trial that sees Al Dancer and Getaway Trump take on each other again and we fancy the latter to overturn the form from their meeting last month.

Getaway Trump seemingly travelled the stronger that day but seemed to run of steam as Al Dancer eased past him but he'll be much fitter for the run, with most of Paul Nicholls runners seemingly needing it this season.

Al Dancer must also give him 3 pounds due to that victory and on better terms and fitness now assured, we think he can get off the mark over fences.

Again, only four runners for a Grade Two but the Shloer Chase over 2 miles does see three Grade One winners and Defi Du Seuil is the one we like here.

After winning the triumph, nothing went right for Phillip Hobbs horse but he rediscovered his form over fences last season, winning the JLT at Cheltenham.

He dropped back to two miles at Punchestown where he was beaten by the very exciting Chacun Pour Soi of Willie Mullins and that form will be strong enough to land this contest.

15 are declared for one of the weeks highlights, the 2 mile Greatwood Handicap Hurdle and we think Cheltenham specialist Fergal O'Brien can land the prize with Benny's Bridge.

He made a winning return at the October meeting, winning easily over course and distance.

He was also a winner on trials day last year and seemingly loves Cheltenham.

It's as always, a competitive renewal of this race but it seems like he's been targeted especially for it and should put up a bold account.

A tight field of five for this Grade 2 Supreme Novice trial and not a lot splits them in the betting and David Pipe's Eden Du Houx may be overlooked in the market.

He was beaten in his first start over hurdles by Olly Murphy's very highly regarded I K Brunel, who could frank the form on Saturday afternoon.

Before that, he was a listed bumper winner at Ascot in December but was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The form of that bumper is strong, the second and fourth have both won over hurdles this season, the fifth was a bumper winner next time out and the third Glancing Queen, won the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree at the end of last season.

The last race of the November meeting is a 2 mile bumper and we fancy Time Flies By to make it 2 from 2 under rules.

He was a winner at the October meeting, winning on debut, where he travelled very strongly and there should be a lot more to come.

The son of Getaway looks to have a big future ahead for top connections in the form of Nicky Henderson and JP McManus and this seems an ideal opportunity for another win.