The first on ITV comes from Newbury, and after such a long period on the flats, Speedo Boy has really stepped up and taken to hurdles with great inspiration, and now goes for the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle against some top-class opposition.
He stayed on well up the Cheltenham hill when scoring in a similar contest over slightly further, and the step back will not be of a concern.
Will surely produce even better on a flatter track at Newbury, and more progression expected.Key chance.
We then cross to Newcastle for their afternoon feature, to watch the star hurdler of his generation.
Dual Champion Hurdler Buveur D'Air is back on the scene - where he reappeared twelve months ago, this time to bid for back-to-back Fighting Fifth Hurdles .
Unbeaten in his last ten starts, he has only ever been beaten once over hurdles, and that was no disgrace when finishing third to Altior in the Supreme Novice back in 2016.
On the hunt for a third Cheltenham Festival success in the Day One feature, and can consolidate his strong claims with a winning return here.
Back to Newbury in time for the Ladbrokes Intermediate Hurdle - a Listed Limited Handicap, also registered As The Gerry Feilden Hurdle, which can be taken by Ben Pauling's Global Citizen.
Pauling sadly had to withdraw Willoughby Court on the Friday card due to the horse being lame, but did strike with a surprise winner in the opener, and can be involved here with this 6yo.
Second to Fidux in a Listed contest at Ascot almost a month ago, surely puts him in the firing line for a crack at this.
Will be in the frame.
The feature race of the day is non-other than the Grade 3 Ladbrokes Trophy, and we have selected the only mare in the field, who is the loveable character known as Ms Parfois.
She has been such a consistent 7yo for Anthony Honeyball, including a handful of fine successes over the autumn and the winter.
She gave everything in defeat to Rathvinden in the four-miler at the Festival when just being denied - so stamina is assured, exactly a month before again just falling short in the Mildmay Novices Chase at Aintree behind Terrefort, who has gone the wrong way since.
Ever so reliable, she can progress even further with every chance here off a feather-weight.
The final race from Newcastle and the final race on ITV, is the Listed BetVictor Rehearsal Handicap Chase, in which Sue Smith can claim a gold medal with Sharp Response.
Cheltenham seemed a bit too got last time, but the Carlisle win before-hand surely stands him in good stead and a good chance of success here.
Lots to prove, but solid each way claims.
Lady Buttons won a Listed contest last time out at Wetherby, but now drops down to a Ladbrokes Handicap Steeple Chase (For The Jim Joel Memorial Trophy) for ITV's final race.
A winner of five of his fifteen hurdle contests, she is good form of late - with two wins from three over fences, and this looks a golden opportunity for another success for Philip Kirby and Adam Nicol.
Major player.
