Paul Nicholls thrilled with his two Ladbrokes World Hurdle runners

Paul Nicholls is hopeful both his representatives will run well in what looks to be a wide-open Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Zarkandar finished fourth behind More Of That in last year's renewal and will be joined in the line-up by recent Cheltenham winner Saphir Du Rheu.

The champion trainer told At The Races:  "Zarkandar is in really good form. He won the French Champion Hurdle then ran really well at Ascot last time.

"Saphir won the Cleeve, which is always a good trial, and is an improving horse. It's a very open race. We've trained Zarkandar particularly just for this race. We haven't run him all year to keep him fresh and he's in good form.

"I think both horses have got big chances."