Verdict

Glencoyle created a favourable impression on his Kempton debut and can master the penalised Fontanesi, with Uncle Max and Precious Mystery worth a mention. Glencoyle jumped well and only succumbed to the strong finish of Late Claim after the final flight at Kempton, and as Nicky Henderson's inmates tend to come on for the run, he should be ready to go one better now. He will be helped by a strong pace, and can also make the most of the weight that he receives from the penalised Fontanesi. The latter, formerly a winner for Aidan O'Brien on the Flat, looked the part on his hurdles debut at Taunton and is entered for all the novice events at Cheltenham. He will need to be at his best to defy a penalty though and is reluctantly passed over in favour of Glencoyle. Uncle Max has a lot more experience than the two mentioned but not as much scope on the evidence so far, while Precious Mystery gives Alan King another string to his juvenile bow but is not in the same league as stablemates Trouble At Bay or Howle Hill. Gowran maiden winner Zarakash could be anything, having joined Jonjo O'Neill from John Oxx, and the former Aga Khan-owned gelding, now racing in the J P McManus colours, should be noted if the market speaks in his favour. If not, then Glencoyle has an even stronger case and can prove to be the answer in an interesting affair.