Two leading Hunters' Chase hopefuls bid to boost their Cheltenham Festival claims this weekend

Its On The Line: could be among what looks a cracking

Its On The Line: could be in the line-up for a cracking open race at Cragmore on SundayCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

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Action on the northern circuit bursts back into life on Saturday afternoon, with Tyrella responsible for kickstarting the region’s spring programme following a nine-week midwinter hibernation since the November 22 fixture at Kirkistown.

The region’s handlers have long had to cope with getting the raw end of the deal from a lopsided autumn calendar, which has become even more pronounced in recent years.

Three of the four autumn fixtures on the northern circuit take place on consecutive Saturdays across the first three weekends of the season.

The lack of opportunities that follows for them was even more pronounced this season, following two failed attempts to stage what could be described as the ‘adopted northern’ fixture at Tattersalls in early December, which can often bridge the gap between Kirkistown and Tyrella.

Among those waiting to have their patience rewarded is Stuart Crawford, who could saddle Carnfunnock in the card’s feature race.

Successful in the race 12 months ago en route to finishing sixth at the Cheltenham Festival, the now nine-year-old filled that same position in a cracking St Stephen’s Day hunter chase at Down Royal.

Staying on strongly from off the pace, the Getaway gelding was beaten only six lengths by Its On The Line.

Panda Boy: was successful last weekendCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

You can certainly tell that Cheltenham is beginning to loom on the horizon for a whole host of connections. The St James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase was referenced as a target for two of last Sunday’s winners, Panda Boy and Wrappedupinmay, while Its On The Line, who has finished second in each of the last three editions of that blue-ribbon prize within the pointing ranks, could feature at Cragmore this Sunday, as he builds up to a potential fourth crack at the big one.

Twelve months ago, the open lightweight at the Limerick venue produced a titanic tussle between Rocky’s Howya and Con’s Roc, who both held Cheltenham aspirations at the time.

That could well be topped this weekend if Its On The Line takes his place in the line-up alongside three open winners from this season in Hunters Yarn, The Great Unknown and King Alex, plus the four-time Grade 1 winner Fakir D’Oudairies and last season’s Troytown Chase winner Stuzzikini.

Open races at this time of year are often packed full of quality and Cragmore certainly looks to have all the ingredients for another heavyweight clash.