'There could be a big run lurking in this horse - the 40-1 is huge'

What was your best ever Cheltenham Festival win?

That would have to be Indefatigable in the 2020 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. She’d finished second over course and distance in the December beforehand behind Dame De Compagnie, who justified favouritism in Wednesday’s Coral Cup, and I couldn’t believe she was available at 33-1. She came out on the right side of a photo-finish after a power-packed surge under Rex Dingle.

Who’s your strongest fancy at the meeting this year?

I’ve been all over Minella Study for the Triumph since he bolted up in the trial over course and distance at the December meeting. The time and form of that contest look rock-solid and he’d be favourite if handled by one of the bigger trainers in Britain or Ireland.

Who wins the Champion Hurdle?

This is the messiest race going. I can’t have those at the top of the market, especially Brighterdaysahead given her defeats at Cheltenham. It wouldn’t surprise me if Golden Ace won it again, but I still feel we’ve not seen the best of Anzadam. His run in the Irish Champion Hurdle looked more about getting him to settle rather than the result and he wasn’t given a hard time. He’s clearly got an engine and could spring a surprise at 16-1.