'He looked different gravy last time and the form has worked out well'

Slade Steel and Captain Guinness brought Henry de Bromhead's tally to 23 winners at the Cheltenham Festival last season and the Knockeen stable's stars are always cherry ripe for their Cotswolds assignment.

Although Captain Guinness hasn't fired yet this season, he will be a force to be reckoned with if bouncing back to his best as he bids to retain the Champion Chase, a race his trainer has landed four times. The Big Westerner, Sky Lord and Workahead are exciting novices to be sending over, while July Flower is a leading fancy for the Mares' Hurdle.

Of the remainder, De Bromhead holds a strong hand in the Ryanair Chase with three intriguing contenders, including the 2023 winner Envoi Allen. The lightly raced Monty's Star will face Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup and dual Festival winner Bob Olinger could take a crack at the Stayers' Hurdle for the first time.