'I'm really excited about him - it's an open Gold Cup and he has to be a player'

Dan Skelton opened his account at the Cheltenham Festival with Superb Story in the 2016 County Hurdle, and the Midlands trainer goes into this year's event with four under his belt and high hopes of another in the offing.

"I wouldn't have runners at single-figure prices in every race like some of the top trainers, but I can tell you I'm in a better position than I've been in before and looking forward to the week," he says.

"To have real contenders in an Arkle, a Gold Cup, a Champion Chase, a Ryanair Chase and a Mares' Hurdle, as well as a few right up there in the betting for the handicaps, is a good place to find yourself in, and it looks as though we've got a nice spread across the four days.