Connell has ‘best ever’ squad primed for meeting

Barry Connell believes he will be represented by his "best ever team" at Cheltenham next week, where he expects to have at least six or seven runners spearheaded by Martello Tower.

The 2015 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner has multiple entries but is more than likely to tackle the National Hunt Chase, for which he is a general 14-1 shot.

“Martello Tower had a couple of little issues recently but seems to be back to his best and we took him to Leopardstown on Sunday, where he really pleased us in his work after racing,” said Connell.

“He’s more than likely going to run in the National Hunt Chase and we know he stays up the hill so we're looking forward to a big run from him.”

Connell believes Bakmaj, who finished second to Carter McKay in a Leopardstown bumper at Christmas before winning impressively at that track in January, has all the right qualities for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

He said: “On form there's not much between him and Carter McKay, who is favourite for the race, yet our lad is 20-1.

“I think Bakmaj has everything you need for the Champion Bumper. He has tactical speed, stays well and has a lovely temperament. We will probably run two in the race and Zaheer could join him. He’s a very nice horse in his own right, but Bakmaj is our number one.”

Usuel Smurfer looks another interesting Connell contender, and the Alan Fleming-trained horse is a general 16-1 shot for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

“I'd be surprised if he doesn’t overturn the form with Auvergnat on their Punchestown run last time because Usuel Smurfer loves better ground and should come on plenty for that,” said the owner.

“We expect to have runners in handicaps as well. Velvet Maker goes for the Grand Annual, and we could run Balbir Du Mathan and Tully East as well.

“Our whole season revolves around Cheltenham and we have our best ever team going there in terms of strength in depth.”