Expert insight into unique Cheltenham Festival test from those who know

It ain't over 'til it's over, or at least until the fat lady sings; jumping, they say, is the name of the game and the fences are there to be jumped. (And so, for that matter, are the hurdles – just ask anyone who backed Annie Power a couple of years ago).

Choose your own cliché, but if decades of Cheltenham Festivals have taught us one thing it is that the obstacles can take their toll. It has always been that way: from the sepia-tinted days of 1970s Gold Cups, High Ken bringing down Pendil and Tied Cottage's final-fence disaster when upsides Alverton, to Latalomne's dual departure in the Champion Chase, Kauto Star and Cue Card.

Richard Johnson with Looks Like Trouble after winning the 2000 Gold Cup. 'Cheltenham fences are very well made and very well presented'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

However, talk to those involved at the sharp end and they'll probably tell you the same thing: in themselves, Cheltenham's fences are no more difficult than those anywhere else; it is the level of competition that transforms them into a much sterner test.