Find out the big names declared for Cheltenham's card on Friday

The Martin Keighley-trained Back On The Lash will face eight of the rivals he beat in last month’s cross-country chase as he bids to complete a rare double over course and distance in Friday's Glenfarclas Crystal Cup (3.00) at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old relished his first attempt at the unique cross-country course under Sean Bowen last month to score a narrow victory by a neck from Singing Banjo.

He returns on a 3lb higher mark and will face another strong Irish challenge led by the Philip Rothwell-trained Singing Banjo, with the first eight from last month's contest set to line up again.

Rachael Blackmore once again makes the journey to ride Grand National runner-up Balko Des Flos, whose trainer Henry de Bromhead will also saddle Plan Of Attack. The pair were fifth and fourth respectively last month.

Young British conditional Ben Bromley has his first ride for Gordon Elliott aboard Alpha Des Obeaux, who was eighth last month. Elliott also runs Mortal, while Enda Bolger’s Midnight Maestro looks a major threat.

Cross-country runners and riders

Balko Des Flos Rachael Blackmore
Talkischeap Tom Bellamy
Alpha Des Obeaux Ben Bromley
Back On The Lash Sean Bowen
Midnight Maestro Mark Walsh
Mortal Jody McGarvey
Plan Of Attack Darragh O'Keeffe
Singing Banjo Mr BJ Walsh
Diesel D'Allier Harry Bannister
Blast Of Koeman JJ Slevin
Potters Corner Jack Tudor
Ballyboker Bridge Sean O'Keeffe
Fox Pro Chester Williams
Mr Diablo Luke Dempsey
Call It Magic Adam Wedge
Super Citizen Charlie Deutsch

Santini set for handicap test

Ireland is set to have 11 runners in the cross-country chase but only two others among the total of 73 spread across seven races, which represents the largest number of entries of Cheltenham’s season.

Santini: will be ridden by Harry Skelton for the first timeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Among those increased numbers is 2020 Gold Cup runner-up Santini, who is set to have his first start for trainer Polly Gundry carrying top weight in the Grade 3 Betfair Handicap Chase (2.25). The nine-year-old has not been seen since being pulled up in the Gold Cup in March on what turned out to be his final start for Nicky Henderson.

Gundry has opted to run Santini in handicap company for the first time in a bid to revitalise the four-time Graded winner's career, with Harry Skelton coming in for the ride.

Santini's nine rivals include 40-1 Badger Beer winner Rocco for the Twiston-Davies team and the Paul Nicholls-trained Enrilo, who fell when well fancied in the Ladbrokes Trophy.

Sporting John out for repeat result

Grade 1-winning chaser Sporting John aims to follow up last month’s Listed handicap hurdle win over course and distance for Philip Hobbs and Tom O’Brien in the 3m handicap hurdle (3.35). Onagatheringstorm and Kansas City Chief, who filled the places behind the JP McManus-owned winner, will attempt to reverse the form.

Sporting John (green): faces Onagatheringstorm (black) and Kansas City Chief (11)Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

It could be a good day for McManus as the exciting Hartur D’Oudairies bids to follow up his debut win at Warwick for Dan Skelton in a competitive 2m1f novice hurdle (12.05). He faces an intriguing clash with the Tizzards' Jpr One, who was equally impressive when winning on his debut at Exeter.

The colours of Anne-Marie and Jamie Shepperd have been successful at Cheltenham this season with I Like To Move It and the owners hold another strong chance with Undersupervision in the Tiggys Trust Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (12.40)

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