Four horses who should relish the heavy ground at Cheltenham on Wednesday

The rain has arrived at Cheltenham and the going has been eased to heavy. Finding horses with form in testing ground will be essential and these four horses should relish the conditions on Wednesday.

Rain at Cheltenham changes festival going – but how much is expected?

Funambule Sivola
3.30 Cheltenham

The Champion Chase is likely to be run at a frantic gallop, regardless of the going change, and if the principals start to run out of petrol late on Funambule Sivola could be the one to take advantage.

The Venetia Williams-trained seven-year-old does not have too much to find on ratings and his form over further will certainly be an advantage with the inclement weather in mind. His tactical versatility is another positive and it is not hard to see him running a big race.

Diesel D'Allier
4.10 Cheltenham

A course-and-distance specialist, Diesel D'Allier is a live each-way contender for the Cross Country and the incoming rain will only enhance his claims for Richard Bandey.

When previously trained in France by Emmanuel Clayeux the vast majority of his runs came on softer ground, and five of his six wins have come with that going description or worse. He does have a bit to find on these terms but everything looks right for a big run.

Andy Dufresne
4.50 Cheltenham

Favourite backers in the Grand Annual will be rejoicing about the going change as Andy Dufresne is more than capable on a slower surface.

Andy Dufresne: leading fancy for the Grand AnnualCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Highly regarded throughout his career, he has run just once this season, finishing a good second to Captain Guinness at Naas. He now drops back into a handicap off a workable rating of 155 and his record on softer ground or worse under rules reads 1321113.

5.30 Cheltenham

Gary Moore asked for rain to help the chances of Authorised Speed and mother nature has answered his prayers.

"If he got soft ground I think he'd have a reasonable chance," said Moore, and his son of Authorized has plenty of experience to call upon. At 66-1, he certainly has an each-way chance, and that price could disappear throughout the afternoon.

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