'Four went on to run in Grade 1s' - five pointers at Cheltenham on Saturday

Racing returns to Cheltenham on Friday but the second day of the Showcase meeting on Saturday looks a quality card and should provide plenty of clues for the rest of the jumps season . . .

Runners and riders at Cheltenham on Saturday

O'Neill aces to the fore

Jonjo O'Neill's two stable stars Cloth Cap and Sky Pirate are in action just over an hour apart at the trainer's local track on Saturday.

The strong-travelling Sky Pirate was a rapid improver throughout last season and ended the campaign with a narrow success in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival. He has been raised another 7lb by the handicapper and it will be interesting to see whether he can continue to progress in the 888Sport Handicap Chase (3.30).

Cloth Cap is seeking a poignant victory (2.20) in the silks of the late Trevor Hemmings, and will be making his first start since pulling-up as 11-2 favourite in the Grand National.

Novice form put to the test

The Tizzard camp had four horses placed in Grade 1 novice races at the festival last season and Oscar Elite, second in the Albert Bartlett, is the first of those to reappear.

He is switched to chasing this season – with the Brown Advisory in March his ultimate target – and he takes on four rivals in the Mick Turner A Lifetime In Racing Novices' Chase (4.40).

Does He Know sets the standard having won a Listed novice chase at Chepstow earlier this month.

Hurdling clash to savour

Zanahiyr was a notable absentee in Saturday's declarations but the Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2.55) remains a warm contest, particularly with Tritonic making his return.

The talented Flat performer took well to juvenile hurdling last season, recording a highly impressive win in the Adonis before finishing fifth in the Triumph.

Tritonic: smart four-year-old returns to CheltenhamCredit: Edward Whitaker

Part-owner Max McNeill has made no secret that he would love a Champion Hurdle type and perhaps Tritonic can fill that brief.

Nigel Twiston-Davies said I Like To Move It reminded him of The New One when he won a bumper in December, and made a smooth switch to hurdling at Worcester last time.

Irish challengers on show

Jordan Gainford rode his first Cheltenham winner in March with success on The Shunter in the Plate and he returns to the track with three rides for Gordon Elliott.

The 3lb claimer could well add to his tally, as hat-trick seeking Tullybeg is one of the favourites in the betting for the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (4.05) while Uncle Henry (1.45) and Definite Plan (2.20) are also in with chances.

Kevin Sexton, who also enjoyed a festival first in 2021, also comes over from Ireland and partners the Peter Fahey-trained Born Patriot.

Race to note

You would be foolish to miss the bumper (5.15), especially given what happened in the race last season.

I Am Maximus, spoken about in glowing terms in Nicky Henderson's recent stable tour, won, beating subsequent Grade 1 winner My Drogo while the next three home all ran at the highest level last season.

This year's field is stacked with potential, particularly with Top Dog who is from the same family as Altior. Bonttay, Dalamoi and Swapped are also interesting runners.

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