More Cheltenham joy for Ireland? We assess their Saturday contenders

Irish-trained horses left their mark again at Cheltenham on Friday, winning two races on the opening day of the November meeting, and they look set to play a major role on Paddy Power Gold Cup day. Here we highlight the main Saturday contenders.

JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (12.35)

There's only one Irish representative in the opener in War Correspondent, who was an eight-race maiden on the Flat. The son of Teofilo made the perfect start to jumping when a half-length winner of a three-year-old hurdle at Punchestown last month.

What do our Spotlight experts say? Maiden on the Flat but with fairly useful form at 1m4f; 7-2 for 11-runner race at Punchestown (2m, good) one month ago on hurdle debut and asserted narrowly on the run-in despite some late lack of fluency with his jumping; needs to improve but that was an encouraging start in this sphere and he's a half-brother to the useful hurdler/chaser Tower Bridge.

Celotex Thermaclass Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase (1.10)

The Irish run four in this contest including Punitive, who was second on his first start for Gordon Elliott at Galway last month. Brave Way seeks a hat-trick for Henry de Bromhead following impressive victories at Limerick and Kilbeggan over the summer, while Malina Girl and Clonguile Way complete the challenge at bigger odds.

One to watch:Brave Way

What do our Spotlight experts say about Brave Way? Justified warm favouritism with pushed-out success in mares' beginners' chase this summer and followed up in Kilbeggan handicap (3m1f, good) a few weeks later; won't mind if there's some lingering juice in the ground here and has plenty of scope for further progress over fences.

From The Horses Mouth Podcast Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (1.45)

Last season's Martin Pipe winner Banbridge makes his second start over fences after winning well at Gowran Park last month. He holds leading claims dropping back in trip and is joined by Sole Pretender, who won twice over the summer but was a well-held third in a weaker contest over course and distance last month.

One to watch:Banbridge

What do our Spotlight experts say about Banbridge? Progressive novice hurdler last season, the highlight his success in the Martin Pipe at this venue (2m4f, good to soft); recorded an easy win over 2m4f at Gowran Park (made all, jumped well) on the switch to chasing; has won at 2m; should have plenty more to offer in this sphere; major player back down in distance.

Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2.20)

There is just one runner for the Irish in the feature race, but is a leading contender for Mouse Morris. He had a solid novice chase campaign last term and made a winning return over hurdles at Thurles last month.

What do our Spotlight experts say? Confirmed his wellbeing with a three-length win returned to hurdles at Thurles (2m7f) last month when back from a layoff; showed useful form over fences in the spring, winning Grade 3 at Thurles (2m2f) then third at Punchestown (2m5f, good to yielding) in a novice handicap that's worked out very well; still open to further improvement; big player.

Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle (2.55)

Again just one chance for the visitors with Zoffanien, who has patchy form but did score impressively at Killarney in the summer. He has been down the field in his last two runs, however, including when well-beaten on the Flat at Gowran last time.

What do our Spotlight experts say? He's been soundly beaten when going beyond 2m3f (three times at 2m4f-3m last season) and his win at Killarney in July was over 2m1f; ran creditably at the 2021 Festival here and had a solid recent run on the Flat, but this trip gives him a big question to answer.

Paddy Power Feel Like A Favourite Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (3.30)

A strong Irish team of five is headed by Unanswered, who has become a very useful dual-purpose performer and followed up his last hurdles win at Punchestown in May with some solid efforts on the Flat, including when winning at Killarney in July.

Elle Perfecta is progressive, with two wins from her last three starts, including at Listowel in September, and claimer Liam McKenna takes off 5lb. Downtown Queen, Wild Hunt and Alvaro complete the Ireland team.

One to watch:Unanswered

What do our Spotlight experts say about Unanswered? Flat bred; none of his five hurdle races were beyond 2m1f, impressive in the end off a lowly mark at Punchestown in May; that followed two Flat wins and he's raised his game in that discipline over 1m6f/2m this season; recent Flat run came after three months off and no surprise if he still has plenty more to give; very interesting upped in trip back into handicap hurdles.

Stirrups Restaurant And Cocktail Bar Evesham Mares' Open National Hunt Flat Race (4.05)

A three-strong team for the last is headed by Williamstowndancer, who has run only once but made a likeable impression when winning at Punchestown last month. Kiss My Lucky Egg is a bumper winner, while Chautuaqua runs for Denis Hogan.

One to watch:Williamstowndancer

What do our Spotlight experts say about Williamstowndancer? Showed a pleasing attitude to get the job done at Punchestown (2m, good; 2-1) and that form looks all the better now with both placed horses successful in the meantime; interesting runner for top Irish yard with Bryony Frost booked.

Saturday previews:

1.45 Cheltenham: Can Pentland Hills buck the trends to win on Cheltenham chase bow?

2.20 Cheltenham: 'He has the right profile for this' - top trainers on the Paddy Power Gold Cup

2.55 Cheltenham: Why this intriguing jockey booking could be key to Lisnagar Oscar bouncing back

3.30 Cheltenham: 'He might lack experience but he's got the ability' - will a future star emerge?

Lingfield: Aidan O'Brien's Bolshoi Ballet bids to bounce back before trip to Hong Kong

Naas: 'The Tingle Creek is the plan' - can Gentleman De Mee make a winning return?

New Upping The Ante star Johnny Dineen joins the Racing Post roster for a weekly Saturday column throughout the jumps season. He'll offer a guide to the weekend action, highlight the key horses and races to watch and share his punting wisdom. Read it every Saturday in the Racing Post or online from 4pm every Friday, exclusively for Members' Club subscribers. Sign up to Members' Club here for more top jumps season insight.