One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Trainer

Gordon Elliott has sent a formidable team to the Showcase meeting at Cheltenham and has a host of runners on Saturday, with plenty holding leading chances.

His star attraction is last season's Triumph Hurdle third Pied Piper, who renews rivalry with Knight Salute in the Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2.40) having been controversially demoted to second following a dead-heat with him in a Grade 1 at Aintree.

The Moon Sea's Me will bid to maintain her unbeaten record in the opening 3m novice hurdle (1.30), while Chemical Energy finished eighth at the Festival earlier this year and contests the 3m½f novice chase (4.25).

Elliott is also doubly represented in the Pertemps Final qualifier (3.50) with Salvador Ziggy and Lieutenant Highway. It will be a shock if he doesn't come away with a winner on the card.

Jockey

Paddy Brennan has been in red-hot form over the last two weeks. He is operating at a staggering strike-rate of 46 per cent and has some live chances to keep that fine run going at Cheltenham.

He teams up with his regular mount and Grade 1 winner Knight Salute on his comeback run in the Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2.40), but he disappointed on his last start at the track when well-held in the Triumph Hurdle.

Easy Worcester winner No No Maestro cannot be discounted in the opening novice hurdle (1.30), while Silver Sheen (3.50) and Market Rasen winner School Days Over (5.00) complete Brennan's chances.

Horse

The jumps season may be getting into full swing, but Saturday could unearth a leading contender for next year's Classics in Auguste Rodin, who is likely to be the red-hot favourite for the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster (3.35).

The son of Japanese great Deep Impact got off the mark at Naas in July, but took his form to another level when an impressive winner of a Group 2 on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown last month.

That performance saw him become the general 8-1 favourite for next year's Derby, and those odds will most likely shorten should he put up an impressive performance on Town Moor.

Race

The Vertem Futurity Trophy (3.35) is Britain's final Group 1 of the Flat season and has great influence on next year's Classics, and this year's running could unearth yet another star.

Five winners in the last ten years have gone on to win a Classic, while last year's hero Luxembourg went on to land the Irish Champion Stakes, and red-hot favourite Auguste Rodin is already a leading contender for both the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby.

However, it is by no means a gimme, with Autumn Stakes second Epictetus leading his rivals and the pick of the John and Thady Gosden yard.

Shock Chesham Stakes winner Holloway Boy and impressive maiden scorer King Of Steel also provide stern opposition in one final treat as the Flat season draws to its conclusion.

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