Invitation Only bids to record a fourth consecutive win for Mullins

1.30 Cheltenham
JLT Novices' Chase (Grade 1) | 2m4f | 5yo+ | ITV/RUK

Willie Mullins has farmed the JLT in recent years, taking the last three runnings with Vautour, Black Hercules and Yorkhill, and his seven-year-old Invitation Only is favourite to make it four years on the bounce in the Thursday opener.

However, on paper that could require a step up on previous efforts, with Invitation Only's most eyecatching performance being a narrow third-placed finish in the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown behind Monalee and Al Boum Photo, who both contested Wednesday's RSA Chase.

Mullins said: "After falling on his debut over fences Invitation Only has progressed with each run, winning twice and running a big race in the Grade 1 Flogas Chase, in which he was a close third last time. We've had this race in mind ever since. The ground will suit and he has plenty in his favour."

Kemboy also represents Mullins, who fancies his second string to outrun his odds.

"Kemboy has less experience but he won on his second chase start and has been working very well," he said. "I was delighted with the way he schooled after racing at Leopardstown on Friday, when he jumped very slickly. He's entitled to be here and I give him a good chance."

Can Finian's Oscar recapture last season's form?

After winning two Grade 1 novice hurdles last season, including the Mersey Novices' Hurdle at the Grand National meeting, Finian's Oscar was regarded as one of the sport's most exciting chasing prospects leading into this campaign.

Things have not exactly gone to script since then, with Finian's Oscar beaten in two Graded-level chases this season and pulled up on his latest start when returned to hurdles for the Cleeve.

He is back over fences again now following a wind operation and with cheekpieces applied for the first time, but can those changes bring about a return to the Finian's Oscar of 12 months ago?

"All the signs are really good with Finian's Oscar," said trainer Colin Tizzard. "He's always made a bit of a noise, so we've done his wind, and he's in much better form now than for his last race.

"Since we've put the cheekpieces on he's been jumping better at home as well – fast and fluent – although the proof of the pudding will be on the racetrack. We can't be anything bar positive really."

Finian's Oscar: has yet to truly sparkle over fencesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Tizzard also runs outsider West Approach and said: "He's been a bit in-and-out all season. We've put headgear on to help him concentrate."

Will Terrefort remain unbeaten in Britain?

After two starts since arriving on these shores from France, Terrefort boasts a perfect two-from-two record, most recently scoring in the Scilly Isles on his first start in Grade 1 company.

Terrefort: bids to maintain a 100 per cent strike-rate in BritainCredit: Dan Abraham

That, like his British debut, was on soft ground, so conditions at Cheltenham – likely to be worsened by further rain overnight – should hold little fear.

"He's only five but loves this ground," said trainer Nicky Henderson. "He's surprised me no end. He came over before Christmas and showed absolutely nothing, yet he won at Huntingdon in January and then won a Grade 1. He goes on soft ground, so we have to give it a go, but if the ground was quicker we wouldn't be running."

What the rest say

Gary Moore, trainer of Benatar
I don't think the ground will be a problem as all ground seems to come alike to him. Hopefully he has a very good chance.

Harry Whittington, trainer of Bigmartre
We'd have preferred better ground, although he's won on heavy at Haydock as a novice. He's battle-hardened, jumps great, always runs his race and is in great form. He keeps surprising me – I thought he'd be 10lb better as a chaser but he's already 17lb better. He has an each-way chance.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Modus
He's done everything right, I just hope it doesn't rain too much running into Thursday. He's in good shape but we'd like the ground a bit better for him.

Noel Meade, trainer of Snow Falcon
I was happy with the way he travelled over. We had the option of a couple of races but thought this was the best. I don't think he was quite at his best at Leopardstown last time and I'd be hoping he'll do himself justice.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Shattered Love
She's in good form and won't mind the ground. That should help her over the trip as she'd probably appreciate further.

Bonus hunter

Benatar would win connections a handsome bonus were he to remain undefeated this season by winning Thursday’s opener.

Benatar: could provide connections with a healthy paydayCredit: Mark Cranham

That’s because he is eligible for the £60,000 SIS Cheltenham Bonus offered by Plumpton to any horse who wins one of five nominated novice chases at the track and is subsequently successful in any chase at the festival.

The bonus is split £50,000 to the owner, £5,000 to the trainer and £5,000 to the yard. Voy Por Ustedes was the last horse to scoop the bonus in 2006.

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