Foxtail Hill heads high-class line-up as he bids for follow-up

3.10 Cheltenham
Randox Health Handicap Chase | 2m, 4yo+ | ITV4

There may be just seven runners in the £60,000 Randox Health Handicap Chase but quality prevails over quantity with a stellar line-up spearheaded by last year’s winner Foxtail Hill.

The nine-year-old faces a different challenge this time against only six rivals compared with the 15-strong field that competed last year.

He returns from a six-month layoff and after struggling to challenge for the rest of the season after last year's victory, trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies is optimistic he can return to his previous form.

“He looks to be in great form and should be well suited by the conditions of the race. Having won it last year, we're very hopeful lightning will strike twice,” he said.

Watch the replay of Foxtail Hill's victory here

Duke Of Navan makes his return to Cheltenham after a four-year absence, and following a number of rousing performances last season Nicky Richards is excited to see whether his ten-year-old can make it a winning one.

The trainer said: “He’s in grand fettle and was very consistent last year. He won a nice race at Doncaster and, as with all handicappers, we’re hoping he has his day again this coming winter. This is a good starting point and we’re looking forward to running him.

“It’s the only race that’s really suitable for him now that he’s popped above 140 in the ratings; but we’re not frightened of going to Cheltenham, don’t you worry!”

Duke Of Navan makes his long-awaited return to CheltenhamCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Duke Of Navan had Foxtail Hill in arrears at Doncaster, where the latter was a below-par last of eight, with another of Saturday's rivals - the possible market leader Bigmartre - pipped by a short head.

The Harry Whittington-trained seven-year-old Bigmarte showed plenty to be excited about last season with three wins from five races, and has won each of his first runs of a campaign since joining the Oxfordshire-based Whittington in 2015.

Bigmartre has a big weight of 11st 11lb but Whittington believes everything is looking good for his runner.

He said: “He’s in good form and it’s a nice opportunity for him. The ground will be ideal, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The only horse with more weight to carry than Bigmartre is Vosne Romanee, who represents Richard Newland and has risen 3lb after a close second at Kelso three weeks ago.

Paul Nicholls is two-pronged in the seven-runner field and will be represented by Grade 2 winner Modus and Tommy Silver.

Modus arrives with an impressive three wins from six runs over fences and has posted strong showings at Cheltenham in the past, while Tommy Silver will be trialling cheekpieces as Nicholls looks to spark the six-year-old into form.

Colin Tizzard runs Lillington, who is on a hat-trick after convincing wins at Stratford and Newton Abbot.

Lillington is 1lb out of the handicap and this is a much a tougher test but Tizzard believes his six-year-old is more than capable of holding his own.

“He’s in the form of his life," said Tizzard "This is a massive step up in class but it might be his chance to creep in and win something like this. We’re taking him there for a reason.”

Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news