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

Trainer

Gary Moore may not field the most runners on an action-packed Saturday but the horses he is sending out are certainly worth keeping an eye on. 

Three runners head to Cheltenham for its bumper nine-race card and Moore could be in line to land the first with Jupiter Du Gite. The four-year-old made a mark when storming to a surprise success on his British debut at Newbury last month, leaving Moore "shellshocked" after the 66-1 victory. 

He makes his first start since in a significant step up in class in the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (11.40), where he faces Cheltenham Festival hopefuls Scriptwriter, Comfort Zone and Dixon Cove. Jupiter Du Gite also holds an entry for March's Triumph Hurdle, so Saturday's test should have major pointers for the spring. 

Moore also bids for success in the Albert Bartlett Clarence House Chase (1.20) with Editeur Du Gite, who was supplemented for the Grade 2 contest following the rescheduling of the race from last week. The Desert Orchid Chase winner reopposes with Edwardstone to take on Champion Chaser Energumene. 

Editeur Du Gite: runs in the Clarence House Chase for Gary MooreCredit: Edward Whitaker

Botox Has will aim to get back to winning ways as he returns to staying company in the Dahlbury Stallions At Chapel Stud Cleeve Hurdle (3.00). A step back up to three miles could prove ideal for the Grade 2 winner, who won over a similar trip in November but was last seen finishing seventh in the Relkeel Hurdle.

Horse

There are few horses currently in jump racing as admired as Paisley Park, and the stalwart stayer returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs in a bid for a fourth consecutive success in the Cleeve Hurdle. 

The 11-year-old pulled off a remarkable victory in the race last year after he played up at the start and lost several lengths, only to rally strongly to score in gusty fashion from Champ. He went down fighting in the Stayers' Hurdle next, a race he won in 2019, but proved he was far from done with a resounding success over Christmas in the Long Walk Hurdle. 

With a strong will to win and a quirky disposition, Emma Lavelle's stable star is always a welcome sight on the racecourse and could shape well for a return to the festival should everything go well on Saturday. There wouldn't be a more popular winner on the day. 

Jockey 

Harry Skelton heads to Cheltenham for six rides and his main hope is Protektorat, who leads the market for the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase (2.25). Trained by his brother Dan, Protektorat was the highest-placed British-trained runner in last season's Gold Cup and will use this race as a prep for the big one in March.

The eight-year-old gave Skelton his first Grade 1 of the season in November's Betfair Chase and he could be primed to deliver the jockey another major victory back at Cheltenham. 

Protektorat: leading hope on Saturday for Harry SkeltonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Progressive novice hurdler Pembroke seeks to make a winning step up to Graded company in the  Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (3.35) having scored the last twice under Skelton. The jockey could also strike with Unexpected Party (12.10), who was pulled up in the Coral Cup last season but has hit the frame in strong races three times this season. 

Spiritofthegames (1.50), Molly Ollys Wishes (3.00) and Pikar (4.10) complete a strong hand for Skelton as he looks to enhance his seasonal strike-rate of 24 per cent. 

Race

We had to wait an extra week but the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Clarence House Chase (1.20) has finally arrived following the cancellation of Ascot's card last Saturday. 

The 2m½f contest is now staged at Cheltenham and is the sole top-level contest of the day. The rescheduling has also allowed for more runners to emerge, with the field now doubled in size to six. Among them is last year's valiant runner-up Energumene, who went down fighting to Shishkin in one of the best races of last season. He faces Arkle star Edwardstone this time, who was a stunning winner of the Tingle Creek in December before unseating in the Desert Orchid Chase. 

The winner that day Editeur Du Gite returns for more alongside the progressive Amarillo Sky. Funambule Sivola and Sizing Pottsie also take their chance in a race sure to have significant implications for the Champion Chase in March. 

Last year's race was a thriller - let's hope we're treated to something special once more. 

Read this next:

Trials day at Cheltenham survives inspection but second check planned on raceday  

Paul Townend relishing Clarence House reunion with hot favourite Energumene 

Members' Club special offer: get exclusive tips and insight FREE for one month 

Stay ahead of the field with the ultimate racing subscription – and your first month FREE. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, and make informed betting decisions with our expert tipping and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code FREE to get Members' Club free for one month.

First month free, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.

Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.