Tom Collins dissects the Foxhunter as JP McManus pair stake their claim

4.10 Cheltenham
St. James's Place Foxhunter Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase | 3m2½f | 5yo+ | New course | ITV/RTV

Minella Rocco, the National Hunt Chase winner of 2016 and Gold Cup runner-up in 2017, is one of two JP McManus-owned runners with serious claims, with Staker Wallace also likely to feature at the head of the market.

They have different profiles – Minella Rocco is on the downturn, while Staker Wallace has had just four starts – but preference has to be for the former in this company.

It is also worth noting Derek O'Connor has chosen Minella Rocco despite rumours suggesting Staker Wallace would be his mount.

There is a big difference between the best and worst riders in this race and although David Maxwell doesn't fall into either category, he has sound claims of winning the race on last year's runner-up Shantou Flyer.

The maverick owner-rider has surprisingly chosen Shantou Flyer over his other long-time hope Bob And Co and he should make a bold bid from the front and feature at the finish.
Analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Billaway
He won his prep race at Naas very well and if he shows the same level of form he should be there or thereabouts

David Christie, trainer of Dylrow
He's travelled over in good form. He's had a good prep for the race and is fresh and well. I couldn't be happier with him and the more the ground dries out the better.

Philip Rowley, trainer of Hazel Hill
I'm not worried about the run against Minella Rocco last time. It wasn't a true run race and I know he wasn't 100 per cent. He jumped the open ditch big and pulled a muscle, and after that he jumped right; he still wasn't beaten far. He's in a better place now and I'm very happy with him. I see it as a stronger race this year but I think he's the one to beat. I hope it's not too soft but he should handle it.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Minella Rocco
He's been back to some sort of form this season. It has suited him dropping in class and going a gear slower has helped give him confidence. Derek [O'Connor] knows him really well and hopefully he has a good chance.

Rose Loxton, trainer of Shantou Flyer and Caid Du Berlais
We're very excited about the race and they go there in great form. Shantou Flyer has plenty of good course form and hopefully he can go one better than last year. Caid Du Berlais didn't run very well in this race last year but we're hoping for better. He's had a racecourse gallop since his nice point-to-point win and his main goal is Punchestown.

Enda Bolger, trainer of Staker Wallace
He's in good form and we're happy with him. The ground won't be a problem and we're hoping for a good run.

Kelly Morgan, trainer of Top Wood
We're hopeful he'll rise to the occasion once again as he never lets us down at the festivals. I was very pleased with his two runs in handicaps and Lord Du Mesnil franked the form the other day. His form is rock solid and he comes here fresh. We haven't overraced him and that's why he's still running so well for us at 13.

Spotlight verdict

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