Nigel Twiston-Davies looks for another fast start following last year's treble

2.00 Cheltenham'Matchbook Betting Exchange' Handicap Chase | Class 2 | 3m1f | 4yo+| ITV4/RUK

PUNTING POINTERS

Few could maintain the pace set by Nigel Twiston-Davies at this meeting last year and the locally based trainer returns for more a year after masterminding a treble on this card.

Cogry, who provided the first piece of theatre for the yard when winning the opening staying handicap chase 12 months ago, returns to follow up off a 2lb higher mark as the curtain raises on the gutsy nine-year-old’s season.

“He shouldn’t have any issue arriving fresh,” said Twiston-Davies. “He seems in just as good form this year and everything looks in place for a nice performance.”

Conditions should suit Calett

The Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned Calett Mad supplies the second string to the Twiston-Davies bow in the race and returns from five months off the track.

Having scored by a cosy four and a half lengths in the 3m novice hurdle on this card last year, he is another who boasts fine credentials.

Calett Mad: back over fences at CheltenhamCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He was a 16-1 shot when pulled up in last season's Albert Bartlett after being fancied by many to run a big race in gruelling conditions, and Twiston-Davies was keen to forgive his six-year-old, saying: "You can draw a line through the Albert Bartlett as so few actually got involved as the ground was terrible. I think he'll stay the trip and the ground here will suit."

Minella Rocco on the comeback trail

You would anticipate that a horse good enough to finish second in a Cheltenham Gold Cup a little more than 18 months ago should be competitive off a mark of 157, and Minella Rocco has continued to slide down the weights ever since that career-best display behind Sizing John.

Events clearly didn't transpire as hoped for Jonjo O'Neill's stalwart last season, but he returns off a layoff with the benefit of wind surgery and the master of Jackdaws Castle said on Friday: "He's come back well after a break. I walked the track yesterday and the ground seemed lovely for him.

"He still has a lot of weight to carry, but that's where we are. I think he'll run a respectable race. We'll see how he comes out of it and plan from there."

What they say

Colin Tizzard, trainer of West Approach
He was a bit in-and-out last year. He might need a run to get back into it, but we’ll see. It’s a competitive handicap, but hopefully he can take his chance and we’ll see how good he is.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Rightdownthemiddle and Swingbridge
They've been kept on the go over the summer and have been quite consistent over fences. The trip will suit them, but this will be a stiffer test for both and we'll be happy if one or both run in the money.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Above Board
He's in grand form and has been acquitting himself well this summer. He'll like the ground and looks to have a lovely weight.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of For Good Measure
He's really well and has schooled nicely recently. It's good ground, which suits him well. It's a tough race, but he looks a progressive horse.

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