Which of Henry de Bromhead's Cheltenham stars does he fancy for red hot mares' novice hurdle?

A fascinating Cheltenham Festival rematch between Air Of Entitlement and Sixandahalf is off after the latter was declared a non-runner, although the presence of Albert Bartlett runner-up The Big Westerner ensures this Grade 1 retains plenty of high-class form.

Air Of Entitlement looked to be taken off her feet turning in before winning the Mares' Novices' Hurdle last month, needing every yard to collar Sixandahalf and the extra three furlongs on sift ground will further help her cause.

Karoline Banbou was another who ran a fine race in fourth on ground that was too quick for her and she will enjoy every drop of the forecast rain.

Maughreen seeks compensation after her Cheltenham outing was over before it began when she whipped around at the off. She arrived with a big reputation having landed a bumper and maiden hurdle at Punchestown impressively and the ground and trip should suit.

Air Of Entitlement's stablemate The Big Westerner was favourite for the Albert Bartlett after a decisive Grade 2 victory at Limerick. She ran remarkably well to finish runner-up to Jasmin De Vaux on ground that would have been plenty quick for her, while she met plenty of trouble after two out after Wingmen made a mistake in front of her.

Now running for the first time against her own sex and with soft ground coming in her favour, she is likely to have too much firepower for her rivals. 

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of The Big Westerner, Air Of Entitlement and Tareze
The Big Westerner has come out of the Albert Bartlett in great shape and we thought this looked the right race for her. She certainly won't mind all this rain and every bit that drops will help her cause. Air Of Entitlement is stepping up in trip, but we always thought this sort of trip was her optimum. She showed a brilliant attitude to get up at Cheltenham and I don't think the ground will matter too much to her. It's very hard to split those two and they seem in really good form. Tareze fell at Limerick when she seemed to be going nicely. That was a pity, but she's done well since and we're very happy with her. 

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Swing Davis
She's a mare we've always thought a bit of and hopefully getting her head in front at Navan will give her a bit of confidence. It's a hot race and she's up against it, but she has an each-way squeak.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of That'll Do Moss
We'd be a lot more hopeful if she had won at Ayr last time but I think the run may have come a bit soon for her and the winner is no mug. She ran so well the time before at Sandown and has plenty of form. She goes there in great form and a bit of rain would help her.

James Kenny, assistant trainer to Liam Kenny, trainer of World Of Fortunes
We're a little concerned about the ground. The trip is plenty sharp for her but if the ground is a bit softer, it might help her, but all her best form is on better ground. She's in great form since Doncaster and it looks a strong race, so we'd be delighted with a place. It'll be her last chance to run as a novice in a Graded race, so we're keen to take a crack.

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