The big question: can Faugheen do it again at Cheltenham?

Our experts react to Faugheen's fabulous victory in the Flogas Novice Chase and what it means for his claims at the Cheltenham Festival

'I would much rather side with a younger improver'

Yes, Faugheen can do it at Cheltenham. It was a performance to warm the cockles of even Easy Game's backers hearts, of which I was one, and the winner is the standout performer in the Marsh Chase. He has two Grade 1 chases in the bank and his enthusiasm to tough it out in a finish is remarkable for a 12-year-old. However, his age is the pertinent point when asked to take cramped odds about him at the Cheltenham Festival. Father time will eventually catch up with him and I would much rather side with a younger improver. Over double the price about Easy Game in a rematch next month would make much more appeal.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

'The RSA would appear the most logical option'

If goodwill was enough Faugheen would be an odds-on shot for whichever race he runs in at the Cheltenham Festival. However, for all Rich Ricci’s superstar continues to defy any age statistics thrown at him and is adding to his legacy in the process, the likelihood of him completing a third Grade 1 novice chase win at Cheltenham is slim. The RSA would appear the most logical option, with stamina no concern and favourite Champ having questions to answer, while Minella Indo and Allaho lack experience and Battleoverdoyen has to bounce back from a fall. He would not be a bet for me at a general 12-1 for the RSA, but I did not need one at Leopardstown to shout him home. A legend of the game.
Matt Butler, reporter

'My instinct would be to take him on'

I don't care! Faugheen winning was a monumental moment of sport and I'm quite happy to bask in it for as long as possible. In all seriousness, it's difficult to know. On one hand he is a 12-year-old who has been known to belt the odd obstacle and throw in a stinking run. On the other, he's an unbeaten, dual Grade 1-winning chaser who has few peers when it comes to class and he showed he had the courage to match in the finish of the Flogas. My instinct would be to take him on, but the form with Easy Game – and therefore Allaho – looks solid and the Marsh is an open race, so it is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Maddy Playle, RPTV

Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday