Which races could provide key festival clues at Cheltenham this weekend?

Cheltenham's International meeting kicks off this Friday, December 9, and we are bound to see plenty of festival contenders across the two days at Prestbury Park.

There are four races that look likely to contain the biggest festival clues, including the fixture's feature race, the International Hurdle.

Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase

When: Friday, 3.00pm

Main pointers: Glenfarclas Cross Country

It almost won't feel like a cross-country race at Cheltenham without Tiger Roll. Although he never posted a win in this particular race, he was always a course regular and his Gigginstown silks could instead be carried by two fascinating Gordon Elliott-trained runners.

Last year's Glenfarclas Cross Country winner Delta Work made a winning return over the banks at Punchestown in November and is the one to beat, but a recently rejuvenated Samcro, who has been decimating points, could be a major threat.

Diesel D'Allier was successful 12 months ago and could be back for more, while other cross-country regulars Plan Of Attack and Back On The Lash also hold entries.

Cross Country Chase (March 15)

bet365: 2-1 Delta Work, 7 Minella Times, Kemboy, 10 Galvin, 12 Good Bye Sam, Prengarde, 20 Samcro, 25 bar

Delta Work (blue cap) floors Tiger Roll in last season's Cross Country Chase at the festivalCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle

When: Saturday, 12.05pm

Main pointers: Triumph Hurdle

This race has been won in the last ten years by the likes of Hargam, Sceau Royal, Defi Du Seuil and Apple's Shakira, so it is fair to say it is a good trial for the Triumph Hurdle – as its name suggests.

The horse to focus on, if the ante-post betting is to be believed, is the Joseph O'Brien-trained Nusret. Rated 89 on the Flat, the three-year-old was impressive on his hurdling debut at Punchestown and looks to have a bright future.

Scriptwriter was rated 102 on the Flat for Joseph's father Aidan and he is 2-2 over hurdles since joining Milton Harris, while Perseus Way won at Leicester last time out for Gary Moore, who desperately deserves a Triumph after Goshen's spill in 2020.

Triumph Hurdle (March 17)

William Hill: 5-2 Lossiemouth, 12-1 Zarak The Brave, Comfort Zone, 14 Cougar, St Donats, Nusret, 16 Scriptwriter, 20 bar

Unibet International Hurdle

When: Saturday, 2.25pm

Main pointers: Champion Hurdle

Although this race hasn't directly produced many Cheltenham Festival winners, this year's field is far more interesting than a first glance might suggest.

The Champion Hurdle is a forgone conclusion, according to the ante-post market, but First Street, Knappers Hill and Epatante all are smart horses in their own right.

Knappers Hill has taken a while to come to hand but he made it four wins in a row when storming to success in the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton last month. He is firmly on the upgrade along with last season's County Hurdle second First Street, who defied a huge weight in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury.

I Like To Move It also defied a mammoth weight in the Greatwood in November and is another with strong claims along with Epatante, the 2020 Champion Hurdle winner who was no match for Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on her return.

Champion Hurdle (March 14)

Unibet: 2-5 Constitution Hill, 13-2 State Man, 7-1 Honeysuckle, 11 Vauban, 20 Teahupoo, Sir Gerhard, 33 Knappers Hill, Pied Piper, 40 bar

Knappers Hill: continued his progressive sequence in the Elite Hurdle at WincantonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

When: Saturday, 3.00pm

Main pointers: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Like its namesake in March, this weekend's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle is often won by a smart staying prospect. Unowhatimeanharry (2015) and Kilbricken Storm (2017) won this race on the way to festival glory, although this year's field lacks depth.

There are three horses who feature prominently in the Albert Bartlett ante-post betting, the first being Grove Road, who made a winning hurdling debut at Carlisle in October. Archie Watson is not known for his jumpers and that form is not strong, but he is a potential improver.

John McConnell won this race in 2020 with Make Good and Grand Soir, who has won both his starts since an underwhelming hurdling debut, is another who could take a big step forward.

The most exciting horse, however, is the David Pipe-trained Thomas Mor, who is unbeaten in two starts under rules. He won by 57 lengths at Wincanton last time and stamina looks his strong suit, which bodes well for a race such as the Albert Bartlett.

Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (March 17)

bet365: 5-1 Grangeclare West, 12 American Mike, 14 Hermes Allen, Three Card Brag, 16 Dark Raven, Gaelic Warrior, No Risk No Fun 18 Sandor Clegane, 20 bar

Cheltenham Festival offers

• Paddy Power are giving away free bets to new and existing customers, and all you need is an account. Sign up here.
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