1:50 Cheltenham

Tip 1: J’ARRIVE DE L’EST - 1pt Win

J’ARRIVE DE L’EST (best priced at 9/4) was only a six-year-old when runner-up over this course and distance in December and he can reverse form with Final Orders off 6lb better terms. The Emmet Mullins trained gelding won twice in Cross Country Chases in France but jumped poorly at some of the unique obstacles on his reappearance last time losing ground at crucial times.

The handicapper has raised J’Arrive De L’Est 3lbs up to a mark of 126 but he still looks well handicapped and it was notable how well he was backed last time for shrewd connections. He can win this before turning up in the green and gold of JP McManus in March.

3:06 Uttoxeter

Tip 2: Gege Ville 7/1 (0.5pt ew)

The Nicky Richards trained GEGE VILLE (best priced at 7/1) is extremely lightly raced with only eight runs under rules as a ten-year-old. The gelding won at Haydock on heavy ground on his handicap debut over 2m3f in December 2024 before finishing a close 2nd under similar conditions at Ayr 65 days later off a mark of 107.

Gege Ville was then off for 299 days before finishing 3rd over 3 miles at Haydock when travelling well until not appearing to get the trip. He drops back in trip to 2m4f here off a 1lb lower mark (109) and he should relish these conditions.

4:10 Cheltenham

Tip 3: Heads Up 5/2 (1pt)

Despite being well backed since declarations, HEADS UP (best priced at 5/2) still looks the value play in this Grade 2 AIS Novices’ Hurdle. The John McConnell trained six-year-old outran odds of 33/1 to finish a close 2nd in the Champion Bumper at the festival last season before winning over an inadequate trip of 2 miles on his hurdling debut at Listowel.

Mark McDonagh was having only his third ride at Cheltenham when keeping Heads Up on the inside on soft ground and that will have had a negative effect on his chances. He was still only beaten 3 lengths by No Drama This End at the finish and that form has been boosted with that rival following up in a Grade 2 under a penalty and winning the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle over Christmas.

With Danny Mullins taking over on board Heads Up, he looks the one to beat.