Nicholls parades leading Festival Lights

Nicholls parades leading Festival Lights

Seven-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls today paraded his leading contenders for The 2014 Festival at his Manor Farm Stables at Ditcheat in Somerset at a media day organised by Cheltenham Racecourse. 

Nicholls' team includes hopes for many of the big Festival events including record-breaking Big Buck's, who is bidding for an amazing fifth Ladbrokes World Hurdle success, and Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup second favourite Silviniaco Conti.

Big Buck's finished third in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle on his comeback at Cheltenham in January after nearly 14 months off and Nicholls believes the 11-year-old has come on for the run.

"He came in late and we did all we could to get him ready for his first run," said Nicholls. "When they have had leg trouble, you do have to train them a bit with the handbrake on so he was always going to need the run.

"Sam (Twiston-Davies) rode him exactly how I wanted him to at Cheltenham - this horse wins because he's a stayer and all he did that day was stay. Ruby (Walsh) rang me that evening and said he would have ridden the horse exactly the same way.

"Big Buck's lost 10 kilos after Cheltenham and it tightened him up. He had a week off afterwards and there's only one day we want him back to his best for. He's a much better horse on decent ground so I hope it's not too soft. He's my best chance at the Festival this year."

Former JCB Triumph Hurdle winners Celestial Halo and Zarkandar are other possibles for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

"Celestial Halo is due to run at Haydock on Saturday and he'll improve for what he does there because we've been held up a bit. We need to give him the race to get him back for the World Hurdle," said Nicholls.

"He's been a fantastic Cheltenham Horse, he won the Triumph and finished second in the World Hurdle and went on to win in France last year.

"Zarkandar is also in at Wincanton on Saturday and he'll run in the World Hurdle. He always comes alive in the spring, he could go to Aintree, Punchestown and maybe France. He looks really well at the moment. He's bred to stay and Celestial Halo did the same thing last year. I was never convinced he'd stay but he did and you don't know until you try."

The Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle, worth £275,000, is run on the third day of The Festival, St Patrick's Thursday, March 13.

Silviniaco Conti, who gave Nicholls an eighth King George VI Chase victory on Boxing Day, is set to be joined in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup by Rocky Creek, who the trainer feels is a worthy second string.

"Silviniaco is one of the favourites for the Gold Cup and I thought he was travelling extremely well in last year's race. I think he was going to finish first or second but who knows?," said Nicholls. "We have done things a bit differently this season. Last time our aim was to win the Betfair Chase so he went to the Charlie Hall first and this time his aim was the King George so we went to the Betfair first and he improved for the run.

"His stamina kicked in when he won the King George and I think he has a leading chance in the Gold Cup. He is the right age and has strengthened up. They are all dangers in the race but Bobs Worth is probably the one to beat, he's unbeaten at Cheltenham.

"I'd like to give him a racecourse gallop somewhere in the next 10 days and if the ground stays like this then we may take him to Kempton to work on the all-weather.

"Rocky Creek has an entry in the National and Gold Cup and I suspect he'll run at Cheltenham - he's not thrown in at the weights at Aintree. He ran a good race in the Hennessy but then had colic afterwards. We then had to rush him a bit and he got tired in the Argento Chase, he probably wasn't as fit as he should have been. He'll have a racecourse gallop somewhere to get his fitness up.

"I think he's capable of running a big race in the Gold Cup, I'm not saying he'll win but he could easily get in the frame. He's a decent staying chaser and he'll get the trip. He won over three miles in the Reynoldstown Chase last year."

The £550,000 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup is run on the final day of The Festival, Friday, March 14.

Al Ferof was taken out of the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup this week and he is most likely to line up in the Ryanair Chase.

   

"We took him out of the Gold Cup because it was fairly obvious that he doesn't stay," said Nicholls. "He's in the Ryanair and the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase but it's almost certain that he'll run over two miles and five furlongs in the Ryanair. We'd only think about the Champion Chase if the ground was very testing. For a Dom Alco, he has a lot of speed - we'd been trying to ride him as if he was a stayer and he probably isn't.

"He needed a run and his outing on Saturday will have done him good."

Sam Winner was also out on Saturday, finishing second to Smad Place in a novices' chase at Newbury, and Nicholls feels the seven-year-old heads to the RSA Chase, staged on Wednesday, March 12, with a fair chance.

"He was second to Smad Place giving 3lb on Saturday but the winner is 8/1 for Cheltenham and we are 16/1 and I'm thinking what a good price. He didn't want the ground as soft as it was on Saturday but needed the run. I'd left plenty to work on - he'll tighten up after Saturday.

"He's got an entry in the four-miler (National Hunt Chase) but is almost certain to run in the RSA. Ballycasey might be the one to beat but I think it's a pretty open RSA."

The JLT Novices' Chase is Wonderful Charm's aim and Nicholls added: "He's got a poultice on at the moment but it's nothing and we're on top of it.

"He was beaten by Oscar Whisky when giving 8lb and the key to this horse is good ground so I'd love to see it drying up a bit. He could go to Cheltenham, Aintree and then possibly Sandown."

Both Dodging Bullets and Hinterland head to the Racing Post Arkle Chase and Nicholls commented: "Dodging Bullets has had a fantastic season. He won three from three, then we gave him a break and wanted to get a run into him again at Newbury on Saturday.

"He gave weight to Module in the Game Spirit and got beaten a neck. There's plenty of improvement to come to have him at his best in the Arkle. The faster they go the better for him, he jumps well and he looks well in his coat which I always think is important at Cheltenham.

"I'll give him a couple of quiet weeks then tune him up for Cheltenham. He'd like much better ground than he got on Saturday and is one of the leading contenders for the Arkle.

"Hinterland is a second-season novice so his jumping is good and I've wanted to get him ready for the Arkle. He's another that I'd like to give a racecourse gallop in the next 10 days.

"I left him in the Champion Chase in case it cut up but he probably won't run in that. He had a breathing operation in the summer and he could go onto Aintree and possibly Sandown after Cheltenham."

Irving is heading to the opening race of the meeting, the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and Nicholls added: "We got him from Germany and he's three from three over hurdles and his form was boosted when Splash Of Ginge won the other day.

"We've minded him a little but he's likely to go to Cheltenham and then possibly on to Aintree. I'm pleased with how he looks and I want to get a run or a racecourse gallop into him. He has loads of speed and jumps nicely and he could run on soft, he has form on that sort of ground."

Calipto is due to contest the JCB Triumph after scoring at the weekend. "He won at Newbury on Saturday in an all-aged hurdle with a 10lb penalty against older horses. He jumped and travelled well and won nicely. He has loads of speed.

"The handicapper has put him up to 149, which is high for a juvenile, and I think Le Rocher - on the same mark - and he are the two highest-rated juveniles in Britain and Ireland.

"I always think Newbury's meeting is the last proper opportunity to have a prep run if you are going to take them to Cheltenham.

"He'll go straight to the Triumph and the only doubt I have is that it often seems to be horses like Irving and Celestial Halo, with Flat form who win the race."

Above: Paul Nicholls & Big Buck's

 

 Above: Paul Nicholls & Silviniaco Conti

 

Above: Silviniaco Conti

PAUL NICHOLLS

Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Synopsis - The seven-time champion Jump trainer (2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12); became the first handler to accrue more than £4 million in a season in 2007/08. He gained his 2,000th winner at Down Royal on November 5, 2011, less than 20 years after taking his licence, making him the fastest Jump trainer to reach the landmark figure. He is leading the way in the Jump trainers' championship this season.

He has sent out 33 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including four victories in each of the three of the meeting's showpiece contests - the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

He has been leading trainer at The Festival six times - in 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004 and 1999.

Born - Bristol, April 17, 1962

Background - The son of a policemen, he began his racing career as a Jump jockey and partnered 130 winners between 1980 and 1989, with his biggest successes coming in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on Broadheath (1986) and Playschool (1987).

Having struggled to keep his weight down, he retired from riding in 1989 and assisted Devon handler David Barons, trainer of not only Broadheath and Playschool but also Seagram, who won the 1991 Grand National at Aintree during Nicholls' time at the stable.

He took out his own licence to train at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat on November 1, 1991, with just eight horses.

First winner as a trainer - Olveston, Hereford, December 20, 1991

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL WINS (33)

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (2006 Noland, 2011 Al Ferof)

Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop)

Stan James Champion Hurdle (2012 Rock On Ruby)

Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase (2009 Chapoturgeon)

RSA Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman)

BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 & 2009 Master Minded)

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2010 Sanctuaire)

Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis)

Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Big Buck's)

JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo, 2011 Zarkandar)

Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest, 2009 American Trilogy)

Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 & 2009 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman)

CGA Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night)

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2013 Salubrious)

Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas)

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL WINS BY YEAR

1999* - Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase(Flagship Uberalles), BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase (Call Equiname), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (See More Business)

2000 - No winners

2001 - No winners

2002 - No winners

2003 - Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase(Azerytuiop)

2004* - CGA Foxhunter Chase (Earthmover), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (St Pirran), Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase (Azertyuiop), Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (Sporazene)

2005 - CGA Foxhunter Chase (Sleeping Night), Ryanair Chase (Thisthatandtother)

2006* - Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Noland), RSA Chase (Star De Mohaison), Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (Desert Quest)

2007* - Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (Andreas), RSA Chase (Denman), Ryanair Chase (Taranis), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Kauto Star)

2008* - BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase (Master Minded), JCB Triumph Hurdle (Celestial Halo), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Denman)

2009* - Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase (Chapoturgeon), BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase (Master Minded), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big Buck's), Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle (American Trilogy),  Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Kauto Star)

2010 - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Sanctuaire), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big Buck's)

2011 - Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Al Ferof), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big Buck's), JCB Triumph Hurdle (Zarkandar)

2012 - Stan James Champion Hurdle (Rock On Ruby), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Big Buck's)

2013 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (Salubrious)

*winner of the Leading Trainer Award

Juvenile Hurdlers

Alcala (FR)

4 gr g Turgeon (USA) - Pail Mel (FR) (Sleeping Car (FR))

Form: 12 Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie Breeder: Francois Rimaud

*Yet to run in Britain. Made a winning debut for Guillaume Macaire at Vittel in August, taking a mile and a half bumper by two lengths.

*Runner-up on hurdling debut at Auteuil on September 24.

*Entered in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 2; Wins: 1; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £19,181

Art Mauresque (FR)

4 b g Policy Maker (IRE) - Modeva (FR) (Valanour (IRE))

Form: 11127 Owner: Mrs Johnny de la Hey Breeder: Michel Parreau-Delhote

*Won three hurdle races in France for Guillaume Macaire last summer, before going down by a length and a quarter to Vicenzo Mio at Auteuil in September.

*Disappointed on British debut, trailing home last of seven behind Royal Irish Hussar in the Grade Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham's Open meeting on November 16. Has not raced since.

*Entered in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 5; Wins: 3; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £40,000

Calipto (FR)

4 b g Califet (FR) - Peutiot (FR) (Valanour (IRE))

Form: 211 Owner: Ian Fogg & Chris Giles Breeder: Andre Priolet

*Joined Paul Nicholls after finishing second in a newcomers' Listed hurdle over two and a quarter miles at Auteuil on September 12.

*Made a winning debut for current connections, staying on strongly to take a Newbury juvenile hurdle on November 29.

*Also scored at Newbury on February 8, taking a novices' hurdle by five lengths on heavy ground.

*Entered in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 3; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £25,679 

Vicenzo Mio (FR)

4 b c Corri Piano (FR) - Sweet Valrose (FR) (Cadoudal (FR))

Form: 121413 Owner: Mrs Johnny de la Hey Breeder: Raymonde Wingtans

*Won two out of three hurdle starts in France, including a length and a quarter verdict over Art Mauresque at Auteuil in September.

*Fourth on debut for Paul Nicholls in the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial at The International, Cheltenham, on December 14.

*Facile 17-length winner of Kempton juvenile hurdle on December 27. Finished third, beaten 15 lengths, on his latest outing in the Grade Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham, on January 25.

*Entered in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 3; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £55,120

Novice Hurdlers

Irving

6 b g Singspiel (IRE) - Indigo Girl (GER) (Sternkoenig (IRE))

Jump Form: 111 Owner: Axom XLIX Breeder: Gestut Schlenderhan

*Half-brother to a Group Two winner in Germany. Successful on four out of six starts on the Flat in France and Germany for Jens Hirschberger and fourth in a 14-furlong Listed contest at Baden Baden.

*Unbeaten in three starts in novices' hurdles for Paul Nicholls. Sauntered to victory at Taunton on November 14 before posting a pair of wins at Ascot, scoring impressively on November 22 and taking the Grade Two Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle on December 20, when he capitalised on the last-flight fall of Prince Siegfried to win by six lengths.

*Ante-post favourite for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on February 8, but side-stepped the valuable contest due to forecast heavy ground.

*Entered in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 3; Wins: 3; 2nd: -; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £30,116

Lac Fontana (FR)

5 b g Shirocco (GER) - Fontaine Riant (FR) (Josr Algarhoud (IRE))

Jump Form: 238-141 Owner: Potensis Limited Breeder: S C A La Perrigne

*Won once in six Flat starts in France for Nicolas Clement before joining Paul Nicholls last season.

*Made three appearances over hurdles in the 2012/13 campaign, including a third in the Grade Two Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton Park and eighth in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival.

*All three starts this term have been at Cheltenham. Made all to take a maiden hurdle at The Showcase on October 18. Finished last of four behind The Liquidator in the Grade Two Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Trial at The Open on November 17. Bounced back to form with a five-length victory in a handicap hurdle on Festival Trials Day, January 25.

*Entered in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 2; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £28,951

Port Melon (IRE)

6 br g Presenting - Omyn Supreme (IRE) (Supreme Leader)

Form: 3 Owner: Graham Roach Breeder: Mrs A Darragh

*Third, beaten five lengths, on only start to date in the Grade Two Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at The Open on November 16.

*Entered in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 1; Wins: -; 2nd: -; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £3,210

Novice Chasers

Black Thunder (FR)

7 bl g Malinas (GER) - Blackmika (FR) (Subotica (FR))

Form: 4/1211/325F5-01112 Owner: Donlon, MacDonald, Fulton & Webb Breeder: Michael Keane

*Won a Newton Abbot bumper on his second racecourse appearance in May, 2011, before winning two of his three starts over hurdles during the 2011/2012 campaign.

*Made five starts, all in handicap hurdles, last season without winning, headed by fifth in the Listed Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton Park in January, 2013. Fell two out when still in contention in the Coral Cup at last year's Festival.

*Completed a hat-trick of chase wins this term with a fine win in the Grade Two RSA Novices' Trial at Lingfield Park on December 14, having previously scored at Haydock (November 22) and Fontwell (October 23).

*Second to Corrin Wood on latest start on heavy ground in Warwick novices' chase on January 11.

*Entered in the RSA Chase and the National Hunt Chase.

Jump Record: Starts: 15; Wins: 6; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £60,372

Benvolio (IRE)

7 b g Beneficial - Coumeenoole Lady (The Parson)

Form: 0311-F113 Owner: Dobson, Sutton & Woodhouse Breeder: Mary & Paul Motherway

*Won a point-to-point at Ballynoe, Ireland, in April, 2012, prior to joining Paul Nicholls. Improved in all four starts for the trainer last season, culminating with a pair of hurdle wins at Wincanton in January and February, 2013.

*Fell at the first fence on chasing debut at Fontwell on November 17 but followed with victories in a Newbury novices' handicap chase on December 19 and a Haydock graduation chase on January 19.

*No match for Oscar Whisky and Manyriverstocross on his latest appearance in the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown Park on February 1.

*Entered in the RSA Chase and the National Hunt Chase.

Jump Record: Starts: 8; Wins: 4; 2nd: -; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £34,962

Dodging Bullets

6 b g Dubawi (IRE) - Nova Cyngi (USA) (Kris S (USA))

Jump Form: 246/11397-1112 Owner: Martin Broughton & Friends Breeder: Frankie Dettori

*Twice successful (from nine starts) on the Flat in Ireland for trainer Andy Oliver.

*Made three highly encouraging starts during the 2011/2012 season without winning, notably taking fourth in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the 2012 Festival.

*Captured a pair of hurdle races at Cheltenham during 2012/2013, and was an excellent third in the Grade One Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park. Disappointed in two subsequent starts last term, including when finishing ninth in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at The Festival.

*Won first three starts over fences, including Grade Two wins over two miles in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase at Cheltenham (November 17) and the williamhill.com Novices' Chase at Kempton Park (December 27).

*Lost nothing in defeat on latest appearance, going down by a neck to vastly more experienced Module in the Grade Two Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on February 8.

*Entered in the Racing Post Arkle Chase.

Jump Record: Starts 12; Wins: 5; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £106,973

Hinterland (FR)

6 b g Poliglote - Queen Place (FR) (Diamond Prospect (USA))

Jump Form: 1123F/12222-11 Owner: Chris Giles Breeder: E Aubree & C Bresson

*Has failed to make the first three only once in 12 Jump starts. Listed hurdle winner on first outing over obstacles for Guillaume Macaire at Auteuil in May, 2011. Joined Paul Nicholls soon after and made a winning debut for his new handler, easily taking the Grade Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in November, 2011. Failed to win again during the 2011/2012 season but made a successful start to the following campaign in a Chepstow handicap hurdle.

*Filled the runner-up spot on his first three appearances over fences, chasing home Theatre Guide (in an Exeter novices' chase), Captain Conan (in the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown Park) and Simonsig (in a Grade Two novices' chase at Kempton Park). Also second in a jumpers' bumper at Wolverhampton.

*Successful at Sandown Park on both chase starts this term, following up victory in a beginners' chase on November 9 with a game neck verdict over Grandouet in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase on December 7.

*Entered in the Racing Post Arkle Chase and the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Jump Record: Starts: 12; Wins: 5; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £104,946

Just A Par (IRE)

7 b g Island House (IRE) - Thebrownhen (IRE) (Henbit (USA))

Form: 122-214 Owner: Graham Roach & Paul Barber Breeder: Sean Whelan

*Irish point-to-point graduate who won a Loughrea maiden in October, 2012. Made a winning debut under Rules for trainer T J Nagle the following month, taking a Punchestown maiden hurdle by seven lengths, before joining Paul Nicholls.    

*Second in two starts over hurdles for Nicholls last season, including when going down by eight lengths to At Fishers Cross in Aintree's Grade One Sefton Novices' Hurdle in April.

* Also filled the runner-up spot on chasing debut at Chepstow on October 26 before posting an impressive 14-length success in a Grade Two novices' chase at Newbury on November 28 (a race won by subsequent Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman in recent years).

*Faded to fourth on latest start in Grade One Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton Park on December 26.

*Entered in the RSA Chase and the National Hunt Chase. 

Jump Record: Starts: 6; Wins: 2; 2nd: 3; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £51,536

Sam Winner (FR)

7 b g Okawango (USA) - Noche (IRE) (Night Shift (USA))

Jump Form: 22/211446/FF/5103-312 Owner: Angela Yoeman Breeder: Ecurie Winning

*Failed to win in seven starts on the Flat and over hurdles in France but made an impressive debut for Paul Nicholls when beating Grandouet by 15 lengths in the Grade Two JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in November, 2010. Also won at the course the following month and was fourth in the 2011 JCB Triumph Hurdle.

*Fell on both chase starts in the 2011/2012 season and returned to hurdles last season.

 

*Reverted back to chasing this season, finishing third to Le Bec at Cheltenham's Open meeting before reversing the form with a gutsy four-length success at the same course in the Ryman Stationery Novices' Chase at The International.

*Second, beaten two lengths by Smad Place, in three-mile novices' chase on heavy ground at Newbury on February 8.

*Entered in the RSA Chase and the National Hunt Chase.

Jump Record: Starts: 17; Wins: 4; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £87,253

Wonderful Charm (FR)

6 b g Poliglote - Victoria Royale (FR) (Garde Royale)

Form: 442512/18-1112 Owner: Robin Geffen Breeder: Jean-Philippe Dubois

*Made six appearances in France for Tatiana Puitg, winning an Auteuil hurdle and finishing second in a Grade Two hurdle at the same course.

*Joined Paul Nicholls for the 2012/2013 campaign, in which he made two starts, readily capturing the Grade Two Persian War Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow and coming home eighth in the Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle at The Festival.

*Successful in first three outings over fences this season, following up victory at Fakenham (October 25) with a gutsy win in the Grade Two Rising Stars Novices' Chase at Wincanton (November 9) and a more straightforward success in the Grade Two Berkshire Novices' Chase at Newbury (November 29).

*Beaten half a length by Oscar Whisky (who was receiving 6lb) in Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices' Chase over two miles and five furlongs at The International, Cheltenham, on December 13.

*Entered in the RSA Chase, the JLT Novices' Chase and the Ryanair Chase.

Jump Record: Starts: 12; Wins: 5; 2nd: 3; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £139,505

Hurdlers

Big Buck's (FR)

11 b/br g Cadoudal (FR) - Buck´s (FR) (Le Glorieux))

Form: 53/6U3447716/12121371/U1111/1111/1111/11111/1-3 Owner: The Stewart Family

Breeder: Henri Poulat

*Considered the greatest staying hurdler of all time; he built up an 18-race unbeaten sequence over hurdles included a record four consecutive victories in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at The Festival (2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012).

*His record-breaking haul also includes four Grade One Liverpool Hurdles at Aintree and three Grade One Long Walk Hurdles at Ascot.

*Ruled out of last year's Ladbrokes World Hurdle with a tendon injury after winning in facile fashion at Newbury in December, 2012.

*Ran a fine race to finish a close third to Knockara Beau on his return to action in the Grade Two galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on January 25, leading over the last before tiring close home.

*Set to try and win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for a fifth time.

Jump Record: Starts: 39; Wins: 23; 2nd: 2; 3rd; 4; Win & Place Prize Money: £1,301,685

Celestial Halo (IRE)

10 b g Galileo (IRE) - Pay The Bank (High Top)

Form: 1212/2120/1244F/F333218/131129/426-161 Owner: The Stewart Family

Breeder: Roncon Churchtown Bloodstock & Lane Ltd

*Has won 10 of his 30 starts over hurdles.

*Captured the JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival in 2008 and went on to finish second to Punjabi in the following year's Stan James Champion Hurdle.

*Stepped up to three miles for the first time in last season's Ladbrokes World Hurdle, beaten two and a half lengths into second by Solwhit.

*Successful trip to France in May when annexing the Grade Two Prix La Barka at Auteuil.

*Dominant 17-length winner of the Grade Two bet365 Long Distance Hurdle over an extended three miles at Newbury on November 30.

*Entered in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 32; Wins: 10; 2nd: 8; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money: £647,512

Ptit Zig (FR)

5 b g Great Pretender (IRE) - Red Rym (FR) (Denham Red (FR))

Form: 924131-2122 Owner: Barry Fulton, Chris Giles & Richard Webb Breeder: Jean-Francois Vermand

*Ran three times over hurdles (without winning) for Yannick Fouin in France in 2012. Successful in Ludlow maiden hurdle on debut for Paul Nicholls in February, 2013, before coming home third in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at last year's Festival a month later. Ended the season by winning a valuable Sandown hurdle.

*Ran two superb races in Grade One company at Auteuil, chasing home Diakali in the Prix Alain du Brei on June 9 and winning the Prix Renaud du Vivier on November 10.

*Posted another excellent effort to finish second, beaten four lengths by Willow's Saviour, in the valuable Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Ascot on December 21, in which he carried top-weight.

*Runner-up on latest start when going down by four and a half lengths to Melodic Rendezvous on heavy ground in the Grade Two StanJames.com Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock Park on January 18.

Entered in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 10; Wins: 3; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £235,416

Salubrious (IRE)

7 b g Beneficial - Who Tells Jan (Royal Fountain)

Form: 171/425115-222 Owner: The Johnson & Stewart Families

Breeder: Ciara & Michael Carty

*Progressive in handicaps last season, winning at Musselburgh in February before a decisive seven-length success in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at The Festival.

*Beaten a short-head on his season return in a three mile, one and a half furlong Listed handicap hurdle at The Open on November 16.

*Has subsequently made a successful transition to Graded company; finished second to More Of That in the Grade Two Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 14 and runner-up to Reve De Sivola in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot a week later, where a mistake at the penultimate hurdle cost him any chance of winning.

*Entered in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 12; Wins: 4; 2nd: 4; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £80,824

Saphir Du Rheu (FR)

5 gr g Al Namix (FR) - Dona Du Rheu (FR) (Dom Pasquini (FR))

Form: 3310-54111 Owner: The Stewart Family Breeder: Claude Duval

*Finished third on debut for Guy Cherel at Auteuil in September, 2012.

*Scored decisively by 11 lengths in a juvenile hurdle at Taunton in January, 2013, on second start for Paul Nicholls. Trailed home 20th when sent off favourite for Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at The Festival last year.

*After shaping well at Sandown and Newbury in November, he was a facile winner of a two mile and six furlong handicap hurdle at Sandown on December 7.

*Equally impressive winner of the Listed Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton Park on January 7, scoring by six lengths, before a gutsy head success over Whisper in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on February 1.

*Entered in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 9; Wins: 4; 2nd: -; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £83,765

Zarkandar (IRE)

7 b g Azamour (IRE) - Zarkasha (IRE) (Kahyasi)

Form: 111/15F/11141-222 Owner: Potensis Limited & Chris Giles

Breeder: His Highness The Aga Khan's Studs S C

*Half-brother to 2008 Flat Horse of the Year Zarkava.

*Top-class over two miles and two and a half miles; won JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival in 2011 and last season's Grade One Aintree Hurdle, beating The New One by a half length.

*Beaten by Annie Power this season in both the Grade Two Ascot Hurdle in November and the Dornan Engineering Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

*In between, he was beaten six lengths into second by The New One in the Grade Two International Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 14.

*Entered in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Jump Record: Starts: 14; Wins: 8; 2nd: 3; 3rd: -; Win & Place Prize Money: £550,375

Chasers

Al Ferof (FR)

9 gr g Dom Alco (FR) - Maralta (FR) (Altayan)

Form: 3112/F3111/11343/1-132 Owner: John Hales Breeder: Patrick Joubert

*Set to make fourth appearance at The Festival, having finished second in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in 2010, won the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2011 and fourth in the Racing Post Arkle Chase in 2012. Missed last year's Festival with a tendon injury.

*Also successful at Cheltenham in a Grade Two novices' chase in November, 2011, and the Paddy Power Gold Cup 12 months later.

*Made a winning return from injury with a facile victory at Ascot in the Grade Two Amlin 1965 Chase on November 23.

*Kept on to take third behind stable companion Silviniaco Conti in the Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on December 26 and runner-up to Harry Topper (beaten 26 lengths on heavy ground) in Grade Two Denman Chase at Newbury on February 8.

*Entered in the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase, and the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Jump Record: Starts: 18; Wins: 9; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 5; Win & Place Prize Money: £312,726

Rocky Creek (IRE)

8 b g Dr Massini (IRE) - Kissantell (IRE) (Broken Hearted)

Form: 218/21113-22 Owner: The Johnson & Stewart Families Breeder: Colm Griffin

*Beat future stable companion Rolling Aces by four lengths in a point-to-point at Carrigtwohill, Ireland, in February, 2011, prior to joining Paul Nicholls.

*Made three appearances over hurdles as a novice, including a facile win in a Grade Two contest at Doncaster in January, 2012, and a well-beaten eighth in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at The Festival three months later.

*Second behind Harry Topper on chase debut at Exeter in October, 2012, before going on to register a hat-trick of chase wins, culminating with a hard-fought success in the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot in February, 2013.

*Bypassed the 2013 Cheltenham Festival and instead headed to Aintree for the Grade Two Mildmay Chase, in which he could only finish third behind Dynaste and Third Intention.

*Second to Triolo D'Alene on seasonal return (beaten two and three-quarter lengths when conceding 4lb) in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on November 30.

*Also runner-up on most recent start, going down by seven lengths to The Giant Bolster in the Argento Chase on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on January 25.

*Entered in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Jump Record: Starts: 10; Wins: 4; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £118,534

Rolling Aces (IRE)

8 b g Whitmore´s Conn (USA) - Pay Roll (IRE) (Roselier (FR))

Form: 120/43112-12 Owner: Paul Barber, Ian Fogg & David Martin Breeder: Michael Daly

*Won maiden point-to-point at Lismore, Ireland, before joining Paul Nicholls at the start of the 2011/2012 campaign. Won once in four appearances over hurdles before going chasing.

*Enjoyed a progressive campaign over fences last term, winning a novices' handicap at Newbury, a Wincanton novices' chase and taking second in the Kempton Park Chase.

*Gained a major success on his seasonal return at Down Royal on November 2, winning the Grade Two Powers Irish Whiskey Chase over two and a half miles, before taking second behind Vino Griego in a Listed intermediate chase at Sandown Park on December 6.

*Entered in the Ryanair Chase.

Jump Record: Starts: 10; Wins: 4; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £72,439

Silviniaco Conti (FR)

8 ch g Dom Alco (FR) - Gazelle Lulu (FR) (Altayan)

Form: 11/11134/31241/111F3-31 Owner: Potensis Limited & Chris Giles Breeder: Patrick Joubert

*Won a pair of hurdles for Guillaume Macaire in the French provinces before making an impressive start for Paul Nicholls in 2010/2011, winning Grade Two hurdles at Chepstow and Ascot.

*Also posted a pair of Grade Two wins as a novice chaser, including a decisive victory in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree's Grand National meeting in April, 2012.

*Announced himself as a top staying chaser last season, winning both the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock Park and the Grade Two Denman Chase at Newbury. Fell three fences out (when still travelling well) in last year's Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

*Third behind Cue Card and Dynaste in the Betfair Chase on November 23 but improved significantly on seasonal return to win the Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on December 26, beating Cue Card and Al Ferof.

*Entered in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Jump Record: Starts: 19; Wins: 11; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money: £528,265

Sire Collonges (FR)

8 gr g Dom Alco (FR) - Idylle Collonges (FR) (Quart De Vin (FR))

Form: 1/93F/P/11293-961 Owner: Angela & Bill Tincknell Breeder: Gaec Delorme Freres

*Last seven starts have all been at Cheltenham, commencing with an all-the-way success in a novices' chase at The Showcase in 2012.

*Ninth in the JLT Novices' Chase at The Festival last year.

*Stayed on gamely to take the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at The International on December 13 and could return to the course for the race with the same title at The Festival.

Jump Record: Starts: 10; Wins: 4; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £61,442

The Festival 2014

Champion Day, Tuesday, March 11 (Old Course)

1.30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade One)  2m ½f £120,000

2.05 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade One) 2m £150,000

2.40 Festival Handicap Chase (Grade Three) 3m ½f  £90,000

3.20 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade One) 2m ½f  £400,000

4.00 OLBG Mares' Hurdle Race (Grade Two) 2m 4f £85,000

4.40 144th Year of The National Hunt Chase (Listed) 4m £85,000

5.15 Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase (Listed) (0-140) 2m 4½f £60,000

Ladies Day, Wednesday, March 12  (Old Course)

1.30 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Grade One)  2m 5f £120,000

2.05 RSA Chase (Grade One) 3m ½f £150,000

2.40 Coral Cup (Grade Three Handicap Hurdle)  2m 5f £80,000

3.20 BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade One) 2m £350,000

4.00 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase  3m 7f £50,000 

4.40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m ½f £75,000

5.15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade One)

 2m ½f £60,000

St Patrick's Thursday, March 13 (New Course)

1.30 JLT Novices'  Chase (Grade One) 2m 4f £120,000

2.05 Pertemps Network Final (Listed, Handicap Hurdle)  3m £80,000

2.40 Ryanair Chase (Grade One) 2m 5f £275,000

3.20 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade One) 3m  £275,000

4.00 Byrne Group Plate (Grade Three Handicap Chase)  2m 4f £90,000

4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (0-145) 3m 1½f £60,000

5.15 St Patrick's Derby 1m 5f

Gold Cup Day, Friday, March 14 (New Course)

1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade One) 2m 1f£120,000

2.05 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three) 2m 1f £80,000

2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade One) 3m £120,000

3.20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade One) 3m 2½ f £550,000

4.00 CGA Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2½ f £40,000

4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (0-145) 2m 4½ f £50,000

5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Grade Three) 2m ½ f £90,000