With free video replays available from all UK and Irish tracks on sportinglife.com, Richard Mann takes a look at the key ones to watch for day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle
Money Back as a free bet with Sky Bet if your selection loses
Samcro - 4th February, Deloitte Novice Hurdle
A devastating display, one which saw Samcro established as firm favourite in the ante-post market for the middle-distance novice hurdle. Gordon Elliott's charge is now 3-3 over hurdles and if there were any remaining doubts as to whether he really is the real deal, they were dispelled with this dominant performance. He treated his rivals with utter disdain as he cruised to the front before easing clear in the closing stages. A star looks to have been born. Watch it again - can anything stop him at Cheltenham?
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On The Blind Side - 8th December, Winter Novices' Hurdle
While he might have looked a little laboured when winning at Cheltenham on his previous start, this was a performance that oozed class. Heavily backed beforehand, the five-year-old travelled like a dream and jumped his way to the front with a couple of flights of hurdles to go before drawing further clear up the Sandown hill. He looks to be improving at a rate of knots but must now take on Samcro.
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Next Destination - 7th January, Lawlor's Of Naas Novices' Hurdle
Still unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, this was the acid test for Willie Mullins' gelding and he was made to work pretty hard to register his first Grade One success. He always appeared to be doing enough, though, and his good run in the Champion Bumper last year tells you that Cheltenham holds no fears for him. Highly regarded in his powerhouse yard, and one who might not have peaked just yet.
RSA Insurance Novices' Chase
Non-Runner, No Bet with Sky Bet on all 28 Festival races
Presenting Percy - 17th February, Red Mills Chase
A winner at the Festival last year when landing the Pertemps Final, this classy operator has taken to fences really well and ran a screamer when only just losing out to Gold Cup contender Our Duke at Gowran Park. A horse who loves spring ground and is sure to have been primed for the big day by his shrewd handler, he rates a worthy favourite. Watch his fine Red Mills Chase run again here.
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Monalee - 4th February, Flogas Novice Chase
A generally sound jumper whose only blemish over fences came when falling at Leopardstown over Christmas. Back on song when producing a sterling display to beat a strong field last time and the return to quicker underfoot conditions wouldn't bother him in the slightest. His trainer is a proven past-master with his young chasers and his no-nonsense style of racing could expose any flaws in his opposition.
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Black Corton - 17th February, Sodexo Reynoldstown Chase
A very hardy sort with a terrific attitude and plenty of class. Began his chasing career as a summer jumper but has made astonishing progress since, his relationship with Bryony Frost a key feature of his development. Claimed a much-deserved Grade One success at Kempton over Christmas and was even more impressive when trouncing his three rivals in the Reynoldstown. Has more experience than most and with course form already in his locker, who would bet against him claiming a few more major scalps?
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Queen Mother Champion Chase
Non-Runner, No Bet with Sky Bet on all 28 Festival races
Altior - 10th February, Game Spirit Chase
Nicky Henderson's superstar already has two Cheltenham Festival victories to his name, the 2016 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle and last year's Racing Post Arkle Chase. He made it a magnificent seven from seven over fences when returning from a breathing operation to slam Politologue at Newbury and will be a warm order to confirm himself king of the two-mile division. That Game Spirit success was particularly impressive and is certainly worth another visit.
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Min - 3rd February, Coral Dublin Chase
All the rage when sent off favourite for the 2016 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle but proved no match for Altior on that occasion. Like his old foe, he has taken to fences really well and produced his best performance to date when winning the Dublin Chase with ease. A horse who has always been held in the highest regard by his master handler, Willie Mullins, he jumps beautifully and looks to be peaking just at the right time.
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Douvan - 15th March 2016, Racing Post Arkle Chase
If anyone is under any doubt about just how good Douvan is, it is worth watching back his demolition of Sizing John in the 2016 running of the Racing Post Arkle. That performance was a display pure brilliance, a sensational round of steeplechasing and finishing kick that left his rivals for dead. Not seen since injuring himself in last season's Champion Chase, doubts remains over his participation this year but recent vibes have been more encouraging and he would add a fascinating dimension to the race if given the green light.
