The last time he ran at Cheltenham, So Scottish was sent off a strong second favourite for the Magners Plate Handicap Chase, and it briefly looked as though he might justify that support before weakening approaching the last. 

He still ran well, and definitely stays this trip (he won over a similar trip at Carlisle last season), so it seems likely that a four-month absence before that run didn’t help him. 

The selection has had a much more recent warm up for this race (when racing on the worst of the ground throughout) and should strip much fitter here. 

He was noticeably weak in the betting last time out, too, but my strong suspicion is that he will be well prepared for this event. His finished just over a length behind Boothill at Ascot last season and I expect So Scottish to show himself a very well handicapped performer on Saturday.

Was backed off the boards when he made his seasonal reappearance in the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton and ran a blinder to finish second behind the other contender in the race who was well supported.

Blackjackmagic is clearly an improved horse this season and the pair were clear of Frodon, who remains an excellent yardstick. I am therefore happy to upgrade that form, and a 3lb raise looks manageable. 

The stiffer test that Cheltenham provides compared to Wincanton will suit this eight-year-old who finished a good fourth in the Scottish National, and he looked to get on very well with Harry Cobden last time out. 

If the pair get into the same rhythm as last time, they might well stay on well to land Threeunderthrufive's first handicap over fences.

Was one of four his trainer ran in the Badger Beer at Wincanton in November (he won it with the right one!) but Forward Plan was 7lb out of the handicap there, and weak in the market beforehand. 

He ran very well before tiring in the straight as fitness, and the extra weight, began to tell. A month on from that, I expect Forward Plan to strip much fitter, and I am expecting a much improved performance here. 

He was most consistent last season winning twice at Southwell, and was placed on most of his other runs plus improved throughout. 

Anthony Honeyball has his string in excellent form, and Ben Godfrey always rides, so off his correct mark, I am expecting a very good run.

Has an excellent line of form figures and has been extremely well placed by her trainer in both bumpers and over hurdles. 

She looked as though she might have achieved what she can over two miles last time out, despite winning again, and that it might now be time to step Bonttay up in trip. 

She is by Westerner out of a mare who herself stayed three and a quarter miles, and is by Saddlers Hall, so her pedigree screams stamina. She only went up 5lb for that narrow win last time out and if she comes on for the run, and improves over this trip, she might well be able to exploit her new mark.