Finian's Oscar leads Neptune charge at Cheltenham

Ante-post favourite Finian's Oscar is among 118 entries for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 15.The point-to-point graduate has made rapid progress since joining Colin Tizzard and is already a Grade One winner.Harry Fry's Neon Wolf created a big impression at Haydock but needs cut in the ground to run, while Messire Des Obeaux is a leading contender among seven entries from Alan King's yard.Another trained in Britain towards the head of the betting is Ben Pauling's Willoughby Court, who may be joined by stablemate Le Breuil."Willoughby Court is sometimes a bit quiet after his races, but has come out of Warwick better than ever. We literally could not be happier with him at home. It will be quietly, quietly with him now for the next few weeks before we tune him up for the Festival," said Pauling."At the moment, I am in two minds about whether to go for the Neptune or the Albert Bartlett. The bookmakers generally have him shorter for the Albert Bartlett, but I am not so sure."Le Breuil had a bit of bang after his win at Sedgefield which meant he had six easy weeks. The idea was to go for the Sidney Banks (Huntingdon, February 9) but he might not be quite ready so he could head to Ascot for a class two novice hurdle on February 18."We will make a decision after his next start about whether we go to Cheltenham or wait for somewhere like Aintree, but I think he is a horse with huge potential and one we like a lot. He is certainly up to this standard, it is just a case of whether he has the experience after three starts."Willie Mullins has 29 to choose from including the mares Augusta Kate and Let's Dance, and Invitation Only and Bacardys.Baltazar D'Allier (Gordon Elliott), Housesofparliament and Landofhopeandglory (both Joseph O'Brien) also have the option.Mount Mews, Rather Be, William Henry, Beyond Conceit, Ballyandy and Peregrine Run are others in the mix.