Racing fans will be treated to a star-studded cast of names at Cheltenham Trials Day on Saturday, with Jonbon, Stay Away Fay and Impaire Et Passe entered for an exciting eight-race card.
The rescheduled Grade 1 Clarence House Chase, originally set to be held at Ascot last Saturday, is all about Nicky Henderson's Jonbon, who will face an easier task with the notable absence of El Fabiolo. Last year's winner Editeur Du Gite heads the opposition, which also includes Nube Negra and Fugitif.
Stay Away Fay is a surprise entry in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase, with Paul Nicholls' star novice chaser potentially stepping into open company against more experienced rivals, such as Betfair Chase victor Royale Pagaille and The Real Whacker. It is also an opportunity for Coral Gold Cup winner Datsalrightgino to test his credentials against Graded company, ahead of Festival targets.
Whilst the two Graded chases on the card look to be exciting renewals, the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle has the potential to be the feature race of the day with Willie Mullins set to bring over three contenders – Impaire Et Passe, Lossiemouth and Gala Marceau. Although the latter two have also been entered in the Grade 2 Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle at Doncaster on the same day, Mullins could be tempted to test Lossiemouth back at the scene of her Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle success at the Festival in March.
The Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle brings together some of the recognisable names from the staying hurdle division, with Paisley Park aiming to add a fourth success to his impeccable record in the race. He will face opposition from old foes Champ and Dashel Drasher but will also be joined by 2022 Grand National hero Noble Yeats, who could use the Stayers' Hurdle as a stepping stone to Aintree.
The Triumph Trial looks to be a head-to-head between the top two in the current market for March's Triumph Hurdle, with Sir Gino and Burdett Road, who also holds an entry in the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle on the same card, set to take each other on. Gidleigh Park will be looking to stamp his Cheltenham credentials in the Sss Super Alloys Novices' Hurdle but could face stiff opposition from Jango Baie.
