Crystal can go to the ball

Splitting the pair is far from easy. It could be significant that Ruby Walsh rides Perouse, who is on a four-timer following an easy course win, but Sud Bleu (nb) has looked a reformed character since being treated for a breathing problem over the summer.

His rider claims a handy 7lb and he could prove the value option despite having been raised 8lb for his excellent second behind Thesis in the Ladbroke Hurdle.

Nicholls will also go into the Unicoin Starter Homes Novices' Chase with high hopes of success through Santenay and his recent French recruit, L'Aventure. Walsh has opted for Santenay here and the hint could prove well worth taking.

This five-year-old was good enough to run the high-class Intersky Falcon close in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last year. He's made steady progress over fences this season and looked to have plenty left to give when taking an unlucky tumble two out in a handicap at the last meeting here.

Channel 4's Cheltenham coverage draws to a close with the Tote Bookmakers Handicap Chase, in which Timmy Murphy looks sure to employ his usual come-from-behind tactics aboard the vastly-improved Cresswell Quay.

Peter Bowen's gelding is proving hard for the handicapper to pin down, but he's shot up the weights since his recent Plumpton win and Itsonlyme looks a better bet after running a blinder to chase home Kelami at Kempton over the weekend.

The Channel 4 cameras will also be at Fontwell tomorrow, where the feature event is the Tote Trifecta Southern National.

With three and a half miles to cover, suspect stayers need not apply, but Uncle Mick relishes a slog and looks worth a modest each-way interest in a race where quite a few are hard to fancy.

The John Smith's Handicap Hurdle looks another ordinary affair, but Six Of One has run two solid races recently and looks handicapped to go very close again.