Alan King's Festival record (2000-2008): 10/85 (12%), -£1.50 level stakes loss
Banker:
Ryanair Chase - Voy Por Ustedes (6/4 William Hill)
Won the Arkle in 2006 and the Champion Chase in 2007, both over 2m, but 2m5f is more his trip these days and he was simply awesome at Ascot last time. What can beat him?
Good Chance:
Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle - Karabak (4/1 Paddy Power)
Went down to Mad Max on his debut but hasn't looked back since, winning both his subsequent starts in the style of a top novice. Jumps, travels and stays, so it will take a good 'un to beat him.
Each-Way Steal:
Triumph Hurdle - Walkon (5/1 Ladbrokes)
Soundly beaten by current ante post favourite Zaynar (in receipt of 7lb) at Newbury but his form has taken off since and, given some juice in the ground, he'll be hard to keep out of the frame.
Dark Horses:
Pertemps Final - Pennek (12/1 William Hill)
Has been running consistently well all season, qualifying for this race by finishing third at Haydock last time out. Will be powering up the hill better than most and has a "serious chance" according to the trainer.
Champion Hurdle - Katchit (16/1 Ladbrokes)
Has been out-of-sorts this season but, to be fair, he hasn't yet paid a visit to his beloved Cheltenham (5-6 record and one second), and his trainer reports him to be looking "very sharp" at home in first-time blinkers.
Festival Plate - Ouzbeck (20/1 bet365)
Has got rid of his jockey on three of his last five starts but the trainer is convinced he's a very good horse on his day and a very good jumper. Best on good ground going left-handed.
Alan King Cheltenham Festival Top Trainer: 7/1 Coral
King-trained Festival Winners:
Victor Chandler: Two or Three 6/4, One or Less 11/8, Four or More 11/4