Nicky Henderson's Festival record (1999-2008): 13178 (7%), -£31.92 level stakes loss
Banker:
Champion Hurdle - Binocular (13/8 Sportingbet)
Undoubtedly the slickest hurdler in the field and if there's to be a new superstar in the 2m division, he'll be it. Not raced since the turn of the year but his trainer can get them fit after a break and drying ground is very much in his favour.
Good Chance:
Triumph Hurdle Hurdle - Zaynar (9/2 William Hill)
Classy sort who is unbeaten in two races over hurdles. Has not looked a natural over hurdles but has been working well in cheek-pieces at home (which will be applied at Cheltenham) and he's the sort to keep on finding more up the hill.
Each-Way Steal:
Coral Cup - Aigle D'Or (11/2 Coral)
Would not be out of place in the Champion Hurdle so you've got to fancy him in this handicap. Ran a blinder in the Greatwood Hurdle considering it was a muddling pace over a trip short of his best and the trainer reports him in "very good order".
Dark Horses:
Kim Muir - Shouldhavehadthat (12/1 Boylesports)
Plenty of experience for a novice and has a nice racing weight. Has won twice over 2m6f this season but trainer expects him to stay 3m and is "quite keen on his chance".
Gold Cup - Barbers Shop (16/1 Coral)
Trainer has this progressive type in the form of his life and he must have an each-way chance in a race that the oldguard may prove vulnerable.
Grand Annual - French Opera (20/1 bet365)
Not so 'dark' as he's ante post favourite for the race named after Nicky Henderson's father and it's easy to see why as he gets in off a nice weight and will be suited by the drying ground.
Nicky Henderson Cheltenham Festival Top Trainer: 5/1 bet365
Henderson-trained Festival Winners:
Victor Chandler: Two or Three 11/8, One or Less 13/8, Four or More 5/2