Paul Nicholls' Festival record (1999-2008): 20/219 (9%), -£79.17 level stakes loss
Banker:
Champion Chase - Master Minded (1.41 Betfair)
produced one of the 'wow' moments of last year's festival when simply demolished his rivals by 19 lengths and has looked just as good in his two races this season.
Good Chance:
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - Pride Of Dulcote (5/1 bet365)
Gave Ruby Walsh a nasty fall at Cheltenham in November, but was still going well at the time in the race won by World Hurdle hopeful Fair Along and has won both his subsequent starts in the style of a top novice.
Each-Way Steal:
Champion Hurdle - Celestial Halo (10/1 Coral)
A previous festival winner, having landed last year's Triumph Hurdle, and could be the one to expose any chinks in Binocular's stamina, especially if there's plenty of cut in the ground.
Dark Horse:
Arkle - I'msingingtheblues (9/1 Boylesports)
Working well and "looking great" at home according to his trainer and, while Tatenen remains the stable's main Arkle hope on jockey bookings, he would come right into the reckoning on good ground.
Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle - The Nightingale (16/1 Ladbrokes)
Would be unbeaten over hurdles but for a horrific fall after jumping the last flight on his debut at Exeter. Bounced back to win unchallenged at Taunton and Nicholls rates him very highly.
Pertemps Final - Otto Des Pictons (16/1 bet365)
Has had only three runs since returning from a leg injury, qualifying for this race by running fifth at Haydock last time on ground that would have been softer than ideal. Better ground will see him in a much better light and the 3m trip is perfect for him.
Paul Nicholls Cheltenham Festival Top Trainer: Evens Totesport
Nicholls-trained Festival Winners:
Victor Chandler: Three or four 11/8, Two or Less 7/4, Five or More 5/2