Despite a thrilling line-up at Haydock, another candidate for race of the season is shaping up in Saturday’s Coral Ascot Hurdle.

Aran Concerto could be heading to Cheltenham with the tag of “Irish Banker” around his neck after an effortless success in the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Charlie Mann is to target his promising juvenile hurdler Mobaasher at the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on February 24 as the gelding’s warm-up race for the Cheltenham Festival.

IT really is a shame Schindlers Hunt cannot go to Cheltenham for the Arkle Trophy.

Jonjo O’Neill would be unfazed if Black Jack Ketchum heads to the Cheltenham Festival without a prep run.