THE countdown to Cheltenham has really started now and it promises to be a revealing weekend, between Ascot and Haydock this afternoon and the two days at Leopardstown.

Ground conditions will dictate the early December objective for Big Zeb following his impressive return to action at Navan.

Paul Nicholls has red-hot favourite Twist Magic “in seriously good order” for the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot tomorrow.

RUBY WALSH yesterday expressed confidence that Azertyuiop will give Moscow Flyer a real battle in the Champion ’Chase at Cheltenham next week.

Rooster Booster will face an easier task than expected tomorrow when he makes his seasonal reappearance in the Tote Bula Hurdle, following the defection of Australian import Specular.

CHAMPION ’CHASE favourite Moscow Flyer has to come through the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet ’Chase at Leopardstown this afternoon with flying colours if he is to maintain his postion at the top of that particular Cheltenham ante-post market.