TRAINER Pat Hughes still has Montayral, a two-length third to Puntal in the Betfred Gold Cup last time out, in Sunday’s Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil after yesterday’s latest declaration stage.

HARDY EUSTACE is fancied to confirm Cheltenham form with Rooster Booster in this afternoon’s Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

TIMMY MURPHY earned all the plaudits when giving Hi Cloy an ice-cool ride to take the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse yesterday.

WILLIE MULLINS is the trainer to have on your side at the opening stage of the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse tomorrow.

JIM CULLOTY will team up with Total Enjoyment, a first ever runner at the Festival for Tralee trainer Tom Cooper in the Cheltenham Bumper next week.

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

SHE might have no less than 29 rivals, but Deanery Nellie is nap material in the Eventing Ireland Maiden Hurdle at Navan this afternoon.

ONE of the more mildly surprising aspects of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival is the fact Tony McCoy is rated by the layers as only third favourite to emerge as leading rider.

EIGHT horses remain in Sunday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown, headed by last year’s winner, Beef Or Salmon.

DAVID CONDON gave well-backed market leader Holy Orders a delightful drive to take the featured Guinness Handicap before a record Friday night attendance of 25,350 at Galway last night.