Harry Fry reports Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby to be ready to make a belated seasonal reappearance back at Cheltenham this afternoon.

Zarkandar has managed more than his fair share of waiting and Paul Nicholls’ aspiring star has negotiated another week of delays before he finally gets his season underway in tomorrow’s Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.

Neptune Collonges heads 14 declared runners for Saturday’s Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock.

Synchronised will miss Sunday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown after failing to satisfy connections in the run-up to the Grade One.

Ruby Walsh has come in for the plum ride on Zarkandar in Saturday’s Betfair Hurdle after a change to the Newbury card which allows the rider to defer a suspension that originally ruled him out of action this weekend.

RIDING Hinterland in the opening juvenile hurdle at Cheltenham is a good way to start the day and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t win.

PAUL NOLAN expects the testing ground to suit Joncol in Sunday’s John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown.

ALTHOUGH Irish Examiner columnist Ruby Walsh is not convinced of the credentials of Aiteen Thirtythree in this afternoon’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, it has the look of a real plot by trainer Paul Nicholls.

ANDY STEWART is trusting in his partnership with Paul Barber to turn his luck for the better when Aiteen Thirtythree lines up for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury today.

David Pipe is confident stamina will not be an issue for Great Endeavour when the grey goes for glory in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

TWO lengths was the winning distance, but connections of Grands Crus were in no doubt David Pipe’s grey had made a far greater margin of progress in the GPG Novices’ Chase at Newbury yesterday.

RUBY WALSH feels Kauto Star could be the value bet as he goes for a fourth victory in a fascinating Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.