Whoever had the foresight to name Rule The World must, at least secretly, be congratulating themselves.

Scintillating Naas scorer Rule The World is likely to head straight to the Cheltenham Festival in March should connections give a trip to Prestbury Park the green light.

The highly-regarded Rule The World coasted to an impressive victory in the Grade 2 Slaney Novice Hurdle in Naas yesterday as 1/4 favourite Champagne Fever flopped badly, trailing in a distant third before being found to have “a respiratory tract infection”.

Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh combined for a big Grade 1 double at Fairyhouse yesterday with Zaidpour and Arvika Ligeonniere.

Voler La Vedette will face four opponents as she bids to repeat last year’s victory in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse tomorrow.

Dessie Hughes is hoping Magnanimity can gain a confidence-boosting success at Thurles a week on Thursday before stepping him back up in grade.

Kauto Star may be nicely tucked up in his box enjoying retirement, but Paul Nicholls could still have an embarrassment of riches come Boxing Day at Kempton.

Minsk is set to resume his hurdling career next month after rejoining Dessie Hughes following a stint on the Flat with John Oxx.

The Breeders’ Cup have announced that four races on the Irish calendar are to form part of the ‘Win and You’re in’ series.

One-time Triumph Hurdle favourite Minsk is set to have one prep run before a bid for the Irish St Leger.

AS the monkey said when he got his tail cut: “it won’t be long now”.

PRINCE de Beauchene isn’t well treated at the weights, but still rates the nap choice in the Grade 2 At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

DESSIE HUGHES has made no secret of the regard in which he holds Minsk, his high-profile recruit off the level from John Oxx.

CHINA Rock has been given a clean bill of health following his fine comeback run at Punchestown on Saturday.

MINSK justified favouritism in the Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch in impressive style at the Curragh yesterday, highlight of a superb treble for trainer John Oxx.

NOTABLE GRADUATE is the nap choice to come through his stiffest test to date in the Listed Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown tonight.