Venetia Williams is to give Kelrev an unorthodox preparation for what she hopes will be a bountiful spell for her French import by running him in the Tote betXpress Showcase Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton on Monday.

IRISH punters could have been forgiven for thinking that Cheltenham bankers are a bit like London buses — you wait an age for one and then two pop up at once.

Cyfor Malta could be the surprise package in the Scottish National on April 20, a race in which champion trainer Martin Pipe has 12 possibles.