Ruby Walsh: Stacked with stayers but British novice chasing stocks look threadbare

Paul Nicholls and Lucinda Russell have the gloves on early, and the rest will follow over the coming weeks

UP AND RUNNING: Ahoy Senor  looks set for a mouthwatering clash with Bravemansgame in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby today in round one of the build-up to Cheltenham 2023. Pic: Tim Goode/PA Wire.

So much hype and expectation for the upcoming National Hunt season is already revolving around Constitution Hill and what he will do to Honeysuckle when or if they eventually meet next March in the Champion Hurdle.

Nobody is more guilty of looking to the Festival than I am, and champions certainly need challengers, but the fascinating staying-chase division, which could have massive strength in depth, kicks off today.