The Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy worth £370,000.00 and run over 2 miles is the centre piece of  Tuesdays card at Cheltenham. The race promises to be a cracker. Its a shame that Binocular, who won the race last year, does not run but he would have faced stiff opposition from Menorah, Peddlars Cross, Kyber Kim, Dunguib and Hurricane Fly. Hurricane Fly (pictured) from Willie Mullins yard in Ireland is the only one not to have won or run over the course. Dunguib is the forgotten horse. A year ago he was antepost favourite for this race.  A strong gallop should ensure we see a real Champion as the Cheltenham hill will undoubtedly find a few of them out. Hurricane Fly who will be ridden by Ruby Walsh has that extra gear which he can produce at the end of a race, he stays 20 furlongs and is indifferent to the state of the going. It could be an Irish 1-2 with Hurricane Fly and Dunguib.

In the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase run over 3 miles 7 furlongs, Maljimar has been alloted a low racing weight, he loves the Cheltenham course and might finally get his head in front again for Nick and Jane Williams.

Willie Mullins sends Quevega over from Ireland hoping to win the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle for a third succesive year.