This race is another recent addition to the Cheltenham Festival and made its debut in 2005. Many pundits and commentators were doubtful about the addition of a four year handicap hurdle at this meeting and some feel that it has taken something away from the main juvenile event – the Triumph Hurdle.

Putting that argument to one side for the moment it does or rather has given Cheltenham the chance to pay tribute to one of its favourite sons in Fred Winter who was not only one of the greatest jockeys of his era but went on to make an indelible mark on the training ranks also, winning most of the major races including two Grand Nationals and the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdles.

With a race as new as this it is always going to take a while to pin down the type of horse that is needed to win it but already it has become apparent unlike some of the other handicaps at the Festival that the winner is not tucked away down the bottom of the handicap. Five of the six winners – last year’s winner Sanctuaire included – have come from the top third of the weights. It would appear that the class acts in this handicap are capable of giving away the weight in this race and the Cheltenham racing betting will no doubt reflect this.

Once again it often pays to follow particular trainers in certain races at the Festival and it would appear that the David Pipe stable has developed a real penchant for this race – they won it in 2007 with Gaspara and since then have suffered three near misses with two seconds and a third in the race – last year’s second Grand Crus has looked a useful tool this year and with Festival experience he should be kept in mind for this year’s events at the Festival – he currently holds an entry in the World Hurdle having improved since his defeat last year and any Cheltenham 2011 bets placed on him could reap dividends.

What is noticeable about this race though is that the last five winners came here off the back of a win and clearly winning form will stand you in good stead in a race which commemorates a real winner – Fred Winter.

Ahead of every big race there is always a flurry of activity surrounding jockey bookings and this Sunday’s feature Grade 1 William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton Park is proving no exception, writes Elliot Slater.

Noel Fehily, who was expected to ride hot favourite Kauto Star due to the continued absence of the 10-year-old’s regular pilot Ruby Walsh, (sidelined since early November with a broken leg), shocked the racing community on Wednesday by standing himself down from the ride, explaining that his damaged wrist hasn’t sufficiently recovered for him to be sure he could offer maximum assistance from the saddle.

Fehily’s absence has opened the door for 15-time champion jockey and recently voted ‘BBC Sports Personality of the Year’ Tony McCoy, to come in for one of the best ‘spare’ rides of his illustrious career. McCoy had actually been booked to partner Jonjo O’Neill’s Albertas Run, but has been released from that commitment, allowing him to step into the spotlight as Kauto Star bids to land a historic fifth successive King George VI Chase.

Those assessing the cheltenham odds  have acknowledge the fact that Irish challenger Forpadydeplasterer, runner-up on each of his last seven outings, (many in Grade 1 company), is set to step up to three miles for the first time in his career and the Tom Cooper-trained gelding will now have the assistance of the fully fit Robert Thornton, after his regular pilot Barry Geraghty was claimed by his ‘guv’nor’ Nicky Henderson for Riverside Theatre. Paddy Brennan has been confirmed aboard Nacarat, a horse who has enjoyed a number of high profile performances at the Sunbury track, including winning the 2009 Racing Post Trophy and finishing fourth to Kauto Star in the ‘King George’ 12 months ago. 

As expected, Richard Johnson will continue his winning association with Philip Hobbs’ Planet of Sound, but riders for the remaining runners will not be confirmed until the final declaration stage.

There is also expected to be plenty of turnaround before the cheltenham gold cup 2011 in March!