However, he has to give lumps of weight away to some improving types like Limerick Boy and Perouse as well as some more established individuals like Westender, Rigmarole, Hasty Prince etc. I have a doubt that if it turns into a war Johnson might be easy on him with the champion hurdle in mind. However, the race is sure to be run to suit and I hope he gets there with something left in the tank at the last.
Azertyuiop and Keen Leader should provide confidence boosting wins before Cheltenham in the 2.10 and 3.20 respectively.
More of a betting proposition may be KELREV in the 4.0 Haydock. He has been chasing recently and put up his best performance ever to be second to Hunter's Tweed at Cheltenham over 2m5F. He looked all over the winner turning into the straight but his stamina just gave out after the last. He has a furlong less to travel today and the track should be easier. I hope he can take advantage of his lower rating over hurdles and see the trip out well enough to hold on. Also Mister Banjo should take all the beating in the 2.25.
There is also a good card at my local track Ayr featuring the Lloyd's TSB H'cap chase at 3.00. The afore mentioned Hunter's Tweed runs here but he may not be quite good enough to give 9lbs to former top hunter chaser Joe Blake. He is a horse I like a lot and I intend to follow him throughout the season. Other potential winners on the card are Our Armageddon in the 2.00 and Pass me by in the 2.30.