Published 11th February

When it comes to a field of unexposed juveniles hurdlers, the instinct is to tread carefully as you don't know what lurks in the pack - Poniros showed that last year, and Pentland Hills caused a stir at 20-1 back in 2019. 

However, we have had five winning favourites in the last ten years of this contest, and the money hasn't tended to be far off the mark. I find myself battling natural instinct here as I want to fire at something at a big price to take on NARCISO HAS, but he looks the part and I think ultimately will be very tough to beat as he heads to Prestbury Park. 

This imposing looking son of Doctor Dino was beaten into second on his stable debut at Fairyhouse by Mange Tout, but since then has really gone through the gears. He absolutely hosed up in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown, and then back at the same track in Grade 1 company at the Dublin Racing Festival when he put in a very classy display when winning by over four lengths to Selma De Vary, and revenge was complete, with Mange Tout trailing in back in third. 

Narciso Has looks to have the make-up of an individual who will absolutely devour the Cheltenham hill and naturally ticks a lot of boxes in being able to land the opener on Gold Cup Day. He looks versatile in regards to underfoot conditions, and it will take a good one to pass him.

From the others, the 'home' challenge is probably best represented by Maestro Conti and Minella Study. The former represents the Dan Skelton team, and won in good style on Trials Day, having been very keen early on soft ground, and then having to make up a lot of ground from off the pace. 

He did a lot 'wrong' in the circumstances but still managed to get the job done as he found plenty up the hill, which is the sign of a good horse. He will need to take another step forwards here to be getting in the shake-up but has the potential to be in the conversation at least. 

Adam Nichol has a smart horse on his hands with Minella Study, and equally there was a lot to like about his victory at Cheltenham in December, and the collateral form working out well courtesy of Winston Junior. He beat One Horse Town more convincingly than Maestro Conti did and is probably a bit underestimated in the market at around 12-1 - there is an argument he should be single figures. 

No doubt something will probably come out of the woodwork, with the likes of the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton Park, but as things stand, it is very much Narciso Has in pole position, and gets the firm vote from me here.