STONE SET TO POUND HIS RIVALS

My Cheltenham runners

STRATAGEM

2.05 He joined us after he won as a three-year-old at Auteuil a year ago on his debut when he beat Solo, but then took a bit of time to acclimatise before winning on heavy ground at Kelso.

He has run only three times and has turned inside out over the summer – he’s now a beautiful animal, big and strong.

I’m really happy with him now and expect him to give a good account here before he goes chasing.

With Stratagem’s owner David Maxwell out injured Harry Cobden takes the ride.

SOUTHFIELD STONE 2.40

Just beaten in the Pendil Chase at Kempton late in February, he remains a novice until December 1 so this is an ideal starting point for him over a trip that suits.

We have tweaked his wind over the summer and he will enjoy going left-handed at Cheltenham.

Southfield Stone (below) is one of those horses who always looks enormous and while he was beaten first time out last season when he needed the run I could not possibly have done more graft with him this time.

He has worked and worked, is fit and I think he will run very well.

FRODON

3.50

He has a huge task on a mark of 164, giving lumps of weight to his rivals, but he has to start somewhere. He is ready to go and he obviously likes Cheltenham.

Frodon found life a fair bit tougher last winter after a stellar previous season and I’m sure he needs a longer trip now – like this – as he has lost a bit of boot over 2m5f.

Fit though he is, he is bound to improve for this first run.

BEST CHANCE

Southfield Stone