ALAN KING TRITONIC

JCB Triumph Hurdle

Friday (1.20) RATED 99 after winning twice from nine outings on the Flat, and overhauled Casa Loupi to score by a length at Ascot on his hurdles debut in January.

The four-year-old then beat the same rival by 10 lengths in the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton five weeks later. KING SAYS: We were thrilled with Kempton — that was what we wanted to see — and he will have learned plenty from it.

The way he came back on the bridle after he was short of room once or twice impressed me and he hit the line really well, which is a good sign.

He looks a little bit slow because he does tend to drift off to sleep, but he’s got some very good mile-and-a-quarter form and and he has the gears to hold his position, no matter how you ride him.

He’s the highest-class Flat horse I‘ve sent jumping, and he schooled lovely from day one.

I felt if he was going to get to the Triumph then he needed two runs beforehand, and he’s come out of Kempton in good order.

NEWSBOY’S VERDICT:

The four-year-old hurdles division looks strong for 2021, and it’s no surprise to see a formidable challenge from Ireland.

But it’s hard to see what more this smart Flat performer could have done in two starts over jumps, and he will lead the home defence with distinction. ODDS: 9-4

Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

Wednesday (3.05) HIS victory in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in December — the grey’s first start since his Queen Mother Champion Chase last March — was Politologue’s fourth at the top level.

Sent off the 11-8 favourite for the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January but went under by seven lengths to First Flow. NICHOLLS SAYS: It’s his sixth Festival and he always gives everything. Last year’s race fell apart a bit but he did the job nicely.

He’s won a Tingle Creek since and at Ascot he ran against a horse who was better than him on the day.

At Cheltenham, you can go a fair gallop, then fill your lungs coming down the hill and then run up the other side. It is more a ‘home’ game for us than Ascot, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we turned the tables on First Flow this week.

NEWSBOY’S VERDICT:

Made the most of no-shows from Altior and Chacun Pour Soi — as well as a below-par run from Defi De Seuil — 12 months ago, and, even with Altior missing once more, big task ahead to defend his title ODDS: 8-1