INSIDE TRACK

I would like to say I have enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Seven Barrows after a morning spent on the gallops shooting the breeze with Nicky Henderson, writes Julie Williams.

That however would be a fanciful notion. But the legendary trainer did open the door to the Racing Post to give insight into live contenders for some of his big Cheltenham contender.

In the Supreme Novices the master trainer is supremely confident with both ANGEL’S BREATH ( 13/ 2) and antepost favourite AL DANCER ( 4/ 1).

Owned by Dai Walters my money is on the latter as he could well ‘ trip the light fantastic’.

Henderson believes when it comes to BUVEUR D’AIR’s ( 2/ 1) defence of his Champion Hurdle crown that we have not seen the best of him. That’s a frightening prospect for contenders like LAURINA ( 9/ 2) and APPLE’S JADE ( 9/ 4).

It will be one of the highlights of the festival; it’s one I think APPLE’S JADE can win.

In the Champion Chase ALTIOR ( 4/ 9) is the formidable foe that none but the brave will seek to challenge.

There will be brave and bold bookmakers on the front compelled to take on this winning machine.

They do so despite the warning, albeit a polite one, from Henderson, that his charge is in top form.

Layers, you have been warned! There will not be a dry eye in the house if MIGHT BITE ( 20/ 1) wins the Gold Cup.

Gallant in defeat last year to the irrepressible NATIVE RIVER, the trainer is not bullish.

For me I like the back- on- track BELLSHILL at ( 14/ 1) but it may well be he, like MIGHT BITE will be racing for a place as favourite PRESENTING PERCY ( 7/ 2) looks formidable.

To whet our appetites Kempton has a plethora of Grade races on the card this Saturday.

In the Juvenile Hurdle at 2: 25pm Paul Nicholls’ new recruit ECCO ( 7/ 1) could run a big race for a trainer that does well in this.

Favourites are just four wins from 10 runs in the Dovecote Novices Hurdle. ANGEL’s BREATH 7/ 4 fave ( and Supreme Novices contender) could well add to that tally but at the prices I fancy the fast improving ITCHY FEET ( 9/ 2) to land the spoils for Olly Murphy.

In the Grade 3 Handicap Chase at 3pm no favourite has won in the last decade - but tell that to GLEN ROCCO ( 4/ 1) the market leader.

FLYING ANGEL ( 20/ 1), should he bounce back to form, makes a cracking each way prospect.