CHELTENHAM COUNTDOWN: FOUR TO WATCH

Looking for pointers for next month’s Cheltenham Festival? Racing Correspondent MARCUS TOWNEND picks four to watch today…

ERICK LE ROUGE (Kempton, 1.15)

Progressed well in an unbeaten season for trainer Jane Williams. Entered in the Coral Cup but needs a performance here to go up a few pounds in the handicap to guarantee a start.

FUSIL RAFFLES (Kempton, 2.25)

Has an interesting rival in Ecco, who ran in the German Derby, but is the more likely contender to emerge for the Triumph Hurdle from a race which has proved a decent trial in the past.

ANGELS BREATH (Kempton, 3.0)

Running here was not Plan A for trainer Nicky Henderson but with only one successful Ascot race under his belt the 9-2 second favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle lacks experience.

TALKISCHEAP (Kempton, 3.35)

Produced some good novice chase form this season. Has an RSA Chase entry but also in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Trainer Alan King has run some decent novices in that race before.