CHANNON CAN STRIKE TWICE

Southampton and england striker-turned trainer Mick Channon (below) looks the man to follow on day one of the Festival with the potential to hit the back of the net twice with MISTER

WHITAKER and GLEN FORSA. Mister Whitaker has good course form having won the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase on this day 12 months ago.

there has been talk of stepping the gelding up to the three miles of today’s race for some time, but this is the first time he has tried the trip.

His pedigree suggests the longer distance should suit him and he looks to have been crying out for this stiffer stamina test.

Another positive is the booking of top jockey Brian Hughes. It is the first time he has been back on board since he partnered Mister Whitaker to his 2018 Festival win. Henrietta Knight, the trainer who guided the great Best Mate to his three Gold Cups, has been involved in the jumping tuition of Channon’s Arkle trophy Novices’ Chase hope Glen Forsa. Glen Forsa’s jumping was slick and quick when he beat Kalashnikov at sandown. that effort earned him many admirers.