WILL BRITS RECLAIM IRISH CROWN?

PROTEKTORAT (Friday, Boodles

Gold Cup) – Third in the race last year, he should not be judged on his defeat on Cheltenham Trials day in January when trainer Dan Skelton admitted he was not fully wound up. Better to assess him in his very impressive win in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November when he swept aside a talented line-up.

LUCCIA (Thursday, Jack de Bromhead Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle)

Unbeaten in four races, this Nicky Henderson-trained mare would have a decent chance if she was pitched in against the geldings in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. But, not surprisingly, she is being kept to her own sex and she can capitalise.

EDWA (Tomor rro n Mother Cham mpion

The 2022 Ar rkle Nov Chase winne er can be forgiven his defeat last time when winner Editeur Du Gite was given too much rope in front in the Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham in January. A strong stayer with speed, he has all the right tools to do the job. Constitution Hill is a banker so Sportsmail’s LizzieL Kelly picks her other British hopes as legend Ruby Walsh chooses Ireland’s Festival fancies