Cheltenham

For all that it's a dangerous game taking on the Irish when they have won 26 of the 33 runnings, BASS HUNTER might be as special as his trainer Chris Gordon has been telling everyone. He was clinging on at Ascot last time but no wonder after he was so far clear for so long, and he must have some engine. In a race that can be steadily run, some controlled aggression at the head of affairs could be his trump card. Unlike some of those ahead of him in the betting, he is also a Listed winner, and eight of the last ten winners had those or Graded honours to their names. Willie Mullins is responsible for the lion's share of Ireland's victories and his typically stocked-up squad is seemingly spearheaded by Love Sign d'Aunou, who hinted at star potential in winning his only bumper in a breeze. Gordon Elliott has made no bones about it that Keep Him Company is his best chance, while The Mourne Rambler (second choice) has to be feared when he looked so good at Leopardstown and he is blessed with the assistance of stellar Flat jockey Colin Keane.[Alistair Jones]