'I backed him at 25-1 and 20s - I did it as soon as he was put in the betting'

The best Cheltenham Festival quotes from the last week . . .

We don't know how good Honeysuckle is but I'm looking forward to having a go at her with something on a level that Appreciate It shows.
Paul Townend talks up his Champion Hurdle hope on the Racing Post's In The Know show

Read the story here

He was better at Ascot than he was last time at Cheltenham but it was a good race the other day with Paisley Park, so we'll have to have another rendezvous with him. I was most impressed with him in the Long Walk Hurdle, he was very good that day and we just need to get him back that way.
Nicky Henderson on Champ after scratching him from the Gold Cup to focus on the Stayers' Hurdle

Read the story here

I backed him for the Champion Bumper at odds of 25-1 and 20-1 – I did it as soon as he was introduced in the betting after he was named.
Ger O'Brien, part-owner of staggering Leopardstown bumper winner Facile Vega, on his high expectations

Read the story here

Vauban looks a very good horse, but I think Cheltenham will suit Fil Dor better than Leopardstown did. We're still thinking of running both Fil Dor and Pied Piper in the Triumph.
Gordon Elliott is relishing taking on Vauban with Fil Dor and Pied Piper in the Triumph Hurdle

Read the story here

I think he'll come on again from today. This time of year seems to suit him and he looks to be a better horse when he gets to Cheltenham in March.
Henry de Bromhead was encouraged by the second-placed finish of reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo on Saturday

Read the story here

It was a proper race and we went a proper gallop, and he still hit the line well. We know he stays but when he puts up a performance like that over that trip, deciding where to go next is a nice problem to have.
Connections of impressive Ladbrokes Novice Chase winner Galopin Des Champs are unsure as to which festival race he will feature in

Read the story here

I'd say the big chance is Fiddlerontheroof. We've purposely kept him back since his good run in the Ladbrokes Trophy so that he gets a good weight for the National. He's rated 155, so he's not far off the Gold Cup picture.
Colin Tizzard on Fiddlerontheroof, who he calls his leading chance at this year's Cheltenham Festival

Read the story here

Party Central: 8-1 for the Mares' Novice Hurdle after success at the Dublin Racing FestivalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Noel and Valerie like to have a few broodmares so we'll try to make her into one. They'll be going to Cheltenham for the week so if they'd like to run her she'll be on the lorry.
Gordon Elliott on Party Central, now 8-1 for the Mares' Novice Hurdle after success at the Dublin Racing Festival

Read the story here

He's a horse with a bright future and I was delighted with the way he stuck on to win the race. He deserves to go to Cheltenham now.
Olly Murphy will head to the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle with Taunton winner Dr TJ Eckleburg

Read the story here

There's the three-mile novice chase at Aintree that's also an option for him, so there's three possible targets he could go for. He's a novice still and our big aim is the 2023 Gold Cup, so it's all about how we get him there.
Lucinda Russell suggests Ahoy Senor could miss Cheltenham this season

Read the story here

Read these next:

The key Irish formlines you need to follow at the Cheltenham Festival

Appreciate It set to tackle Honeysuckle in Champion Hurdle without a prep run

Watch In The Know every Monday until the Cheltenham Festival from 6pm, live on the Racing Post YouTube channel. Ross Brierley hosts as Racing Post experts and special guests look ahead to the festival. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here so you don't miss out.