Clash of the Cheltenham Festival thirds: Silver Streak and Itchy Feet face off

Last season's Champion Hurdle third Silver Streak is back in action with his trainer Evan Williams hoping Kempton's Listed Matchbook VIP Hurdle (4.25) is the start of another big year.

The six-year-old caused a surprise when capturing third spot behind Espoir D'Allen but has a rich CV which includes a victory in the Swinton Hurdle.

"It's great to get him going," said Williams. "He had a good season last year and fingers crossed this can be a springboard to another successful campaign.

"I never thought he would be capable of being placed in a Champion Hurdle, it was an outstanding run. I don't want to run him in handicaps so this looks a good opportunity to find out where we are with him."

Itchy Feet: winner on this card a year agoCredit: Edward Whitaker

Silver Streak's main rival Itchy Feet also held the same position on the opening day of the festival, when running on strongly behind Klassical Dream in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle – he makes his first start of the year for Olly Murphy.

Pacify seeks five-star triumph in quality novice event

The likes of Maputo, Black Corton and Itchy Feet have taken Kempton's Listed Matchbook Betting Exchange Novices' Hurdle (3.20) before going on to better things and Jamie Snowden hopes Pacify can continue his improvement.

Formerly rated 100 on the Flat, the seven-year-old has enjoyed a tremendous summer since switching to hurdling, winning four from four.

Jamie Snowden: excited to see how far Pacify can go over hurdlesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Snowden said of the mount of Gavin Sheehan, who is a 50-1 chance for next year's Supreme Novices': "He loves his jumping and he has taken to it well. He's looked very good so he deserves this step up in class. We will see just how good he is."

Brian Boranha seeks repeat Durham National success

The last horse to claim Sedgefield's seasonal showpiece, the Durham National, before striking in the main event at Aintree was Rubstic in 1979 and his name features in this year's race title (4.00) to celebrate his achievement 40 years on.

Rubstic won this race in three consecutive years, a feat which reigning winner Brian Boranha will look to emulate for Peter Niven in the Sedgefielders Salute Rubstic Durham National.

Brian Boranha: looking for a second win in the Durham NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Niven said of the eight-year-old, who was fourth when last seen at Uttoxeter in May: "He's in good form at home and the form of his last run has worked out well. We know he's well up to it but the ground might be against him."

Greatrex expects Western Ryder to take 'a bit of beating' on chase debut

Warren Greatrex sends Western Ryder up to Sedgefield to begin his novice chase campaign, with the seven-year-old looking to translate his excellent hurdles form in the competitive beginners' chase (3.05).

Western Ryder finished third in three Grade 2 events last season and, now sent over fences, he is a general 33-1 chance for the Racing Post Arkle in March.

Western Ryder: has been schooling well ahead of his chasing debutCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Greatrex said: "He seems in good form, his work has been good and has been schooling well too. There's a couple of nice horses in there against him, but on hurdles from, and providing he jumps on the track like he has at home, he'd take a bit of beating."

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app