James Ewart bidding for first Cheltenham winner with fancied Empire De Maulde

Sunday: 1.45 Cheltenham
Jewson Click And Collect Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 3m3½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

This race used to be the de facto supporting race on Saturday and its relegation to Sunday's third race has brought with it a historically poor field made up of largely exposed sorts. A 0-110 might be won by whoever happens to fancy it on the day. It jars to see such a race at Grade 3 level.

Unseasonably quick conditions might have played a part in the low turnout, admittedly. Early favourite Empire De Maulde would not have run in the mud. He is the youngster of the party, by two years, and is suitably progressive. He took down some big names at Kelso last time, but that race is often used as a prep run and instinct is that many were utilising it so this year.

The impression at the time was that Rocky's Treasure was being tuned up at Fakenham last month. Whether this race was the main target is unknown, but conditions are likely to be a pleasant surprise for connections. He is best away from the mud, runs off 2lb lower than when winning at Doncaster in December and could hardly have landed in a weaker race for the grade.

The only reappearing runner is Yala Enki, who found things happening too quickly for him in the Grand National when last seen. For those not familiar with this likeable veteran, that drops a heavy hint to his reliance on the mud to slow others down.

The Mighty Don makes particular appeal from a pure handicapping perspective. He is better than a mark of 137 and has demonstrated as much twice in the last 12 months, both times on Cheltenham's New course. He comes with risks attached, though, as an absent-minded jumper who raced lifelessly at Chepstow last month.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Yala Enki
He's in great shape and was only just denied in this race on his return last season. He would prefer softer ground but this better ground might just help him with the weight he's carrying. He loves going fresh and although it's a huge task with his weight, he's more than capable.

John McConnell, trainer of Go Another One
He ran well here last time and steps up in trip again, which I think he should be able to stay. We're taking 5lb off him with a good claimer [Kieren Buckley] and hopefully he can run a nice race.

James Ewart, trainer of Empire De Maulde
Hopefully he gets his favoured good ground but the times of the last meetings at Cheltenham have got slower as the meetings have gone on, probably as it's cut up. He's a progressive horse and it would be nice for a smaller northern yard such as ourselves to get our first winner at Cheltenham. It will be nice also to give Brian Hughes a rare winner at the track as most of the horses he rides are northern-based. That said, it's Cheltenham and the races are hard to win.

Nick Gifford, trainer of The Mighty Don
We were scratching our heads a little at Chepstow where we thought we had him straight enough for his reappearance only to see him pull up. We think he's an out-and-out stayer and he loves good ground, so we're hopeful he can bounce back at a track that has suited him in the past.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Rocky's Treasure
On his best form he would have a chance but he's at the veteran stage now so it's difficult to know what level of a ability he still maintains. That said, it's a long time since he's had only 10st 5lb on his back, so he could make the shake up.
Reporting by David Milnes

Read Sunday's previews:

12.30 Punchestown: Vanillier and Sixshooter take aim at quality Florida Pearl Chase

1.10 Cheltenham: Can exciting Does He Know make it three in a row over fences?

2.05 Punchestown: Honeysuckle's biggest threat? Echoes In Rain out to show talent in the Morgiana

2.20 Cheltenham: Keith Melrose on why the Champion Chase heroine faces a stiff task in the Shloer

2.55 Cheltenham: How good were last season's juveniles? The Greatwood could give us the answer

3.30 Cheltenham: Will I Like To Move It star in the Supreme Trial? Here's what his form tells us

18+. Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal and some deposit and bet types excluded. Minimum first £10 bet within 14 days of account registration at min odds of 1-2 = 3x £10 free bets. Free bets valid for seven days. Stake not returned. No cash-out. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. Sign up here.