One trainer, one race, one horse and one jockey to watch at Cheltenham on Friday

Trainer

Paul Nicholls wasted no time in laying down a marker for this season's championship with eight winners over two days at Chepstow earlier in the month, and he will be after more of the same at Cheltenham's two-day Showcase Meeting.

Nicholls has five runners on Friday, with Ask For Glory favourite for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (1.50), while Getaway Trump will be bidding for another success over fences in the Cheltenham Two Farmers Crisps Novices' Chase (4.45), which he was third in last year.

Race

The Bentley Flying Spur Handicap Chase (3.35) has gone to Saint Calvados and Modus in the last two years, so whoever claims this year's prize could be a name to note for the rest of the season.

On The Slopes has been in fine form for Chris Gordon and is chasing a hat-trick, but faces some quality opposition including last season's Arkle third Rouge Vif and the classy Dolos.

Galvin: has been in formidable form over fencesCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

Horse

Galvin had to wait until July to gain a first win over fences, but he has not looked back since, with the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old going into the Matchbook Better Way To Bet Novices' Chase (2.25) seeking a four-timer.

Second behind Imperial Aura in a Listed novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, Galvin is favourite for this season's National Hunt Chase at the festival, and his odds for that prize will contract if his winning streak continues.

Jockey

Brian Hughes claimed a maiden jockeys' championship last season, and is setting the pace in his bid for back-to-back titles. He has four rides at Cheltenham on Friday, with perhaps his best chance coming in the Cheltenham Matchbook Better Way To Bet Novices' Chase (2.25).

Hughes rides the Ruth Jefferson-trained Clondaw Caitlin, who was highly progressive last season and ended the campaign with a Grade 2 victory at Kelso.

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