Bravemansgame taken out of Brown Advisory on account of soft ground

Wednesday: 2.10 CheltenhamBrown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) | 3m½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

A week in the British jump season has rarely gone by without Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch stealing the headlines and the pair appear to have unearthed a potential showstopper in L'Homme Presse, who leads the Brown Advisory market after the late withdrawal of Bravemansgame on account of the ground.

From landing a handicap at Exeter off just 128, he has charged towards the top of the pecking order of British novice chasers with three breath-taking wins. The final of those, a blistering 21-length victory in the Scilly Isles, certainly left an impression.

Connections decided now was the time to step L'Homme Presse up to three miles and it certainly gives racegoers some compensation with Galopin Des Champs set to appear on Thursday instead.

Williams said: "We've stepped him up in trip because of the drying conditions. It's a very competitive race. He's got heaps more on his plate now."

He is one of two for Nicholls with Threeunderthrufive also a live contender. Max McNeill's seven-year-old has been successful on his last four starts including once over course and distance and twice at Grade 2 level.

"It's a big step up in class for Threeunderthrufive so he's going to have to improve. He's a solid, tough horse who will give his running."

Ahoy Senor: an impressive winner of the Towton at Wetherby last time outCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

A recent defeat to Bravemansgame has not dispelled Ahoy Senor's trainer Lucinda Russell. He triumphed by seven lengths against that rival at Aintree last time and has also scored over fences since that Kempton Boxing Day clash.

"This is the ultimate," she said. "He's in really good form and everything about him suggests he's right for the day, we just need a bit of luck.

"As long as it's good to soft that'd be perfect for him. He hasn't run around the track before so we'll see how he takes to it.

"Any runner at Cheltenham or a good run there is important and I'm sure it'll be an emotional day."

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Capodanno and Gaillard Du Mesnil
If the rain comes it will suit Capodanno. He jumps, stays and handles soft ground. I think he's got a big chance. Gaillard Du Mesnil is still a maiden over fences but takes his chance. He's maybe one for each-way wagers.

Nicky Henderson, trainer on Dusart
He's run very well in his two races when he's shown a tendency to jump left. This track is obviously going to suit him a lot better and he's definitely got the hang of it now. The time has come to give a race like this a go but it is a very competitive race. He is in excellent form.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Farouk D'Alene and Fury Road
Farouk D'Alene might prefer slower ground, but he's got good, solid form and will love the trip. He would prefer more ease in the ground, though. Dropping back in trip was the wrong thing to do with Fury Road last time. He had looked very comfortable over three miles at Christmas and if he returns to that sort of form he could run well.

Paul Townend, jockey of Gaillard Du Mesnil
He's been very disappointing over fences. His last run was probably his best run. He's still a maiden over fences but he's getting the hang of it now. He steps up in trip to three miles and is improving. He has a lot to find with Capodanno, who I think will run a big race. Bravemansgame is the obvious favourite but our form ties in with him from last year, it's just he seems to have stepped forward over fences and ours hasn't. If he can recapture that level of form, he's a big each-way price.
Reporting by James Stevens

Wednesday's Cheltenham Festival previews:

1.30 Cheltenham: 'It is ours to lose' – can anything stop the might of Sir Gerhard in Ballymore?

2.50 Cheltenham: can The Shunter land the Coral Cup after switching back to hurdles?

3.30 Cheltenham: 'This is going to be the biggest test of Shishkin's life' says Nicky Henderson

4.10 Cheltenham: Tiger Roll bids to bow out on a high back where it all began

4.50 Cheltenham: can Andy Dufresne unlock sky-high potential for Gordon Elliott in Grand Annual?

5.30 Cheltenham: who will be crowned the bumper king? Facile Vega and American Mike face off

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