THE countdown to Cheltenham Festival is well underway.
A plethora of Irish raiders look set to take on the best Britain has to offer at the home of Jump racing.
There are standout horses galore – but who to pick and in which race?
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It's a wonderful problem to have for punters up and down the country, but a real headscratcher nonetheless.
Luckily for us, SunSport tipsters Matt Chapman and Steve Mullen – known to you and me as Templegate – have picked their three top tips for the week.
And, best of all, we have teamed up with Paddy Power to give you the chance to back the trebles. CLICK HERE to do so.
Now, for the picks…
Matt Chapman
Shishkin (Arkle, Tuesday)
He won't just win the Arkle but he will hack up and show he's the best jumps horse in training in the UK.
The Supreme hero has done nothing wrong in three runs over fences and is just an absolute machine.
Luckily Willie Mullins has Energumene in the field which currently makes Shishkin very backable.
Barring accidents that can happen in any race I have no doubt Shishkin will win for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.
Appreciate It (Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Tuesday)
Outstanding bumper performer has already showed he's a class hurdler.
What I love about the Champion Bumper runner-up is that he will stay much further than two miles but he has the speed to land the Supreme.
He jumps for fun and is a great big horse who will make a chaser one day. Class act. Mullins banker.
Saint Roi (Champion Hurdle, Tuesday)
I'm not sure he will even run after disappointing this season, but I remain convinced a big field, on better ground and off a strong pace will suit Saint Roi should he take his chance in the Champion Hurdle.
He's now a massive price. Have a few quid on each way and pray.
Mullins thinks he's good. So do I. We are no fools!
Templegate
Honeysuckle (Champion Hurdle, Tuesday)
She could not have been more impressive when winning at the Dublin Racing Festival and already has a Cheltenham Festival Grade 1 on her CV.
That Leopardstown success showed her liking for two miles and she has more to offer.
Concertista (Close Brothers, Tuesday)
She won the Dawn Run in style last season and has cruised to victory on both starts this term.
Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old has more improvement to come and we know Cheltenham suits well.
Zanahiyr (Triumph Hurdle, Friday)
Gordon Elliott has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to four-year-old hurdlers.
This son of Nathaniel looks the one to give him a third Triumph Hurdle win after his impressive Christmas success at Leopardstown.
He took that hard held and looks a potential superstar.
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