Paul Nicholls: My Friday runners at Cheltenham

Paul Nicholls provides acute insights into his quintet of Friday runners at Prestbury Park, including a trio that will relish the fast ground...

Has bounced back incredibly well from a life-threatening injury at Hereford in December 2009 and struck form with a vengeance towards the end of last season, rattling up a quick, fast ground, hat-trick, culminating in a win over course and distance in April. Retains his novice status until November 1, so runs here before we send him chasing, and he is fit enough to do himself justice and will love the ground. Although the race has only cut up to six runners, it has attracted some very smart performers, not least Henry De Bromhead's Sizing Symphony, an impressive winner at Fairyhouse last month. But I am confident he will give a very good account of himself.

Is another of mine who will love the anticipated fast ground here. Made a successful chasing debut when winning at Stratford before disapponting slightly in finishing a wide-margin runner-up in small fields on his next two starts. But probably ran his best race for us when fifth in a decent listed handicap chase at Newton Abbot last time on ground that was far too soft for him. Meets some in-form and classy opponents here (notably For Non Stop, who would have finished second in the Coral Cup but for a last-flight fall) so we're hopeful rather than confident. Has plenty of scope for further improvement though.

Was a decent middle distance winner on the Flat in France, winning his final start over 1m4f at Deauville in 2009, but nearly died of colic last summer. With that in mind, an opening fifth at Taunton was not too disappointing, though his final start at Ffos Las certainly was. He clearly needs to improve to make his presence felt against some fair recruits from the pointing, bumper and flat spheres here, but his flat form gives me some cause for optimism as does his recent work. Runs in sheepskin cheekpieces for the first time, because he wears them at home. Ryan takes the ride as he looks after Ange Guerrier, who isn't the easiest, at home.

Won over 3m2f at Hereford in June and, at one point at Newton Abbot last month, I thought he was going to win for my nephew Harry (having his first ride against professionals), before finding the gambled-on Qhilimar too strong (the fourth home there, Ethiopia, won at Chepstow on Saturday). Although his recent record at this course isn't great, Earth Planet has run some good races here in the past - notably when three-quarters-of-a-length second to Lie Forrit over hurdles two years ago - and let's hope he can go one better. Will like the ground and is fairly handicapped.

This decent French Flat middle distance winner proved very frustrating last season, often travelling powerfully and finding little when asked. But he had a breathing operation mid-season and went on to record his best effort when sixth to What A Charm, with a tongue tie fitted, in the Fred Winter. Then went on to Ascot where he looked to be in a winning chance when falling two out. Certainly his homework suggests he should be competitive off a mark of 116 (though that is 4lb higher than at Cheltenham and Ascot), and Ryan takes a handy 3lb off. But he needs to start winning soon, though.