Through The Card: Cheltenham, Saturday 25 January

12:40 - Nicky Henderson's French recruit MONTE CRISTO (1) showed fairly useful form in his homeland, landing an Auteuil juvenile hurdle ahead of a subsequent winner, before making the switch to British racing. His trainer has a stellar record in this race, winning four of the last seven renewals, and there is every chance that his promising new inmate can add to that with a minimum of fuss.

13:15 - CLOUDY GLEN (9) made a promising start over fences, going like the best horse at the weights when fourth on his chase debut, before posting an excellent second at Carlisle last month. He was turned out quickly following a fall on Boxing Day and opened his account over fences with little fuss, making all in a two-runner race at Haydock. Venetia Williams's improving young chaser figures here on a good mark and is worth a serious look for his excellent yard.

13:50 - HIGHWAY ONE O ONE (4) proved at least as good as ever when third at Kempton last month, a race he might well have won had he not kicked for home so early on in what had already been a well-run contest. He shaped better than the bare result would imply, having been beaten only after the final flight by a pair of fellow unexposed chasers. This step back in trip looks a wise move and he ought to be more than capable of winning off this mark.

14:25 - After making a successful debut over fences, SANTINI (4) proved himself one of the best staying novice chasers of last term when hitting the frame in both the Kauto Star Novices' Chase and the RSA Novices' Chase. He didn't need to be at his best when landing a listed event at Sandown on his reappearance but there is a good chance he will be much more on his game this time around. There should be more to come from Nicky Henderson's promising chaser and, having recently undergone a wind operation, he is expected to be back to his best here.

15:00 - KING ROLAND (5) has conquered pretty much all before him so far in his career, winning on his sole start in points before confirming himself one of the top British bumper performers when successful on both starts in that sphere last term. He shaped with plenty of encouragement when runner-up on his hurdles debut and quickly got back to winning ways when landing an Exeter maiden in fine style. This longer trip seems ideal for Harry Fry's exciting prospect and he will take plenty of beating in this contest.

15:35 - PAISLEY PARK (2) was given a good workout by one who had been top class in his day on his reappearance in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November, but asserted his authority late on to extend his winning sequence to six. He won this race last year prior to his fine victory in the Stayers' Hurdle, and it will take a mighty performance to prevent him from doing so again.

16:10 - SOFIA'S ROCK (1) was a useful performer on the Flat and quickly reached a similar level over hurdles last term. He lost little in defeat at Huntingdon last time when bumping into one well ahead of the assessor and, off the same mark here, his claims are hard to ignore.