McConnell's raider to star at Cheltenham

IN THE William Hill Novice Handicap Chase over two and a half miles at Cheltenham this afternoon, the experienced MAJOR FORTUNE (1.10) can take this off a ledge of 120.

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A winner over hurdles off a mark of 118, it looks as though Dan Skelton has plotted him up for this.

On his last spin at Ascot three weeks ago, ROSARIO (1.30) was second off a rating of 93 on his favoured soft surface.

Roger Teal's sprinter has been nudged up to a perch of 94, but he can go one better in a first-time visor under similar conditions in the Skill Step Group Handicap run over five furlongs at Doncaster.

Gordon Elliott is sending POUR LES FILLIES (1.45) across the Irish Sea to lineup for the William Hill Novice Hurdle over three miles at Cheltenham, and the hint must be taken.

This beast made all when bolting up by nine lengths at Downpatrick over two miles and six furlongs 15 days ago, and he shapes as if this longer journey will see him in a better light.