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Fleming four set for Cheltenham

Blue Hell will take his chance in the County HurdleBlue Hell will take his chance in the County Hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Trainer Alan Fleming is counting down the days to the Cheltenham Festival after preparing a four-strong team for the showpiece fixture.

The Curragh-based trainer's quartet includes County Hurdle joint-favourite Blue Hell and also Velvet Maker who is bound for the Grand Annual having finished behind the brilliant Douvan on his last couple of appearances at Leopardstown.

Fleming said: "Blue Hell goes to the County Hurdle and we couldn't be happier with him at home at the moment. Everything has gone absolutely A1.

"We just want to get him there in one piece and we'll be looking forward to it then.

"It's a massively competitive race, as it always is, but we're quite pleased with our fellow.

"Velvet Maker goes for the Grand Annual and we were very happy with him when he went to Leopardstown to work after racing on Sunday.

"He had a school round and jumped exceptionally well on that better ground.

"He came out of it safe and sound and we'd be looking forward to running him as I think he's such a good moving horse better ground will really bring out the best in him.

"He's rated 143 in Ireland and 146 in England, so we'll see what he can do.

"We also have Tully East for the Martin Pipe. He had a racecourse gallop the other day as well and we were very pleased with him, so we're happy to let him take his chance.

"Bridgets Pet goes for the novice handicap (chase) on the first day. He's been very well since beating Morning Assembly in Fairyhouse and I think this race will suit him.

"It's great to have four grand horses going over there for us.

"If we get them all there in one piece and I think they've all got each-way chances."