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Cantlow, Alelchi & More in Cross Country mix

CantlowCantlow
© Photo Healy Racing

Cantlow could return to Cheltenham on Saturday for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase.

The 12-year-old continued Enda Bolger's domination of this type of event when scoring at the track in December, following on from his victory in Punchestown's Risk Of Thunder Chase.

Willie Mullins has given an entry to Alelchi Inois, while More Of That is a fascinating contender.

Jonjo O'Neill has entered the 2014 World Hurdle winner over the unique course, and he remains the only horse in training to have beaten Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power when she has completed.

The nine-year-old has, however, looked a shadow of his former self in three runs this season and connections could now be going in a different direction.

West Approach, a half-brother to Thistlecrack, is among 15 possible runners in the Neptune Investment Management Classic Novices' Hurdle, while exciting JP McManus duo Defi Du Seuil and Charli Parcs are in the hat for the 11-strong JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle.

There are some classy entries in the Hugo's Restaurant Barbados Trophy Handicap Chase, with Kylemore Lough, Top Gamble, Royal Regatta and Shantou Flyer rated over 155.

Gordon Elliott has entered Noble Endeavor, winner of the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, while the long-absent Uxizandre may also return.

The Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase has been a good pointer towards Festival winners in recent years, with Champers On Ice, Diamond King and Royal Vacation among an entry of 29.

As is Mercian Prince, winner of his last two races and trained by Amy Murphy, who has made such a good start to her new career.

The Newmarket handler said: "He was really tough at Sandown as the ground would not have been ideal.

"He is more of a top-of-the-ground horse - he is a lovely mover - and fortunately he got away with it.

"We are keen to run him with obviously a view to coming back in March.

"I will have to speak with the owner (Paul Murphy, the trainer's father) but I am sure there will be a couple of options come the Festival."