Irish strong for Cheltenham novices

There are 96 entries - 39 from Ireland - for the Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The top-class duo of Zaidpour and First Lieutenant are in the race and are also among 103 entries - 31 Irish-trained - for the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle over three miles on Gold Cup Day, Friday, March 18th.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Bobs Worth is currently favourite for the Neptune after maintaining his unbeaten record over hurdles on Festival Trials Day with a two and a quarter-length win over the Paul Nicholls-trained Rock On Ruby.

Also entered are the Grade Two winner Court In Motion and Backspin, trained by Emma Lavelle and Jonjo O'Neill, respectively.

The Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham has attracted 103 entries at the first forfeit stage.

The ante-post favourite for the three-mile test is Emma Lavelle's Court In Motion, a bloodless winner on his latest appearance at Warwick.

Backspin had Court In Motion behind when winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December but disappointed at Cheltenham last weekend. He could also try three miles for the first time at the Festival.

Willie Mullins has 10 entries including Zaidpour, winner of the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse over two miles.

Like so many, he is also engaged in the two-mile Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the two-mile-five-furlong Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.

Other interesting Mullins entries include So Young and Gagewell Flyer, while Endless Intrigue and Shot From The Hip are other notable Irish names.