Strong Irish challenge in Neptune

Jessica Harrington remains confident conditions will not be a problem for Oscars Well in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham this afternoon.

The six-year-old has been plying his trade to good effect in testing ground in Ireland this season, winning three times on the bounce including twice at Grade One level.

Conditions at Prestbury Park appear to be drying out all the time but Harrington believes her charge is ready to do himself justice.

"Everything is fine and he seems to have travelled over grand," said Harrington.

"He's the one with the form at Grade One level, but it's going to be another good race. It's all in the lap of the gods now.

"I don't think the ground will trouble him. It seems to be on the soft side of good and that will be fine.

"There's only 12 runners, which is a very small field for that race. That's fine by me."

Oscars Well spearheads a strong Irish assault on the race with the Willie Mullins-trained So Young having been all the rage in the betting over the last week.

The five-year-old has had a low-key start to his hurdling career but is unbeaten in two starts and Mullins remains unsure how good his charge could be.

"We don't know how good our fellow is yet and we don't know his true capability," said Mullins.

"He's run twice and won twice and what he's shown us at home is good.

"We considered the Supreme for him as well but we decided on this and the trip was the easiest part of the decision. He'll have no problem with the distance."

Mouse Morris runs First Lieutenant who was last seen beating the much-vaunted Zaidpour in a Leopardstown Grade One in December.

"He's travelled over great and we're looking forward to the race," said Morris.

"He hasn't run since Christmas but that was always the plan and his form is good - he's a Grade One winner.

"The third horse (Hidden Cyclone) won again in Navan the other day and the better ground should suit our horse.

"We'll see how we get on, but I'd be hopeful he'll run a big race.

"Jessica Harrington's horse has won a couple of Grade Ones and there has been plenty of talk about So Young, but he doesn't have much experience.

"He beat a horse of mine the last day (Big Game Hunter) who's no great shakes, but we'll see."