Cheltenham hopes discussed at Belfast preview

A change in Delta Work's training schedule has him thriving ahead of his challenge for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Ian Amond, Gordon Elliott's assistant trainer, was part of the panel at the Sean Graham/The Irish News Cheltenham Preview Night in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Monday.

Racing TV's Gary O'Brien chaired proceedings and was also joined by journalist Mark Winstanley, prominent journalist Kevin Blake, Willie Mullins' assistant David Casey and bookmaker brothers Brian and Ronan Graham.

Delta Work has won his last two starts, both at Leopardstown in Grade One company, over Christmas and at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.

"We thought going into Leopardstown at Christmas (for the Savills Steeplechase) he wasn't fit, but we learned from that day," Amond said.

"We don't do as much work with him, we are just keeping him fresh and ticking over.

"Al Boum Photo will be very hard to beat, but Delta Work will put it up to him and I wouldn't swap him for anything."

Reigning champion Al Boum Photo was reported to be "in good order" by Casey and drew Winstanley's backing.

Ronan Graham flagged up Presenting Percy's chance in pointing out that he is two from three around Cheltenham and Davy Russell stays loyal.

Blake put Santini forward, while there was a range of views offered on a wide-open Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Blake saw Gavin Cromwell's Darver Star as an attractive bet after his running-on second to Honeysuckle in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

He said: "Darver Star is the wrong price. He has been really disrespected and is a fantastic each-way price.

"He gives every impression he will be much better suited by this test."

Mullins' Cilaos Emery "could get into the places" according to Casey who had ground concerns over his stable's Sharjah, unless it came up good to soft.

Meanwhile, Winstanley was bullish about Nicky Henderson's Epatante.

"She left them for dead (in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton) and she gets the seven quid (7lb allowance)," he said.

"I think she will bolt up."

Brian Graham urged caution over Epatante by way of her disappointing effort when favourite for the mares' novices' hurdle at last year's Festival.

Coeur Sublime's fans got a boost when Amond discussed his prospects.

"He was very impressive in Down Royal and he's had a bit of a job on his wind after he disappointed in Leopardstown," he said.

"He has been working very well in the last couple of weeks, when you want his work to be good."

The panel expressed reservations about Notebook handling the Cheltenham buzz when he lines for the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase.

Blake - also race planner for Joseph O'Brien - advised that Fakir D'oudairies is an excellent jumper but has the option of the Marsh Novices' Chase.

He gave a good word for Olly Murphy's Brewin'upastorm which was endorsed by Amond.

It is hard to argue with Blake's assessment of the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase as the race of the week.

Casey gave the inside track on Chacun Pour Soi, and a glimpse of the confidence behind Mullins' contender.

"Chacun Pour Soi can win it. We love him and we think he will improve as much as he did from his first to second run (this season)," he said.

"There is no confirmed front-runner, and tactics will play a huge part."

Winstanley sided with Defi Du Seuil on account of his impressive record at Cheltenham.

Amond expressed his desire for Altior to retain his crown, and pointed out that he was nearly back to his best in his last run at Newbury.

The panel could not find any weaknesses in unbeaten Envoi Allen's crack at the Ballymore Novices Hurdle.

Amond said: "Envoi Allen has all the experience Gordon thinks he needs.

"He's rated every bit as highly, if not a bit higher, than Samcro at this stage."

Winstanley called him "bombproof" and Brian Graham added that "he deserves to be every part of 11-8".

It was a similar story with Paisley Park in the Paddy Power Stayer's Hurdle.

Casey did say that Mullins' Penhill could run into a place, though.

Mullins' Appreciate It garnered plenty of attention in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, with Blake saying he should be rightfully considered a banker.

Winstanley summed up the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle as "bookmakers' race" on account of six big-priced winners in a row.

He gave a mention to former Welsh National runner-up Ramses De Teillee, who is a course winner at Cheltenham and ought to stay and stay.