Tim Easterby, represented at Cheltenham today by the mighty Barton, has more to look forward to at the Festival tomorrow when Simply Gifted boasts an outstanding chance of winning the Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle.

"He's going to take some beating at Cheltenham," was the Great Habton trainer's telling remark last month after Simply Gifted had treated his rivals at Haydock with utter contempt as he cruised home to an easy victory.

The four-year-old has delighted connections since and goes into battle here with rock-solid claims.

Three-times a winner this season, Simply Gifted was beaten 11 lengths into second by Katarino on this course back in November, and is now set to cross swords again with Nicky Henderson's unbeaten French recruit. It is Easterby's hope and belief, and that of jockey Lorcan Wyer, that Simply Gifted can prove that form all wrong tomorrow.

"Our horse wasn't right when he ran against Katarino," says the trainer. "He's a different horse now."

Dangerous Precedent, although held by both Katarino and Simply Gifted on earlier Cheltenham form, has never been beaten since, while Knife Edge comes from Ireland with an unblemished four wins from four starts.

A cracking race is in prospect, but nap selection Simply Gifted has what it takes to emerge triumphant and prove himself an outstanding four-year-old.

Easterby and Wyer will be represented by Simply Dashing, also owned by Steve Hammond, in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, and this outsider could well sneak into a place, especially if the ground continues to dry out.

But this showpiece event features a fascinating clash between Florida Pearl from Ireland and Teeton Mill from England, and preference is for the former.

Winner of the Cheltenham Bumper two years ago and last season's Sun Alliance Chase, Florida Pearl bids for a notable Festival hat-trick. A horse, short on experience, but with real class, he is held in the highest regard by jockey Richard Dunwoody and trainer Willie Mullins.

Teeton Mill has made remarkable strides since last season when he was one of the top hunter chasers. Wins this season in the Hennessy Gold Cup and the King George tell their own story, while his latest Ascot victory, over a trip short of his best, confirmed his well-being. He will be a tough nut to crack.

Dorans Pride, Double Thriller, Escartefigue and Imperial Call will add further fuel to the inferno in this red-hot race. But I expect to see Florida Pearl lead them all home and confirm himself a worthy champion.

Aidan O'Brien, on the mark yesterday with the brilliant Istabraq in the Champion Hurdle, can follow-up with Le Coudray in what promises to be a battle-royal for the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle, while Coole Abbey, an effortless Musselburgh winner, should not be overlooked in the Christies Foxhunters' Chase.

Also worth noting are the hat trick-seeking Country Star in the Grand Annual Kempton winner Dr Leunt in the Cathcart and Road Racer, who has distinct each-way possibilities at rewarding odds in the County Hurdle.

Derby day with a difference

Tomorrow sees the 480th running of England's oldest flat race, the Kiplingcotes Derby.

The four-and-a-half mile race on the Yorkshire Wolds, between Market Weighton and Middleton-on-the-Wolds, has been run on the third Thursday in March every year since 1519.

Entries will be taken on the day. Riders, who must have a minimum body weight of 10 stone, should turn up at the finishing post, just off the A614 near Warter, by 11am to be weighed in.

Last year's winner was Ken Holmes of York, who took home the fixed first place prize of £50.

Tomorrow's tips

Cheltenham

Simply Gifted (NAP)

Le Coudray

Florida Pearl

3.55 Coole Abbey

4.30 Country Star

5.05 Dr Leunt

5.40 Road Racer

Hexham

Charnwood Jack

Quick March

Swanbister

Brancepeth Belle

Santa Jet

5.25 Zamhareer

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.