Twice a winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Moscow Flyer aims for the crowning glory of a wonderful career at Cheltenham tomorrow by trying to carry off this showpiece event for a third time at the grand old age of 12.

But, while that sight is one that virtually everybody would savour, it is looking increasingly as though time has caught up with Jessica Harrington's star chaser, who has looked a shadow of his former self in two runs this season.

The scene then is set for a new star to emerge on to the two-miles stage and, although many believe that will be Kauto Star, Paul Nicholls' inexperienced favourite is passed over tomorrow in favour of Fota Island, a winner at this meeting 12 months ago.

Successful in the Grand Annual Chase last year, and subsequently successful at Aintree's Grand National meeting, Fota Island comes into battle with a Fairyhouse victory under his belt from his latest outing and looks a horse very much on the up-and-up.

Trained in County Tipperary by Mouse Morris, Fota Island, the mount of Tony McCoy, makes plenty of appeal in this showpiece event, in which Dempsey could prove to be an interesting each-way alternative. However, if old Moscow Flyer is re-ignited by returning to Cheltenham and comes storming up the hill to claim the prize, I will be among those who will give him a cheer.

Many punters are of the opinion that Denman is one of the banker bets of the meeting in the opening Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle.

Paul Nicholls' gelding has stacked-up four wins from four starts this season, which include a 21-length victory in Grade 1 company on this course on New Year's Day.

There is no doubt that Denman has very strong claims, but, at around even-money in such a competitive field, he represents no value and Irish raider Nicanor, a 7-1 chance, is put forward as a tempting alternative.

There could be a northern winner of the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle in Ungaro, trained by Keith Reveley at Lingdale near Saltburn in Cleveland.

This gelding has improved steadily this season and looks well up to making an impression in this handicap after a recent win at Sandown.

Wednesday's tips:

Cheltenham

2-00 Nicanor; 2-35 The Listener (NAP); 3-15 Fota Island; 4-00 Ungaro; 4-40 Liberthine; 5-20 Equus Maximus.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Wolverhampton and Huntingdon.

Updated: 12:26 Tuesday, March 14, 2006