The absence of Exotic Dancer from the Letheby And Christopher Chase, Cheltenham's feature race tomorrow, has given the race a very open look.

Many can be given chances on bits and pieces of form but the Neptune Collonges, trained by Paul Nicholls, is the one who gains a tentative vote.

He has not been seen since winning a Grade One event at Punchestown in April, but possesses a good record when fresh.

While he is versatile regarding underfoot conditions, the galloping grey seems at his best with cut in the ground and, as a very stout stayer, conditions should suit ideally.

The Byrne Group Cleeve Hurdle presents punters with another tricky puzzle as Inglis Drever and Blazing Bailey lock horns.

First and second respectively in the ante-post betting for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle in March, each will have their supporters at the weekend.

Blazing Bailey emerged triumphant when the pair clashed in this race last year, but Inglis Drever subsequently reversed the form comprehensively to win his second World Hurdle at the Festival.

While Howard Johnson will not have his stable star tuned to the max at this stage, there was no denying how impressive he was when making a winning reappearance at Newbury in December.

In addition, Inglis Drever takes on Blazing Bailey from level weights - he gave 8lb when outpointed 12 months ago - and that swings the vote in his favour.

The bare form Aigle D'Or produced to win at Lingfield on his British debut was unexceptional. However, the manner in which he travelled and jumped gave huge encouragement and he is fancied to land the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle.

Lingfield stages a cracking all-weather card, on which the John Akehurst-trained Super Frank stands out in the Play Golf At Lingfield Park Handicap.

Muktasb has suddenly found the key to success and will be gunning for a four-timer in the Hotel Coming To Lingfield Handicap.


Racing selections

Cheltenham: 1.00 Aigle D'Or (NAP), 1.35 Something Wells, 2.10 Limited Edition, 2.40 Neptune Collonges, 3.15 Franchoek, 3.50 Inglis Drever, 4.25 Luxurix.

Doncaster: 12.15 Khyber Kim, 12.45 Nevertika, 1.15 Role On, 1.50 All Star, 2.25 Theatre Girl, 3.00 Model Son, 3.30 Hennessy, 4.05 Ange Ou Demon.

Lingfield: 12.40 Hamalka, 1.10 Muktasb, 1.45 Super Frank, 2.20 Wavertree Warrior, 2.50 Mafeking, 3.25 Mr Napoleon, 4.00 Flight Dream.

Wolverhampton: 6.50 Twinned, 7.20 Alexander Huricane, 7.50 Young Scotton, 8.20 Ledgerwood, 8.50 Mujamead, 9.20 Buscador.

Today's meetings: Doncaster, Newbury, Wolverhampton and Kempton (evening).