At The Races

Joe Lively hasn't done a lot wrong over fences, winning five of his seven starts including the Grade 1 Feltham Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. he won't go down without a fight but AIR FORCE ONE, a smart novice hurdler, has been improving in leaps and bounds over the larger obstacles and may be good enough to complete his hat-trick after wins at Folkestone and Fontwell. Over The Creek was third in the Welsh National last time out but may find things happening too quickly around here.

• Top Tip: AIR FORCE ONE
• Watch out for: JOE LIVELY

Nakai is going the right way but didn't find a lot off the bridle when a beaten favourite at Wincanton last month and he may be vulnerable here against BACKBORD. The six-year-old has probably promised more than he's delivered so far but he won with a bit in hand at Doncaster earlier this month and his stable remains in good form. Peacock is proving hard to win with but could easily make the frame off his low weight, while Khasab gained a deserved success at Leicester last time and should make his presence felt.

• Top Tip: BACKBORD
• Watch out for: NAKAI

KAUTO STAR should have few problems winning his Gold Cup prep race as he trounced Racing Demon in the King George and enjoys a massive turnaround in the weights with Aintree conqueror Monet's Garden. Fair Along would prefer faster ground and may need this run, while handicappers Howle Hill and Vodka Bleu have a mountain to climb at the weights if they are to get involved.

• Top Tip: KAUTO STAR
• Watch out for: MONET'S GARDEN

Zilcash won twice last spring but recent efforts have failed to impress and he's more exposed than ELUSIVE DREAM, who finished ahead of him in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury in December. Ruby Walsh's mount seemed to improve for the fitting of a tongue-strap at the Berkshire venue and it's in place again today. Lyceum beat Prince De Bersy over C&D on his latest start, showing a nice turn of foot in the process, but this looks a stronger heat.

• Top Tip: ELUSIVE DREAM
• Watch out for: LYCEUM

Whiteoak stepped up on previous efforts in running Tazbar to a short-head at Doncaster last month. Donald McCain's charge could easily go one better here as Helens Vision and Soliya will ensure she gets the good gallop she needs. But it was difficult not to be impressed by DOUBLY GUEST's win at Ludlow last month and the runner-up has franked the form since. With the possible exception of Athaliah, none of the others make much appeal.

• Top Tip: DOUBLY GUEST
• Watch out for: WHITEOAK

Lord Henry finished just ahead of ALLUMEE when runner-up to Bleu Superbe over C&D in December but the latter is fractionally better off at the weights today and Felix De Giles takes a further 7lbs off the nine-year-old's back. All Star is yet to recapture his best form this term and was pulled up at Doncaster last time while Ronald Jack's best form is over further. Mille Et Une is entitled to respect, however, on her first start over fences in this country.

• Top Tip: ALLUMEE
• Watch out for: MILLE ET UNE

Gold Award ran out a ready winner on his debut at Fakenham and should improve for the experience. But big things are expected of CONFLICTOFINTEREST, who has an eye-catching pedigree and is sure to know his job at the first time of asking. Uffa Fox's defeat of Hold Em represents solid bumper form and he's another that is probably destined for better while Puerto Azul is well-bred and represents a yard in cracking form.

• Top Tip: CONFLICTOFINTEREST
• Watch out for: UFFA FOX