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Horse trainer Shark Hanlon is hoping the ground remains dry for his Gold Cup hopeful Hewick.

The taps have been turned on for Cheltenham and Hanlon is hoping they stay off, believing Hewick will handle good ground a lot better than the others. The Gold Cup remains the ultimate goal, but Nicky J. Henderson has other plans for dual Cheltenham Festival winner Shishkin, outlining a route to the Ryanair Chase before potentially considering stepping back up to three miles for the Aintree Gold Cup.

The upcoming Cheltenham Festival is set to be an exciting one, with some top names heading for the big races. Gordon Elliott has confirmed that Fury Road will run in the Ryanair Chase, hoping the Grade 1 horse can do Michael O'Leary proud in the absence of two-time winner Allaho.

Jamie Shepperd and his wife Anne-Marie owns Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle winner I Like To Move It and are dreaming of a Champion Hurdle tilt, while Henderson is pondering a run in the Mares Novices' Hurdle or Supreme Novices' Hurdle for favourite Luccia. Elliott is also sweet on the chances of Mighty Potter in the Turners Novices' Chase, as Henry de Bromhead looks to regain the Gold Cup with 2021 winner Minella Indo.

Willie Mullins is satisfied with Brandy Love's reappearance and Mullins will look to improve her ahead of the Mares' Hurdle. Chris Barber believes Famous Clermont is best suited to the Aintree Festival, while Harry Whittington is eyeing an exciting Johnny Henderson Grand Annual for Rouge Vif. Finally, Milton Harris is bullish about Scriptwriter's chances in the Triumph Hurdle.

It promises to be a thrilling festival with plenty of great horses in action.