Ruth Jefferson expects to have a clearer idea of Sound Russian’s potential ambitions for the rest of the season after he contests the Boylesports Many Clouds Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

Top-class hurdler Thyme Hill bids to make it three from three at Newbury in Saturday’s Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase.

Minella Indo made a gallant bid to defend his Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup crown, but had no answer to the blistering burst that Rachael Blackmore conjured up on A Plus Tard, who scored by a runaway 15 lengths.

Nick Alexander has taken the decision to retire stable star Lake View Lad with the 12-year-old not quite the force of old.

To head to the Cheltenham Festival with genuine chances in the headline events is what Dan Skelton has worked long and hard for.