Howard Johnson's Cheltenham contenders

Howard Johnson, who could have a team of around a dozen horses at this year's Cheltenham festival, runs the rule over his top contenders:

Arkle:

Howard says: 'Tidal Bay won't want the pace too quick but I really fancy his hopes of winning if he stands up. If he should fall early on and is sound and well he could run again in the Royal & SunAlliance chase 24 hours later. The faster he goes the better he jumps. When he was beaten at Doncaster last time (by Leslingtaylor) they just didn't go fast enough for him. He does hold his head a bit high but he's got an engine.'

BGC Cross Country Chase:

'Canada Street and Theatre Knight schooled over Cheltenham's cross country course two weeks ago showing great aptitude. Theatre Knight will also run at Aintree which he loves.'

Coral Cup:

'No Refuge who won a novice chase at Catterick on New Year's Day, could revert to hurdles. I believe the eight-year-old has really come to himself.'

Jewson Novice Handicap Chase:

'Cedrus Libani jumps well and remains unbeaten this season and I think he could surprise the better fancied runners.'

Ladbrokes World Hurdle:

'Inglis Drever bids for a record third win in this race. He was injured in 2006 when My Way de Solzen (in opposition again) won. I have had some good horses in my time but he has kept me on the road. If he did win the race for a third time then I would have a word with Mr Wylie and think about retiring him as I wouldn't want anything happening to him. A racecourse gallop on Sunday will put him spot on for Cheltenham and get the cobwebs out of him.

'I think the horse is as good as ever. He always hits a flat spot in his races but he knows just where the winning post is. He hasn't had a hard season this year (with only two runs and two victories at Newbury and Cheltenham), unlike the time when he won the Order of Merit in 2005. Popeye (that's his nickname) will run well at Cheltenham.'

County Hurdle:

'Astarador is not not the soundest of horses, but he came right back to form at Musselburgh earlier this month and could win this en route to a chasing career. '