BOTH in Britain and Ireland, the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival is almost as important as the four days of exhilarating action. Media mornings at top yards are rife up and down the land, and stable tours from some of the top journalists in the industry frequently pop up.

Over the last month, I’ve been one of the lucky few to attend these information-gathering days at various prominent yards as well as talking to fellow trainers who are set to have runners in the cauldron of Prestbury Park next week. Although quotes on the likes of Shishkin, Bravemansgame, and Dysart Enos are extremely important, trainers are more than happy to reveal a dark horse or two to watch out for at jump racing’s Olympics when asked the question. So, with this in mind, here are a few big-priced runners to keep an eye on.