THE pre-Cheltenham build up seems to begin earlier every year. This week we appeared to have unprecedented interest in just the handicap entries before next week’s scrutinty of who is 6lb well in when the weights come out. This week we learnt a bit more of where many of the Mullins runners will turn up.

But what seems to have been forgotten is how many races will be a test of jockeyship as well as horse. It’s not all about the four-legged ones.

The novices are a good example, with inexperienced chasers needing to be guided from the saddle and the Arkle and the Turners Novices are setting up some intriguing battles.

In the Arkle, Saint Sam goes from the front. So does Magic Daze. Riviere D’Etel has been ridden prominently and her generally good jumping could be capitalised upon. Blue Lord and Third Time Lucki go forward too. Someone has to sit and wait.

The Turners seems to be the destined meeting place for Galopin Des Champs, Bob Olinger and L’Homme Presse. Bob Olinger may have been the star novice hurdler last season but he has not looked a natural chaser, whereas Gaolpin Des Champs did from his first novice win. And L’Homme Presse and Charlie Deutsch have looked so smooth from the front. It should pay to push Bob Olinger but with two prominent runners, the pace must be judged as Bob was strong up the hill in last year’s Ballymore win.

Dysart Dynamo will also pose a question in the novice hurdles though you could see Sir Gerhard being more amenable to settle. But it’s a fine judgement too, to let a leader go. Tactically most people felt Rachael Blackmore nicked the bumper from Kilcruit last year by her forward ride.

Ruby Walsh had no equal around the track, and last year Blackmore made the most of all her chances with strong positive rides while Harry Skelton took a bit of stick. Paul Townend had also suffered a low day on the first day two years ago. Blackmore will also have to try to eke out a bit more stamina from A Plus Tard in the Gold Cup.

The Stayers’ Hurdle has two front-runners in Klassical Dream and Flooring Porter. And then throw in the Champion Chase! Willie seems to prefer Chacun Pour Soi over Energumene. Editeur Du Gite is in there, Allmankind still engaged.

It’s definitely a Festival where the riders will have to be on their A game.