THERE'S a mammoth nine-race card at Cheltenham, with Festival clues and top-class horses on show, but the meeting at Doncaster had the potential for more rides - and hopefully a winner - so that’s where I am heading.

The big race on the card is the Sky Bet Handicap Chase (3.40), in which I ride Another Hero for Jonjo O’Neill.

He was fourth in the big Listed handicap chase at Ascot before Christmas, beaten only two and a half lengths.

That was an improvement on his seasonal debut at Chepstow and a repeat of that would make him one of the leading contenders; the bookies probably have him about right at around 8-1.

However, I would say you could give a chance to all 15 runners. It is terrifically competitive and you will have earned your winnings if you back the winner.

The Tailgater and Gardefort could represent my best hopes, and should represent some each-way value at least.

The Tailgater runs in the grandnational2017.com Handicap Hurdle (12.50). He’s been pretty consistent all season.

He was fourth at Kempton last time on his first start over three miles, but he’s back to a more familiar two and a half miles here and I wouldn’t be surprised if he made the frame.

I won on Gardefort a year ago and, while he hasn’t won since, he’s been placed in some decent contests. The track will suit him and he showed he was in good form when finishing second in a good race at Ludlow last time.

I don’t want to sound like a broken record but this is another mightily competitive race. Still, I wouldn’t put anyone off backing him in the Sky Bet First Race Special Handicap Chase (1.55), especially with Venetia Williams’ horses running so well.

Fountains Windfall didn’t run a bad race at all in the Lanzarote a fortnight ago, especially as he was a novice running in handicap company. He’s in graded company now so the Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle (1.25) won’t be any easier and it does look a tough race.

Forest Bihan has won two of his last three starts, the last one by 19 lengths. That will no doubt be a real confidence booster as he goes back up in class in the Sky Bet Lightning Novices' Chase (2.30).

He ran in the Betfair Hurdle last year so Brian Ellison clearly thinks he’s got ability, but it looks a small but select race, with his three rivals all ahead of him on ratings.

I can’t tell you too much about my final ride, Majestic Moll in the Ford Windows 40th Anniversary EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race (4.15), but what I can say is that Emma Lavelle’s bumper horses are always worth considering.

Over at Cheltenham, both Unowhatimeanharry and Thistlecrack face Festival tests in the Galliardhomes.comCleeve Hurdle (4.00) in the Betbright Trial Cotswold Chase (2.15) respectively, but I think both will come through with their Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle and Timico Gold Cup hopes firmly intact.

The race I am most looking forward to watching is the Spectra Cyber Security Solutions Clarence House Chase (1.45), in which Un Des Sceaux will be sent off a short price.

There will be plenty of pace on with Special Tiara and Uxizandre in the field and the favourite also likes to be near the front so it will be interesting to see the tactics. I don’t think it will be a penalty kick for Un Des Sceaux...

  • Aidan is sponsored by Racing UK, which is offering all new customers a free one-month trial, ahead of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival – visit racinguk.com/freetrial for more.