TWO-mile championship races don't come any better than this afternoon's Queen Mother Champion Chase, in which there is nothing to separate the three market principals, Azertyuiop, Well Chief, and Moscow Flyer (3.15).

Azertyuiop, a colossus of a racehorse trained by Paul Nicholls, attempts to defend his crown after trouncing last year's opposition by nine lengths. But it has to be said there was an element of good fortune about the success.

It all came about because his main rival, Irish raider Moscow Flyer, hit the deck in that contest four fences from the finish, thus ending any chance of following up his own famous victory in the 2003 "Queen Mother".

Finally there's Well Chief, winner of last year's Arkle Chase at the Festival, which he followed up with a further spectacular effort over course and distance when scoring at the January meeting.

Moscow Flyer beat them both, admittedly fairly narrowly, in Sandown's Tingle Creek Trophy late last year, and incredibly remains unbeaten in 17 completed chases to date, a feat which fully entitles him to a place in jumps racing's Hall of Fame.

It's a contest to be savoured rather invested upon, but a selection must be made and if Moscow Flyer stays on his feet, he's definitely the pick of the talented trio.

The opening Royal & SunAlliance Novices Hurdle sets punters a riddle to solve with a whole host of top-notch National Hunt stars taking part.

Should the forecast rain materialise on cue, then the mud-loving No Refuge's (2.00) prospects will be significantly boosted. And if trends are anything to go by, Howard Johnson's five-year-old must have a good shout as he represents the same owners, Graham and Andrea Wylie, who were responsible for yesterday's winner of the first, Arcalis.

Dean Gallagher's recent departure from Francois Doumen's powerful French stable has paved the way for Robert "Chocolate" Thornton to take the ride on L'Ami (2.35).

Thornton probably can't believe his luck, but he's a vastly underrated jockey and won't be in the least bit fazed about partnering one of the favourites for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase.

Andrew Balding's decision to protect Distant Prospect's handicap mark by saving his horse specifically for the Festival seems set to pay dividends in the Coral Cup.

Distant Prospect, a former winner of Newmarket's Cesarewitch Handicap on the Flat, hasn't been seen out since November, when he just got the better of Albuhera in a valuable Newbury event.

It was an excellent performance and with Tony McCoy booked, plus Balding's undisputed skill at priming his horses on the home gallops, a bold show from the Kingsclere-based staying hurdler is near guaranteed.

l Northern Echo resident tipster, JANUS (Colin Woods), didn't waste any time rewarding his followers by recommending three of yesterday's Cheltenham Festival winners, Arcalis (20-1), Contraband (7-1), plus nap selection, the 8-1 shot, Kelami.

Get more racing online at www.racing-north.co.uk.