'Surely the one to beat at Cheltenham' - our handicapper’s expert analysis

On both sides of the Irish Sea this weekend we have witnessed high-class jumps racing, most notably at Aintree, Fairyhouse and Sandown.

It's the last of these tracks where perhaps the most interesting action took place, in the Close Brothers Henry VIII Novice Chase and the Betfair Tingle Creek, both Grade 1 chases over two miles.

The former was won emphatically by Jonbon, who achieved a career-high Racing Post Rating of 164. This is nearing the level of a typical Arkle winner, and provided the progression continues between now and March, he will surely go to Cheltenham as the one to beat.