Pateese, who ran away with a competitive handicap hurdle at Sandown last weekend, is Paddy Power's 6/1 favourite for Sunday's Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on Sunday (off at 2.20pm).

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The Philip Hobbs-trained six year-old simply demolished his rivals and has only a 5lb penalty for that easy victory, so on paper he looks the one to beat. However, it's worth noting that he was ridden by a 5lb claimer at Sandown and will be partnered by Richard Johnson on Sunday, meaning he's effectively 10lb higher in what is undoubtedly a much better race. The ground will also be a good deal faster and that has to be a concern as all his wins have come with cut in the ground. So, all things considered, he looks like a favourite to take on.

The Listed handicap hurdle run at Ascot two weeks ago provides a big clue to this with the first three home set to resume rivalry and they are in finishing order: Bramapour, Via Galilei and A Media Luz. The handicapper has raised the winner and runner-up 10lb and 8lb respectively, so there won't be much between them here, but it's the third A Media Luz (12/1 Paddy Power) who is fancied to come out on top with that run under his belt. Trained by Nicky Henderson, whose horses were needing their first run at the time, the mare used to take a fierce pull in her races but settled much better at Ascot and she should at least make the frame.

However, I fancy this prize will be heading back over the Irish Sea for the third time in eight years as there is a strong contingent from the Emerald Isle headed by Guinness Galway Hurdle winner MOON DICE. Okay, he's 14lb higher than when winning last time and the weights going up haven't helped his caused either, but his trainer Paul Flynn feels he's a better horse since Galway and is getting better all the time, while his 108 day break is in his favour as he's better fresh. A truly run 2m1/2f on what is expected to be good ground should be perfect for him and he's a strong fancy at 8/1 with Totesport (only 5/1 with Boylesports).

Trainer Willie Mullins is always to be respected in British handicap hurdles and it's significant that he's sending over INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU from an initial entry of four. His last runner in the Greatwood was Adamant Approach, who finished fourth in 2005, and he's enjoyed some notable successes since, including a double at last season's Cheltenham Festival with Final Approach and Sir Des Champs. His Inspector Clouseau has been running well without getting his head in front in Ireland this season, including when third of 17 at the Galway Festival on ground that was officially good, and will therefore appreciate the faster conditions at Cheltenham. At 33/1 with Boylesports, he looks a knocking good each-way bet.

The Greatwood can often throw up a Champion Hurdle contender, with any horse winning impressively under a big weight putting themselves into contention for that race. However, this year's topweights Sanctuaire, the mount of Ruby Walsh, and Topolski don't look up to that class, which suggests this renewal is not particularly strong and it will be a surprise to see the winner vying for Grade 1 honours in the spring.

Recommended Bets:

Moon Dice 2pts @ 8/1 Totesport
Inspector Clouseau 1pt each-way @ 33/1 Boylesports