SAPHIR DU RHEU ( Cheltenham , 3.20 ) has a good way to go before being mentioned in the same breath as World Hurdle legend Big Buck ’ s , but he can begin to write his own chapter in history with victory on Thursday . The festival sprung to life for Paul Nicholls on day two and the son of Al Namix , who sports the same colours as his illustrious predecessor , has undergone an unusual preparation for the hurdling feature following three starts over fences . It was a path also trodden by Big Buck ’ s and Nicholls will be hoping lightning strikes twice for the six-year-old who displayed great tenacity to land the Cleeve Hurdle from Reve De Sivola in January . Saphie Du Rheu can being to write his own chapter in history with a win at Cheltenham on Thursday . The bare form of that performance is arguably short of what is required but if his handler has managed to extricate some improvement he should be thereabouts . Monksland and Jetson appeal as outsiders capable of outrunning their prices . Having backed HIDDEN CYCLONE ( Cheltenham , nb , 2.40 ) for the Champion Chase , I was frustrated to see him rerouted for Thursday ’ s Ryanair Chase , but it still looks a smart move by connections . Shark Hanlon ’ s gelding was runner-up in the race last year when outstayed by Dynaste and I wonder , with hindsight , if jockey Andrew McNamara may have employed a more patient ride as he became a sitting target late on . A recent Punchestown romp should have put the selection spot-on and he could go one better this year and end the Irish hoodoo in this race . With the Willie Mullins stable carrying all before them , Vautour will be a popular order in the JLT Novices ’ Chase . However , he will be priced accordingly and VALSEUR LIDO ( Cheltenham , 1.30 ) looks a sound alternative as he was reported to be a little ring-rusty when edged out by Apache Stronghold at Leopardstown last time . Hidden Cyclone , pictured during the Paddy Power Gold Cup in 2013 , was rerouted for the Ryanair Chase . The selection had previously beaten that foe by an impressive eight lengths at Fairyhouse and appears to jump a shade more fluently than Noel Meade ’ s charge , who remains one of the chief dangers . There will be plenty of tips doing the rounds for the Pertemps Network Final but TRUSTAN TIMES ( Cheltenham , nap , 2.05 ) is a solid conveyance for a race of this nature and may run well at a big price . The nine-year-old lacks the profile of a number of his rivals , but was a creditable third in the race last year — beaten by just a nose and a neck — and looks to have been campaigned with just one race in mind all season .
Saphir Du Rheu backed for the 3.20 at Cheltenham on Thursday . Ryanair Chase has been rerouted for Thursday ’ s Hidden Cyclone . Trustan Times may run well at a big price for the Pertemps Network Final . Cheltenham racing tips : Not sure who to back ? Take a punt at these ... CLICK HERE to follow the Cheltenham Festival 2015 action LIVE !