David Pipe has nominated Dynaste as the most obvious candidate to provide him with a ninth Cheltenham Festival success.

Just like his record-breaking father Martin, whose Pond House Stables he took over seven years ago, Pipe kept specific plans close to his chest when parading a few of his likely runners for the meeting at a gathering on Tuesday.

As the team will generally be looking to plot their path through the handicaps, many of the horses are entered in more than one race as the trainer sifts through the most viable options.

Dynaste, favourite for the RSA Chase and the Jewson Novices' Chase, has followed the same route as stablemate Grands Crus did a year ago, winning at Cheltenham, Newbury and then the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Pipe said: "He's in the two races, and he'll probably still be in two at the five-day stage. He has a similar profile to Grands Crus, but more straightforward. He has done nothing wrong and hopefully he will go and do it in March. He is my shortest priced horse, so he must be my best chance. He looks rock-solid."

Goulanes is also in the picture after scoring on his debut over fences in the Towton at Wetherby. Pipe added: "He stays well and the great thing about him is his attitude. He's in the RSA and the four-miler, and we'll decide nearer the time. I think Roger Brookhouse (owner) is keen on the RSA."

Buddy Bolero could also go for the four-mile National Hunt Chase, while Pipe did not totally rule out his fallen star Our Father, who has flopped twice since his impressive Cheltenham reappearance.

Grands Crus' full-brother Gevrey Chambertin, who last took a handicap at Wincanton in laughably easy fashion, is clearly one of Pipe's other great hopes.

The trainer said: "He won off 130 in not a great race and the handicapper has put him up to 145. He will find it tougher, but even 145 could be workable as he is improving at a rate of knots. He's in the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett and will be entered for the Coral Cup, my father's race and the Pertemps."

Flying Cross could go for the Supreme or the Neptune, while The Liquidator may be the yard's only runner in the Champion Bumper. Close House heads for the Pertemps Final and Tanerko Emery for one of the other handicaps. Junior could run in the Pertemps and Swing Bowler in the County or the mares' event.

13 May 2013

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Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
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12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
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Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
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Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
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Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests