Cantlow features among the possibles for the JLT Specialty Chase and the Byrne Group Plate as the handicap entries for the Cheltenham Festival have been revealed.

Paul Webber has made multiple entries for the eight-year-old with Cantlow also entered in the two-mile Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, along with the three-mile and two-mile-five-furlong heats.

He has won two of his four starts to date over fences, claiming novice events at Plumpton and Taunton on his two most recent outings. Cantlow bypassed an intended run at Ascot last week and Webber is happy to tackle full company next time, rather than stick to novice level.

The handler said: "He's absolutely fine, we just decided to give Ascot a miss last weekend as we didn't want him to have a hard race on heavy ground. He's had a freshening couple of days and he's in four handicaps at Cheltenham, we've taken him out of the three novices' conditions races. We won't decide until much nearer the time which race he will run in, we will have to see how the fields shape up.

"I would imagine the two-mile-five-furlong race (Byrne Group Plate) would come into the picture but we are some way off a decision. He's off a mark of 143 so if we were to go for one of the novice races, he could be a stone wrong with some of them so the handicaps could be a better option. His jumping is pretty good and he will hopefully have his ground as he's not had it all season.

"We have been running him over shorter distances as the ground has been so testing and we didn't want to bottom him. It seems to be coming better now - it's amazing how much it has improved in the last three days."

Ninety-five horses have been entered for the JLT Specialty Chase, including the first seven home last year - winner Alfie Sherrin, who is also owned by McManus, Fruity O'Rooney, Our Mick, The Package, Billie Magern, Magnanimity and Quantitativeeasing. McManus' new recruit Wyck Hill, who is favourite for Saturday's Racing Plus Chase at Kempton, is also in the mix.

The Byrne Group Plate has a massive 102 contenders at this stage, with one-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Hunt Ball possibly on something of a retrieval mission. The likes of Alderwood, Colour Squadron and Tap Night could be in opposition.

Ulck Du Lin heads the market for the Grand Annual, with 71 horses under consideration at present. Eighty-six possible runner have been entered for the Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Chase, which was won in fine style by Hunt Ball last year. Dessie Hughes' White Star Line was second that day and he could have another crack at glory.

Enda Bolger has a typically strong hand among 45 entries for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase. Arabella Boy, Doctor Pat, Drawn N Drank and Freneys Well feature for Bolger, while last year's victor Balthazar King could head the home defence for Philip Hobbs.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
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
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
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
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
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
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
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