WITHOUT wishing to sound alarmist, it cannot be good news for northern-based National Hunt fans that not one horse from our area lines up at Cheltenham, home to the day's sole meeting following the abandonment of Catterick and Nottingham due to waterlogging.

Let's hope it is a different story come the Festival next March.

In the meantime there are at least a couple of geldings who used to be trained around these parts, Xellance (3.10) and Nuit Sombre (4.55), holding realistic chances in their respective races.

Both were formerly with Mark Johnston at Middleham, Xellance departing a couple of seasons ago, while Nuit Sombre was sent on his way more recently, having run on the flat for Mark's stable in the spring.

Xellance, a prolific winner on the level for Johnston, is now in the care of top West-Country handler, Philip Hobbs, for whom he's also won over hurdles and fences.

To say the seven-year-old has been progressive is something of understatement, as he began last season on a mark of 90, yet finished way up in the ratings at a monumental 126.

It was a remarkable effort to continually defy the official handicapper, who despite showing no mercy still had to sit on the sidelines and bear witness to Xellance landing four decent prizes, including over track and trip in April.

Hobbs responded by switching his charge to fences this term, which didn't in the least inconvenience Xellance, who swiftly pocketed a couple of novice chases.

Even so, the selection might just be a wee bit too small for Cheltenham's notoriously stiff obstacles, therefore it's no surprise to see Xellance turn out for the Thwaites Smooth Beer Hurdle, a contest for which he holds serious claims.

Nuit Sombre is a totally different kettle of fish. He's never run over the jumps during his relatively short career to date.

A more-than-useful ten-furlong campaigner when trained at Kingsley House, Nuit Sombre has now been transferred to leading Lambourn trainer, Nicky Henderson.

Being a stocky, robust sort of individual, the four-year-old always looked as if he had the right sort of physique to cope with the rough and tumble of the winter game.

Henderson's reputation for converting ex-flat racers into jumping stars is second-to-none. This, plus the presence of the Gold Cup and Grand National winning jockey, Mick Fitzgerald, in the saddle, creates a potent case for backing Nuit Sombre in the Business Club Maiden Hurdle.

For the preceding Amateur Riders Handicap Chase, track specialist Bright Approach (4.20) must enter calculations given his love for Prestbury Park.

Bright Approach invariably reserves his optimum form for the Cotswolds venue, an indisputable assertion bearing in mind the way he brushed aside the talented Hunter Chaser, Macgeorge, when the pair clashed at the course over an extended three miles earlier this year.

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