NEWBURY offers up some potentially valuable Cheltenham Festival clues with Celtic Son, Hors La Loi 111, plus Cornish Sett clashing in the Pheasant Inn Novices' Chase.

All three are undoubtedly high-class individuals being aimed for the very top of the steeple-chasing tree, but which will come out on top today is a fascinating conundrum.

After a spectacular fencing debut at Wincanton Celtic Son has since flopped badly, a remark that also applies to Cornish Sett, a bitter disappointment when backed as if defeat was out of the question at Lingfield recently.

This just leaves Hors La Loi 111, who having gloriously won the 2001 Champion Hurdle for James Fanshawe, then lost his way as a result of a serious injury and suffered the indignity of sitting on the sidelines for the last couple of years.

Now in the more than capable hands of champion jumps' trainer elect, Paul Nicholls, Hors La Loi 111 put on the style when hosing home on his eagerly-awaited Taunton comeback in December.

Admittedly it was an egg-and-spoon affair, however, the 11-year-old hardly broke sweat and with his old mucker Dean Gallager making the journey over from his current French base to ride, the omens seem set fair for the combination.

Cotton Eyed Joe (1.30) is likely to justify favouritism at Southwell where he bids to follow up last week's runaway success.

Alan Swinbank's five-year-old collected by ten lengths on that occasion, bolting clear of the opposition in the final three furlongs to prevail in what was a particularly fast time.

Admittedly, Cotton Eyed Joe must step up two furlongs if he's to complete a quick-fire double, but he didn't appear to be stopping at the death and so the extra distance shouldn't make much difference.

Another handler from our region with a realistic chance of returning with first prize money is Michael Dods, responsible for Beamsley Beacon (12.55) in the opening betdirect.co.uk Banded Stakes.

Connections of Beamsley Beacon don't profess he's a world-beater, however the gelding has a big heart and never gives anything less than 110per cent.

In addition to his admirable determination, he's admirably suited by a straight five furlongs on the fibresand and is worthy of an each-way investment in the £2000 contest.

Lingfield stage the day's other all-weather fixture, kicking off with a one mile handicap in which Sonntag Blue (12.05) makes stacks of appeal.

He looked a proper steal when purchased for 5,000 guineas out of Jamie Osborne's yard by Julie Fielden after winning a Yarmouth seller way back in August.

Having since witnessed Sonntag Blue storm to victory at today's venue last time out, that opinion was fully vindicated and he'll be difficult to beat in the curtain raiser for the busy eight race card

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