IN line to the World Hurdle throne was At Fishers Cross a year ago on this day; but now the king has lost his armour in a battle for his reputation.

Welsh racing's royalty no longer has that swagger which lent itself to bruising wins at Cheltenham and Aintree; unless his unassuming trainer has worked her magic touch.

That he was so good last year is testament to her ability and the lush surroundings of her Pembrokeshire base are truly fit for the upper classes.

Aged just seven, At Fishers Cross was the young pretender to Big Bucks, but now he has more questions to answer than his long absent rival after his erratic jumping this year.

The duo were poised to joust for stayer supremacy at the Festival, yet their meeting has come earlier than first thought this afternoon.

Roll back to this day in 2013 and At Fishers Cross was outpointing Champion Hurdle bound The New One up the Cheltenham hill.

That is some smart form and should acupuncture to cure his arthritis have done the trick, you could not rule out him rediscovering that magic.

It's not really a betting race but followers of this column should already have some of the 3-1 on Big Buck's for the Festival, so the best plan is to sit happily on that.

There is an excuse to have a wager in the Argento Chase, as I've long been a fan of Harry Topper.

He has been good value in the lead up to this and a stamina test round here should be perfect.

Trainer Kim Bailey won this race in 1995 with Master Oats who went on to land that season's Gold Cup, so he knows what is required.

There'll have to be something smart in the field to get past Red Sherlock in the 3.00. This classy sort is out of the Johnson family's star mare Lady Cricket and has course form to boot.

According To Trev is overpriced in delightful Doncaster's feature (3.15) and I wouldn't rule out an improved performance from Solix in a first time visor. They're my two against the field.

SELECTIONS: Cheltenham 2.25 Harry Topper, 3.00 Red Sherlock, 3.15 According To Trev, Solix (e/w)