Iceo Madrik, the joker in the latest Crystal Cup leg at Compiegne earlier this month, looks set to be part of a three-handed sortie to Cheltenham by David Cottin next month. The seven year old refused at the trou de loup, creating a fair amount of chaos around him, and letting through young pretender Klitchko de Belair to win handsomely for the Lageneste-Macaire stable. Cheltenham is his chance to make amends for septuagenarian owner Caroline Tisdall.

Iceo Madrik is no stranger to Cheltenham, but has yet to get past the third fence in the Glenfarclas Cross Country, unseating Thomas Journiac there 12 months ago before the race had developed any shape at all. That race was won by Stumptown, who is likely to head the handicap in pursuit of his fourth victory over the cross country obstacles at Cheltenham, fresh from his triumph at Pardubice last month.

Cottin is also likely to send Jet Blue, winner of a graded novice hurdle at Cheltenham’s International meeting last year, who finished a gallant second to Losange Bleu in the Grade I Grand Prix d’Automne, Auteuil’s marquee staying conditions hurdle over 3m. He hasn’t run over less than 3m for two years, but the size of the Unibet International Hurdle, combined with a milestone birthday for owner Caroline Tisdall, may prove a deciding factor.

Stable companion Placenet may join the above pair, with a choice of engagements in the 3m2f handicap chase or the cross country. He’s shown form over the cross country obstacles, winning the Grand Prix de Waregem in September 2024.