2010 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY TWO FULL PREVIEW AND TIPS PART TWO

The Neptune Novices Hurdle looks like a really interesting race and we're starting to see more competition between the top contenders. There's about four well-fancied candidates in this one and bout 6 runners with a genuinely good chance of taking this one. Rite Of Passage has made up ground on Quel Esprit over the past few hours and both are now trading at around 4/1. 

Rite of Passage has had a dominant year, besting 4 fields of talented jumpers this season after a third place finish to Dunguib in last years Champion Bumper. He's a decent selection, but will need things to go his way. One vote of confidence is his ability to beat big fields consistently. 
Quel Esprit finished just behind Rite of Passage in the Bumper last year and he hasn't been quite as heavily-raced this year. He's a decent shout and Willie Mullins yard needs to be respected this time out. I think a reverse forecast may pay dividends at the price. Finians Rainbow, Peddlers Cross and Reve De Sivola are the other decent shouts and I don't see this going to a long odds contender. 
I like Paul Nicholls Sanctuaire in the 2010 Fred Winter and he looks to be improving after shipping from France in the new year. You'll find him decently-priced at 6/1 but I've got my eye on the up-and-coming Doctor Deejay- a Wilie Mullins 4 year-old with plenty of experience under his belt. I think he's a great shout for the place at least and he's trading at 25/1 or so- quality each-way material. He is 2312 this year and, again, I think Mullins has things going his way at the moment. 
German contender Shot From The Hip brings his 2/2 form to the Champion Bumper and the 6 year-old may have a good shot at things. His 6/1 price shows that there are other contenders in the race with a bit more form and experience. Paul Nicholls Al Ferof is interesting at 9/1, as is Drumbaloo. If you're looking for a genuine upset here, take a look at 5 year-old Shanno Spirit who has only one race under his belt- a winning performance against a solid field of 15 at Thurles. They wouldn't have brought him all the way if he wasn't going to make a statement and he could be a real feather in your cap at 25/1!