Paul Nicholls goes into Saturday’s feature race at Cheltenham with a strong hand as he attempts to land the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup for the second consecutive year.

The Ditcheat handler, who has bagged a record four wins in the race, tasted success last year with Frodon and this year saddles Clan Des Obeaux, who has been backed solidly all week into 4/1 favourite.

6/1 third favourite Le Prezien and 10/1 Romain De Senam make up Nicholls’ team as they bid to follow in the footsteps of former winners from the same stable such as Poquelin and Unioniste.

There promises to be a fascinating battle later on the card as 7/4 favourite Melon and 2/1 The New One dominate the market in the International Hurdle, seeing My Tent Or Yours drift to 5/1 from earlier quotes of 7/2.

Lawrence Lyons, Spokesperson for BoyleSports commented, “Paul Nicholls looks to hold the key to the big one at Cheltenham on Saturday with three fancied runners including Clan Des Obeaux, a well-backed favourite this week despite an 11st 12lb burden to shoulder.”

He added: “The International Hurdle is shaping up to be a cracker with last year’s first and second The New One and My Tent Or Yours renewing rivalries, but it’s Willie Mullins’s Melon who we’ve seen most bets for and we’ve had to cut him to 7/4 favourite to take the honours.”