Cheltenham Festival: Surprise on the cards as Brian Ellison looks for first Cheltenham winner with Smart Talk

Ellison, who is still seeking his first Festival win, believes Smart Talk – victorious at Haydock and Doncaster on her last two starts – can spring a surprise against Limini from the all-conquering yard of Ireland’s champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Owned by Tickhill couple Julie and Phil Martin, who are longstanding supporters of Malton-based Ellison, Smart Talk will be ridden by Paddy Brennan, who rides Cue card in tomorrow’s blue riband Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“All season she’s never stopped improving. She’s a big mare that loves her racing and loves jumping,” said Ellison. “She loves her work at home and tries really hard. At Doncaster when she won, Paddy said he had a job pulling her up. It was a great performance.

“Her ideal trip is probably two and a quarter, but she’s fast enough for two miles.

“She definitely looks on the gallops like she’s improving again. She’s in great form and I think she’s got a great chance. She’s definitely the best mare I’ve had. I can’t wait for her to go chasing as she jumps great.

“People are talking about the favourite being unbeatable, but that’s mainly down to her Flat form; she’s got to jump hurdles well.”

Yorkshire hopes will also be carried by Oscar Rock in the Ryanair Chase – he is trained by Malton’s Malcolm Jefferson.

Meanwhile the aforementioned Cue Card, who began the 2015-16 season when winning Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase, will face a maximum of nine rivals in tomorrow’s Gold Cup.

It will also see Bryan Cooper ride Gordon Elliott’s Don Cossack, a disappointment at the last two Festivals, in preference to 2015 RSA Chase hero Don Poli.

Ruby Walsh rides Dkakadam as Mullins seeks the one big race to elude him.