Pipe optimistic things will add up for Seven Is My Number

Seven Is My Number is the likely favourite for the Doncaster feature while Madison du Berlais puts his Gold Cup credentials on the line in the Argento Chase, the feature at the Gloucestershire track.

And, while both meetings have to pass early morning inspections because of the forecast frost last night, Pipe's yard is buoyed by a four-timer at Warwick and Ffos Las on Thursday.

Pipe believes Seven Is My Number, a New Year's Day winner at

Cheltenham, is a worthy favourite.

"He's in good form and is handicapped 148, so we'll see if that's correct," said the trainer.

"It may be high enough but the bookies make him favourite and they're not usually wrong.

"We've always thought a lot of him and he won an Ascot bumper first time out.

"He's always had a good engine and has just had lots of problems, but we've had probably the clearest run we've ever had with him and we hope it continues."

Pipe's friend and rival Nigel Twiston-Davies is expecting Rehearsal Chase winner Beat The Boys to bounce back to form having been pulled up on his latest appearance at Cheltenham.

"Beat The Boys is in great nick and the better ground will suit him so I'm expecting a big run from him," said the Naunton handler.

"He won at Newcastle over three miles so I think as long as everything goes well for him, it should suit. He'll certainly be entered for the Grand National."

The pair will be renewing hostilities at Cheltenham where Madison du Beralis, from the Pipe yard, is tipped to prevail over Knowhere and Wetherby specialist Ollie Magern, from the Twiston-Davies team, enjoyed a fantastic campaign last season.

Now nine, Madison du Berlais enjoyed a fantastic season last year winning the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, beating Denman at Kempton and rounding off the season with success at Aintree.

He has been left chasing the shadow of Kauto Star on his two starts this season and has yet to win in six outings at Prestbury Park.

He was particularly disappointing in the Gold Cup – connections questioned whether he likes Cheltenham's undulations – but Pipe is still keen on his chances.

"His best performances have obviously been on flatter tracks but I can't see any reason why he shouldn't run a big race tomorrow," said Pipe.

"He finished third in a Grand Annual at Cheltenham a few years ago, although that was with his previous trainer – my dad. He was obviously below-par when he ran in the Gold Cup but he's in good form at the moment and conditions should be ideal for him.

"The questions about the track will be answered today, so we'll see how we get on."

The race will also be an important test for Carruthers, last year's RSA Chase fourth, who enjoyed a confidence-boosting win at Newbury last time.

Bred and owned by Lord Oaksey, the former television commentator, trainer Mark Bradstock waited until Denman went elsewhere before committing to this race and jockey Mattie Batchelor is excited about the high-profile ride.

"It's a big day for all concerned," said Batchelor. "We were going to go wherever Denman didn't and with Denman waiting for the Aon Chase at Newbury, we went for Cheltenham.

"I schooled him over eight fences on Thursday morning upsides another horse.

"To be honest, he slightly switches off at home, so it's hard to get a gauge of him.

"Mark's wife Sara rides him every day and knows him inside out and she says he seems in good form."

Carruthers's Festival target is not yet confirmed, although Batchelor added: "He is going up in the handicap and I think they will probably decide he will end up in the Gold Cup.

"Kauto Star is obviously a serious machine but there is some good prize money on offer for places."