Cheltenham Festival 2013: Rock On Ruby fancied to retain Champion Hurdle crown Therefore it is fascinating that he has resisted the temptation to run the talented novice My Tent Or Yours in the Stan James Champion Hurdle and relies instead on his 2010 winner Binocular, who is widely considered to be a back number. It is particularly relevant as he also owns Jezki, second favourite behind My Tent Or Yours in the Supreme Novices" Hurdle. Perhaps the signs at home have been encouraging for Binocular in his Champion Hurdle attempt, but I feel he will have his work cut out against last year's winner, Rock On Ruby, who has been grossly underestimated, as well as the 2011 winner Hurricane Fly, who gives every indication that he is back near his best. The Paul Nicholls-trained Zarkandar, the Triumph Hurdle winner two years ago, finished sixth behind Rock On Ruby last year, but has steadily gained in confidence this season, winning all his three outings, including the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton. He has place claims at best and will have to excel to turn the form around with Rock On Ruby, who will be blinkered for the first time. Potentially one of the great clashes of the week, Simonsig against Overturn, takes place in the Arkle Trophy. Donald McCain has warned that his horse is in peak form and that he will stretch the grey Simonsig, but Nicky Henderson will have none of it. An old-fashioned war of words that I feel will end with Simonsig coming out on top. Stand by for an epic first day. Without question, the most eagerly waited appearance of the week will be that of Sprinter Sacre in tomorrow's Queen Mother Champion Chase. Henderson and jockey Barry Geraghty, both highly experienced horsemen, are in awe of this incredibly handsome chaser, and with good reason. He has an exhilarating cruising speed and he and Geraghty have formed an impressive partnership. Hence, it is no surprise to hear that although Henderson finds it agony watching from the grandstand, the jockey describes the riding experience as one of the best feelings any jockey can hope for. Enough said. If, as expected, Sprinter Sacre runs away with the race, winning by a wide margin, you can look with some relish to the coronation that will follow. He is already one of the best two-milers we have seen, following in the wake of Moscow Flyer and Master Minded, and in past eras, One Man, Viking Flagship, Barnbrook Again and Badsworth Boy. But look forward to his election to an enclave occupied by only truly special horses, such as Kauto Star and Denman in recent years.