Rouble is being considered for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 11 days.

The horse may be a novice but is rated as having the potential to be the best jumper trained in Sussex Josh Gifford, who trains Rouble at Findon, revealed that owner Pat Betts is keen to involve the horse.

Gifford said: "Pat is on holiday but he has asked me to leave him in the Champion Hurdle just in case some of the leading lights drop out.

"It is sensible to keep the option open, but in fact he is more likely to run in the two-mile five-furlong Royal and Sun Alliance Novices Hurdle on Wednesday, March 13.

"Provided the ground is soft he would be very difficult to beat in that."

Rouble made all the running to win the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell 12 days ago. Jockey Leighton Aspell would keep the ride at Cheltenham.

Yet Gifford will have several runners at Cheltenham in a bid to increase his haul of ten Festival winners.

The eight-year-old Silver Streak is on a hat-trick having won at Wetherby and Cheltenham.

Gifford said: "Those were both good races and, if by chance, the ground is on the fast side he would have a serious chance in the Royal and Sun Alliance Chase."

But good to firm going would prevent Rouble even appearing at the west country course.

If that is the case Silver Streak could win a nice consolation prize.

Mr Markham has been a useful hurdler, winning most recently at Kempton Park in January.

The plan is to revert to fences, over which he has won twice.

He will run in the Mildmay Of Flete Chase on the second day of the Festival without the blinkers he has carried in his last three races.

Mr Percy has won five times for Gifford's Downs Stables and has shown a definite liking for Cheltenham's switchback galloping track. He runs in the Cathcart Chase, the penultimate race on the last day, Thursday, March 14.

Jockey Philip Hide, based at Findon, is the likely rider for the two Misters.