SUNDAY’s card from Cheltenham is headlined by the Greatwood Hurdle (3.10pm), a competitive two-mile handicap that looks as intriguing as ever.

The ante-post market is dominated by horses whose futures arguably lie outside handicap company, and none more so than favourite Idaho Sun, a Grade One winner who looks well treated off 142.

However, he’ll need rain to arrive, with trainer Harry Fry admitting his participation is doubtful unless the ground is at least good-to-soft.

With little rain forecast, he’s not guaranteed to run.

Dan Skelton’s pair, Let It Rain and Harry Lowes, also appear to prefer softer conditions and may not be seen to best effect if they line up.

With several at the head of the market carrying question marks, I’m siding with two runners, starting with at 10/1.

He looks a solid option, having run a huge race in last year’s renewal off just a pound lower, when finishing behind Alexei, who has since landed two Grade Two prizes and performed creditably in the Champion Hurdle.

Helnwein was clear of the third and has plenty in his favour again.

He goes well fresh, handles better ground, and looks an intended runner, with Jonathan Burke already booked.

At double-figure odds, he makes plenty of appeal.

is the other dart I’ll throw in the contest.

He looks progressive and could be capable of continuing that upward trajectory here.

While several rivals may need the run, fitness isn’t a concern for Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s horse, and the forecast conditions should suit him perfectly.

At 10/1, he looks a cracking each-way bet, particularly with the potential for the field to cut up.

POINTERS                                          SUNDAY

Helnwein e/w                                    3.10pm               Cheltenham

Pioneer Pete e/w                              3.10pm                Cheltenham