SWINDON jockey Wayne Hutchinson believes he is riding some great each-way claims at the Festival this week.

One confirmed ride, Ardlui in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle today, is a horse Hutchinson rates highly while his main hope is Secret Edge in this afternoon’s Novices’ Hurdle.

Hutchinson, who rides for Barbury Castle trainer Alan King, will also pick up a quality ride in the Triumph Hurdle in either Balder Succes or ante-post favourite Grumeti.

King’s top jockey Robert Thornton is still agonising over which one to ride in Friday’s race but Hutchinson will be happy either way and fancies Balder Succes to run a big race.

“I should have four or five rides at Cheltenham but I’ve had a fantastic season and I’ve been looking forward to the Festival,” said Hutchinson.

“Balder Succes has a chance in the Triumph on Friday. He is strong and unbeaten and could have a chance but we will have to wait and see.

“One other ride is Ardlui on Wednesday in the Fred Winter. He definitely has each-way chances. I won with him at Newbury in December and he is only going to improve and is in good nick.

“I think my main hope is Secret Edge in the Novices’ Hurdle on Wednesday. I think he has a good chance.”

Hutchinson warmed up for the Festival with victory aboard Trigger The Light at Warwick on Sunday.

In terms of banker bets, he believes Big Buck’s cannot be beaten and also fancies Sizing Europe in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

“Big Buck’s will retain his title, no question,” he said.

“I like Sizing Europe as well in the Queens Mothers Chase, that is a banker.”

Hutchinson, who has had 36 wins so far this season, believes outside bets are going to be tough to find throughout the Festival but he fancies Philip Hobbs’ Snap Tie in the County Hurdle.

“In terms of an outsider it is difficult,” added Hutchinson. “I like Snap Tie. He was rated up to 150 18 months ago before he got injured and has not run for a year. However, now at a mark of 137 he has a very good chance if he retains his ability. At around 16/1 he has good each-way value.”

Friday’s Gold Cup will see Long Run and Kauto Star go head to head and Hutchinson is struggling to split the pair, adding: “I saw Kauto’s gallop at Wincanton and he looks the one to beat on this season’s form.

“However, the Gold Cup is a firmer test for Kauto than when he beat Long Run at Kempton and for that reason I side towards Long Run.

“Midnight Chase has an each-way chance. He almost got there last year and is definitely an improver and has a chance at around 16-1.

“Long Run has the quality and should handle the hill better and if I had to put a fiver on it I think I would back him over Kauto Star.”