Having steered home Mony-Skip to win the equivalent event last year jockey Richard Guest looks to have the ammunition in Coming Alive for a repeat success in the Jewson Novices' Chase at Cheltenham today.

Coming Alive's seasonal debut at Kelso almost a fortnight ago was his first racecourse appearance for almost two years and he acquitted himself well to run Mister Ross to one and a half lengths.

It has to be said that the eventual winning distance may have flattered Norman Mason's charge but it was an encouraging return and suggested there is enough talent there to land a race of this type.

Mason has a good record with horses coming back after a long lay-off and he could complete a double with another former longterm absentee in Classic Contact.

The gelding was returning after a break of four seasons before landing a Hexham Handicap Chase with a five-length success over previous winner Tighter Budget.