FAIRYHOUSE PREVIEW:RUBY WALSH may be a raging hot favourite to be leading jockey at Cheltenham next week but he's certainly not taking things easy ahead of the festival and can score yet another three-timer at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

The champion jockey was in fine form last Sunday at Leopardstown with a treble and he looks a significant booking for Monte Cinto in today’s two mile handicap chase.

Formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, for whom he was good enough to finish sixth in both a County Hurdle and an Imperial Cup, Monte Cinto is now with Martin Brassil who supplied Numbersixvalverde to win an Irish National here for Walsh in 2005.

Monte Cinto fell at the first on his last start at Gowran but that hasn’t dissuaded Walsh from taking the ride and on some of his old form the horse would easily be good enough for a race like this.

Walsh is also taking part in the Beginners Chase although Sizing America has plenty of experience and a 117 rating to reassure those with ante-post vouchers on the jockey for next week.

That combination should be enough to win while Apt Approach is an interesting newcomer to jumping in the maiden hurdle. Walsh was on board this one when he started at just 4 to 1 for last year’s Cheltenham Bumper where he eventually ran sixth to his stable companion Cousin Vinny. That sort of quality is a stand out in this company.

The Willie Mullins team will also fancy their chances in yet another bumper with Citizen Vic who should go close if repeating his effort at Navan last year when chasing home Horner Woods.

Chevalier Country has Cheltenham entries next week in the Fred Winter and Triumph but could take today’s opener en route.