Ruby Walsh: Roksana can collect at Cheltenham in my New Year’s day Lucky 15

CHELTENHAM 15:10 – ROKSANA @ 9/2

Nicky Henderson’s Janika steps way up in trip at a fair renewal of the Relkeel Hurdle today. He finished a disappointing fourth behind Defi Du Seuil in the Tingle Creek in December. But I like the Dan Skelton horse, Roksana. Her run at Aintree last year with Apple’s Jade is the strongest form on offer and I think she can collect.

FAIRYHOUSE 12:20 – AIONE @ 2/1

The first on Fairyhouse’s seven-race card is a Maiden Hurdle featuring Willie Mullins’ exciting Aione. She returned from a 919-day absence to win well at Punchestown and is definitely the strongest of Mullins’ three entries that also include Ego Des Mottes and Zenon, who are best watched today. Gordon Elliott’s Column Of Fire is likely to be the main danger and is clearly a fair horse having placed in all but one of his seven starts.

FAIRYHOUSE 12:55 – MOUNT IDA @ 4/5

Willie Mullins runs Drury with Danny Mullins aboard in the Mares Novice Hurdle. She proved too strong for her better-fancied stablemate Minella Encore in the Maiden Hurdle on the final day at Punchestown in November. But Mount Ida could prove difficult to beat in this race having come close to scoring in Listed company on her most recent start.

FAIRYHOUSE 15:45 – FAIS TON CHEMIN @ 11/4

And finally, the bumper at Fairyhouse sees Willie Mullins run debutant Fais Ton Chemin. The 5-year-old, ridden by Patrick Mullins, goes well and should provide stiff competition for Gordon Elliott’s Eskylane.

RUBY’S TIPS SUMMARY:

Cheltenham 15:10 – Roksana @ 9/2
Fairyhouse 12:20 – Aione @ 2/1
Fairyhouse 12:55 – Mount Ida @ 4/5
Fairyhouse 15:45 – Fais Ton Chemin @ 11/4

*All prices correct at time of publishing