Flooring Porter showed he is up for a challenge when he won the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last year and he is backed to win the race again tomorrow (3.30pm).

Mike Edwards, who was in prolific form on day one of this year’s Festival, believes he has what it takes to head a quality field that includes the likes of Paisley Park, Klassical Dream, Champ and Thyme Hill.

“He was the new kid on the block when he won last year,” said Edwards of the seven-year-old trained by Gavin Cromwell. “He was a bit unlucky to be beaten by Klassical Dream at Leopardstown at the end of December but Cheltenham is a much more demanding course and I think that will suit him, he’ll like the demands of it.”

Paisley Park won impressively at Cheltenham in January – Champ was in his slipstream – and the 10-year-old, trained by Emma Lavelle, is obviously a big threat in what should be a cracking race.

Meanwhile, something is set to give in the first race of the day – the Turners Novices’ Chase (1.30pm).

There are only four runners in the field but two of them are absolutely top drawer. 

“Galopin Des Champs, who is trained by Willie Mullins is meant to be the next big thing, he’s won his last four races,” said Edwards. “But Bob Olinger, who is trained by Henry de Bromford and who had such a good opening day, has won his last five.

“They’re both very good horses but I’ve just got a gut feeling for Bob Olinger.”

The Ryanair Chase (2.50pm) is always one of the most eagerly anticipated races on day three and Edwards is backing Allaho to bring home the spoils.

The Willie Mullins-trained hope is likely to go off as a strong favourite and Edwards admitted: “I just can’t see past him. Conflated and Saint Calvados will have their supporters but it’s Allaho for me.”