Cheltenham Festival credentials are on the line at Sandown on Saturday and Araldur and Celestial Halo can both book their tickets with victory at the Esher track.

Araldur takes a step up in both trip and class as he tackles the Toteswinger Challengers Novices' Chase for Barbury Castle trainer Alan King.

The five-year-old was a Grade Two winner at Sandown last month when beating Free World, and he is also seeking a four-timer following previous victories at Chepstow and Warwick.

Saturday's race is half a mile longer than those, but Araldur looks the type to handle the extra demands with ease.

Celestial Halo holds similarly strong credentials in the Totepool Contenders Hurdle, following a satisfactory return at Ascot before Christmas.

Last year's Triumph Hurdle hero was not too far behind Binocular on that occasion and should do well.

Group Captain has run well in three good handicaps this season and may again in the £4 million totescoop6 Heroes Handicap Hurdle.

Ferdy Murphy's Three Mirror's appeals as he drops back in trip for Doncaster's £100,000 williamhill.com Handicap Chase.

The gelding was fancied for valuable handicaps at Cheltenham this season and although out of the frame on each occasion, he has not been disgraced.

He took fifth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November – his first run since beating Dear Villez at Ayr in April – and occupied the same position at Prestbury Park at the turn of this month.

Three Mirrors' record suggests he is best on a flat, galloping track such as this and the handicapper has given him a squeak off a 3lb-lower mark.

The drop back to an extended two miles shouldn't hinder him.

Bench Warrent is the one to be with in the williamhill.com – More Sports, More Action Maiden Hurdle.

Charlie Mann's charge came to grief at Fontwell before Christmas when travelling like a winner and remains a decent prospect.

Winning form in an Irish point-to-point should mean he will improve again for this step to three miles plus.

Skippers Brig has always been a talented animal and it is a case of the softer the ground the better for him as he bids to make it three from three over fences in the totepool Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby

Hibiki holds an entry in the totesport Trophy at Newbury next weekend but his trainer Philip Hobbs no doubt believes Sunday's £35,000 John Smith's Scottish County Hurdle at Musselburgh can be taken.

The richest race on the Edinburgh track's card, this two-mile handicap can go to Hibiki, who failed by only a short head to peg back Art Professor at Ascot in November.

He surely would have won but for a mistake at the final flight and compensation awaits.

The John Smith's Extra Smooth Novices' Chase should provide Kalahari King with a good opportunity of returning to winning ways, while West With The Wind should be good enough for the John Smith's Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial.