GERALD GREENWAY is one name unlikely to hit the racing headlines this week. But punters can boost their Cheltenham betting bank by backing the Somerset permit holder's Blade Of Fortune to win the Wiscombe Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Taunton today.

The nine-year-old, a one time fair performer on the Flat for Francis Lee, looked destined for a life of non-achievement when he lined up for a seller at today's venue last month. But he proved a revelation under a positive ride from Joe Tizzard, making all to beat Saafi by a handsome 20 lengths.

Blade Of Fortune runs off a 12lb higher mark here and it would be easy to try and find something to beat him, given that he steps up in grade. However, examination of his rivals' credentials reveals the majority of them to be no more than exposed platers and the one possible blot on the handicap, Geisway, has been wholly disappointing over hurdles.

Expected to lead from flagfall, Blade Of Fortune can once again run his opponents ragged to send backers home with a psychological and financial edge for the battle of the Festival.

Tony McCoy can warm up for Cheltenham with a short-priced treble at Plumpton on Mayb-Mayb, Nipper Reed and Stormy Passage.

Course specialist Mayb-Mayb has outstanding credentials in the Don Butchers Challenge Trophy Handicap Hurdle. The seven-year-old has won his last two completed starts by wide margins over course and distance, most recently when beating St Ville six lengths.

Mayb-Mayb has been raised 6lb since but is on the upgrade and it's hard to enthuse about the opposition.

Nipper Reed faces an even more ordinary bunch in the Uckfield Handicap Hurdle and will find life much easier than when 10 lengths third to Sheriffmuir in a good race at Newbury last time.

McCoy can notch number three on Stormy Passage in the EBF Novices' Hurdle. Philip Hobbs's charge defied top weight to beat Lord Khalice nine lengths at Newbury last-time.