Jezki and Tony McCoy beating Hurricane Fly at Punchestown last year© Photo Healy Racing
Tony McCoy rates Stan James Champion Hurdle hero Jezki as his best chance of riding a winner at his final Cheltenham Festival.
Barry Geraghty steered Jessica Harrington's stable star to last year's triumph as McCoy elected to ride fellow JP McManus-owned runner My Tent Or Yours, but the British champion jockey will be on board this time.
"The horse I'm most looking forward to riding at the Festival is Jezki. I think he has got the best chance of winning," he said.
"He's definitely a horse that would like the ground to dry out as that would enhance his chances.
"He's in pretty similar form to last year in that he has been beaten by Hurricane Fly a couple of times.
"I know Faugheen is the one they are all talking about, but there's no form like Champion Hurdle form. If you look back over the last 20 years to horses that have previously run in the race, a good few of them have won."
McCoy is also keen on the claims of Irish Hennessy winner Carlingford Lough in the Gold Cup.
"Carlingford Lough is an improving horse and the form of his Irish Hennessy win is very good. He definitely improved from his run in the Lexus," he went on.
"I don't think there is a lot between the Irish horses - Road to Riches, On His Own and Lord Windermere - but the fact Carlingford Lough won the Irish Hennessy gives him a good chance.
"By the form, though, Silviniaco Conti is the one they all have to beat as he has achieved the most."
