Top amateur Derek O'Connor is hoping a late switch from Native River to Minella Rocco will help him enhance an impressive Cheltenham record.

The veteran rider always heads the 'most wanted' list for the four-mile National Hunt Chase, having prevailed in 2011 on Chicago Grey and finished second and third in the last two renewals.

O'Connor said: "I'm delighted to get the opportunity to ride such a good horse. He was a very good hurdler and if he can produce his best form over fences then hopefully he'll have a very good chance.

"I was delighted to get the call to originally ride Native River and I hate to let connections down, but Min lla Rocco is favourite."

Trainer Jonjo O'Neill added: "We don't know whether he will get four miles but he will hopefully be in his comfort zone during this race."