Eddie Harty has reported 3/1 favourite Captain Cee Bee in “great form” and “high class” for a shot at the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday week.

The nine-year-old won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle two years ago but missed last year’s Festival because of injury, although Harty now feels his charge is stronger than before his time on the treatment table.

The likes of Sizing Europe, Long Run, Somersby (11/2 second favourite) and Riverside Theatre are expected to run big races in the two-mile novices’ championship but Harty declared he “wouldn’t swap my horse for any of them”.

“I think he’s probably the best one in it but it’s racing and it’s competition and that’s what it is all about,” said the trainer.

Harty has shrugged off fears Captain Cee Bee may have lost some of his sparkle because of injury and feels his preparations have gone well.

“I think he is better (since his injury),” he told At The Races.

“He has a great cruising speed, he’s high class and hopefully everything will go according to plan in 10 days’ time.”