McNamara keen on Tranquil and Alaivan

Andrew McNamara feels Tranquil Sea and Alaivan are his two best chances of glory at Cheltenham.

The jockey teams up with the Edward O'Grady-trained duo in Thursday's Ryanair Chase and the JCB Triumph Hurdle on Friday respectively.

"All's very well with Tranquil Sea. He did a piece of work yesterday. I didn't ride him but I saw him and he was in great form," McNamara told At The Races.

"His run at Leopardstown last time wasn't too hard a race before Cheltenham.

"He did it fairly well so we were happy enough with him that day.

"He's a lovely horse and it's a great ride to have so I'm very much looking forward to it."

Tranquil Sea defeated his main market rival Poquelin in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November but McNamara believes his Paul Nicholls-trained rival will be hard to beat.

"I don't think Poquelin was quite himself that day in the Paddy Power. For whatever reason, he didn't travel very well," McNamara went on.

"I think Poquelin was much better the next time in the Boylesports. We were getting 2lb off him in the Paddy Power but we beat him over four lengths."

McNamara blames himself for the defeat of Alaivan, ante-post favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, by Carlito Brigante at Leopardstown in December.

"I think we got the tactics wrong on the day. They was no pace in the race so we decided to make our own," he said.

"It just didn't work out and he was beaten jumping the third last and he stayed on to finish second. I think you can draw a line thorough it and I rode him differently the next day.

"I don't think the pace is going to pose much of a problem at Cheltenham. There's Westlin' Winds in the race. He's a horse with a big chance and he jumps off I shouldn't have much trouble settling my fella."

NcNamara also has rides in the two feature races on Tuesday.

"I have Osana in the Arkle and Jumbo Rio in the Champion Hurdle," he continued.

"Jumbo Rio is a fancy price and I think he could run into a place.

"Osana probably has a little bit to find with the best of the Irish horses but he was only five lengths behind them at Leopardstown.

"On the Wednesday I ride Bubbly Bruce for Bill Harney in the bumper. He won last time at Thurles and was second to Frawley at Leopardstown the time before.

"I think my best chances are Tranquil Sea and Alaivan."