It's been six years since Henrietta Knight last visited the winner’s enclosure at the Cheltenham Festival.

And that emotional day back in March 2004 was to claim the greatest prize of all as Best Mate completed his magical Gold Cup treble.

In the intervening years, Knight’s West Lockinge stables, near Wantage, have had the odd near miss with the likes of Racing Demon.

But a place in the spotlight has proved elusive.

However, there is a growing feeling in racing circles that may be about to change as Knight prepares to saddle Somersby in the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy Chase on Tuesday.

The exciting six-year-old has certainly looked the part following impressive wins in his only two starts over fences at Warwick and Sandown before Christmas.

After the latter success, Knight was waxing lyrical about the gelding, describing how his jumping as a youngster was “breathtaking”.

Although he hasn’t run since, he has done nothing in his homework since to change her high opinion of him.

ButKnight, who is known for her pessimism, was this week sounding a note of caution.

“He is a very good horse,” she says of the 11-2 second favourite. “Whether we have got him at the right distance or whether he needs to step up to further we will see.

“The way he stayed up the hill at Sandown suggests he wants a much longer distance.

“I have been at Cheltenham before and something does them for toe.”

At the same time, Knight identifies Somersby’s ability to quicken as one of his main qualities.

“He has got a turn of foot,” she adds. “He is not bred to be a speed horse, but he has got the speed. He goes there with every chance.”

Robert Thornton is set to partner Somersby, with Tony McCoy, who was on board Knight’s charge when he won at Sandown, committed to riding Captain Cee Bee – the 3-1 favourite – for boss JP McManus.

Knight is also set to run Calgary Bay in the William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase on Tuesday rather than tomorrow week’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which he still holds an entry.

“I hope to God he goes for the handicap,” she says. “Of course, the owner [Camilla Radford] is dying to have a runner in the Gold Cup, but I think we should wait another year.”