The Cheltenham Festival, the greatest show on turf, kicks off on Tuesday 13th with the William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle. In this race last year, which does not seem a year ago!, Al Ferof stormed up the Cheltenham hill to beat Spirit Son, Sprinter Sacre and Cue Card. Al Ferof meets Sprinter Sacre and Cue Card again in the Racing Post Arkle Chase over 2 miles on Tuesday. Sprinter Sacre has looked terrific this season and seems the one to beat. If Sprinter Sacre wins Paddy Power will refund all losing win bets on the other runners. Cue Card is the forgotten horse and looks worth a wager.
The Stan James Champion Hurdle looks to be between Hurricane Fly and Binocular. Trainer Willie Mullins considers Hurricane Fly the best horse he has trained. Later in the afternoon his Quevega will be attempting to win the OLBG Mares Hurdle over 2 miles 4 furlongs for the fourth successive year. The Willie Mullins stable also have a strong hand in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase with Scotsirish and Uncle Junior. Maljimar looked the likely winner of this 12 months ago. He tries again and might be the eachway value.
Earlier in the afternoon in the JLT Specialty Handicap Chase run over 3 miles, The Package who has been off the course for 493 days, has been well supported in the antepost market. He looks as though he has been laid out for this by his trainer David Pipe.