Cheltenham Festival Day 1

It’s the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, the build up has been bigger than ever this year, starting back in October. Ticket sales are badly down reports suggest, having so many short priced Irish runners has likely played a part.

A dry day was forecast, but the weathermen couldn’t have been more wrong, 14mil of rain has come down, the track is waterlogged with standing water in places. The Cross-Country race will likely be moved to Friday.

It’s proper heavy ground, stamina will be key. This might just cause some upsets?

The Supreme as ever kicks things off.

I’ve backed Slade Steel as he really wants 2m4f and that’s what might be required today, horses that are proven over further than race distance. The Mullins horses are first and second favourites.

Slade Steel should come home stronger than most and looks to hold a good EW chance, priced at 9-2.

The Arkle is an awful renewal, Gaelic Warrior is the best horse in the race by far but ran a stinker last time out, well beaten before losing his jockey. It’s highly likely he’ll bounce back, but I have no interest in the race.

Best of luck in playing in the Ultima.

State Man can’t be taken on in the Champion Hurdle. He’s miles clear of his rivals. Something will have to go pear shaped for him not to win.

The form of the Henderson yard must be taken on trust, but Iberico Lord could be the one to back in the betting without market or just EW.

Conditions are perhaps going against Lossiemouth in the Mares’ Hurdle, but if she stays, she’ll take the world of beating.

The oven will be going on when the Boodles is starting.

The final race on the first day is the 3m6f National Hunt Chase. Seven runners but a few bookies are paying three places.

Embassy Gardens and Corbetts Cross have never gone beyond three miles. However, both horses have 20lb in hand over their rivals on ratings.

With conditions as they are, this will be a proper slog.

The only horse proven over race distance is Mr Vango priced at 8-1. He must be worth a few quid EW for that reason only.