For the first time in ages I am approaching Cheltenham having watched a bit of jump racing this year and having studied a bit of form over the past week or so. I also have a few tips from The Insider (who boasts an outstanding Cheltenham track record), The Coach and one or two others.

I have already had a few “ante post” bets, not something I normally like doing because of the risk of not getting to the starting post. But there is so much money on Cheltenham that I’m hoping for some trading opportunities.

Let’s start with the traditional Cheltenham opener, The Supreme Novices Hurdle. Normally this is won by something unheard of that steals 10 lengths coming round the home bend and is not caught by the chasing pack. For that reason it is one of the punters’ favourites, all looking for a long priced winner. As is often the case, last year’s winner (Go Native) and second (Medermit) are favourites for this year’s Champion Hurdle.  But all the pre-festival hype has been for Dunguib, the odds-on favourite for this race. Dunguib’s price has steadily shortened over the season as he has impressed every time he has run. The general consensus seems to be that you can put your mortgage on him. But that’s no fun. I fancy Oscar Whisky (12-1) and The Insider has picked Peddler’s Cross (25-1) as a potential each way shot but it might not run in this one (note...running tomorrow instead!).

Next on the opening day is the Arkle Chase, the champion 2 mile novices, next year’s Queen Mother contenders. This is usually a highly competitive race and I always do my money so I will go easy on the betting. The Insider says Sizing Europe to win and Riverside Theatre each way but not for big bets. I think I will lay the favourite, Captain Cee Bee who has not proven his worth since winning the Supreme Novice in 2008 as he was injured for most of last season.

I love the Champion Hurdle, it’s my favourite race and I’ve always done well in it over the years. Big winners have been Morley Street, Royal Gait, Make a Stand and (glory be!!) Istabraq! I worship at the altar of Istabraq…but now that I look back I haven’t won since his third win in 2000 so maybe I should worship somewhere else! The Insider says Go Native and I can see why. Last year’s winner of the opener has won both the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and the Christmas Hurdle this year setting him up for a £1 million from a little known online bookie. I wouldn’t deposit too much with them if I were you?! My pick for an each way shout is Khyber Kim. I haven’t had a bet yet but fancy that all the action might be elsewhere and KK might sneak in under the radar at a decent price on the day.

I’m not really that interested in the Cross Country race which leaves the last, the Mares race. I’m going to have to choose between the two runaway market leaders, Voler la Vedette and Quevega, to finish off the Super Fifteen.

Good luck

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