"...like the wind"

It's here! Festival Day 1 at Cheltenham! Waiting is over! Ready for the fray!

Today's main event is the Champion Hurdle where the excellent Hurricane Fly bids to add back to back titles to his impressive CV. Based on the form book and his recent run at Leopardstown, it's very hard to oppose him and he should launch a multitude of multiple bets. Oscars Well will relish quicker ground and is the leading candidate to follow the Champ home.

It's a pity that Donald McCain has swerved the Arkle with Peddlers Cross as one would have expected him to give the unbeaten Sprinter Sacre a serious test. The small field probably would not have suited him and it now looks pretty straightforward for Nicky Henderson's novice. Blackstairsmountain may run better than his price suggests and he could well benefit from any slips-ups.

Quevega is the day's banker but at 2s on, looks a bit short for a horse missing off the track for nearly 10 months. Our Girl Salley may be a sporting bet in this.

The opening contest, the Supreme Hurdle is as ever difficult to assess, as the absence of a strong favourite purports. Plenty in with a shout, but Midnight Game has looked the most talented so far and he gets a tentative vote.

Best of luck and enjoy.....