Cheltenham Festival tips: Alex Hammond day one verdict

My favouite week of the year has finally arrived. The weather gods have thrown a spanner in the works though and I’m sure I’m not alone in tearing up a few ante post slips after the heavy snow, followed by significant rainfall in the Cotswolds.

The Cheltenham Festival will start on heavy ground for the first time in decades. So, all those Spring ground horses you have putting in your notebooks will most likely be watching from afar or taking their chance on ground they are unproven on.

I’ve had a good look at every race, every day and hopefully highlighted and selected horses with a great chance of Festival glory and importantly, runners that should handle conditions at Prestbury Park.

Have a fab four days and here’s to many winners.

CHELTENHAM TUESDAY

1.30 Sky Bet Supreme

2.20 Racing Post Arkle

2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase (each-way)

3.30 Unibet Champion Hurdle

4.10 OLBG Mares' Hurdle

Apple’s Jade (NAP). She’s a short price but I can’t see this mare getting beaten. She looks to have a much easier task than when winning this race last year and the heavy ground wont faze her. I’m hoping she’s an odds on banker for day one.

4.50 National Hunt Chase

5.30 Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase

Related links

• Cheltenham Festival guide
• Sky Bet - non-runner, no bet on all 28 races
• Sky Bet - Money Back on first-race losers
• Free horse racing betting tips
• Latest racecards and video form
• Today's fast results
• Today's full results
• Non-runners
• Going updates
• Latest Naps Table
• ABC Guide