3:20 Cheltenham (10th March) STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY GRADE 1 (CLASS 1) (4yo+)

The highlight on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival 2015. All eyes will be on this Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race over 2m 110y on good to soft ground. 

The inaugural winner came in 1927 with Blaris trained by Bill Payne, ridden by George Duller in the racing silks of owner Mrs H. Hollins. 

A number of horses have won this race three times including: Hatton's Grace, Sir Ken, Persian War, See You Then & Istabraq. 

The leading jockey with four wins (1951 - 1954) is Tim Molony. 

Leading trainers with five winner apiece are Peter Easterby & Nicky Henderson. 

The owner with most victories, and someone who could be a force this year, J P McManus has five successes with class horses Istabraq, Binocular, Jezki. 

This year's renewal sees eight class geldings including winners 2014 (Jezki), 2011 & 2013 (Hurricane Fly). 

If the market is anything to go by this looks a four-horse race: 

Faugheen is a bay gelding sired by Germany out of Miss Pickering, trained by Willie Mullins for owner Mrs S Ricci. This seven-year-old bay gelding has been a sensation, unbeaten in eight races, after winning a point-to-point over three miles in the hands of  R P Quinlan. He has been favourite for all victories, the majority of time ridden by Ruby Walsh. In the last four races his official rating has risen from 152 - 169. Priced at 11/10f, punters will be hoping this serial winner over course and distance can raise a cheer at this highest grade. 

Nigel Twiston-Davies' The New One may be seven-year-olds but this son of King's Theatre has raced fifteen times over hurdles with eleven victories and never out of the frame. He's been a consistent winner when racing off an official rating of 167. A regular racing at Cheltenham with eight starts with five successes. The New One is no stranger to this contest after finishing third last year behind Jezki with Hurricane Fly fourth. After being badly hampered early in the contest he ran on well in the closing stages. There's little doubt if not suffering that interference he would have gone very close. Priced 4/1 with leading bookmakers.

Another old adversary Hurricane Fly and twice-winner of this Grade 1 hurdle. He won in 2011 & 2013 respectively. This eleven-year-old Irish-bred gelding finished 4th behind Jezki last year which may indicate that age is catching up with this old warrior. Only two horses have won this race at his age of eleven: Hatton's Grace (1951), Sea Pigeon (1981). Willie Mullins' charge has been exceptional over hurdles with twenty-four victories from twenty-nine starts. Only once out of the first three, when fourth in last years contest. Twenty-one of his wins have come at Grade 1 class. From four starts in the Champion Hurdle this star has won twice, a third and fourth. With a highest official rating of 175 it would be fair to say he has never run a poor race. With Ruby Walsh taking the ride on stablemate Faugheen you have to consider connections feel the Hurricane may need to defy the stats, which only the greatest individuals have surpassed. At 10/1 he may sneak a place. 

Jezki has raced at the highest level. This bay gelding won last year's Champion Hurdle 2014 at odds of 9/1. By all accounts his last three starts have been disappointing - suffering multiple losses against Hurricane Fly. This seven-year-old hasn't helped himself when making costly mistakes and connections will be hoping this 5/1 shot jumps for fun on the big day.      

Conclusion: A fascinating Champion Hurdle. With Hurricane Fly and Jezki setting the standard being previous winners this will be a true test. By all accounts there may not be a great deal between Jezki, The New One & Hurricane Fly. Each have their strength and weakness. Jezki has fluffed his lines in the build-up suffering multiple defeats against Hurricane Fly which brings concern. I wonder if Jezki's win was as much to do with others making mistakes. Hurricane Fly was held in last year's renewal. However, this old timer has beaten Mrs John Harrington's charge on his last three starts. The New One will not be far away if he puts in a clear round. The interesting contender is Faugheen. Unbeaten. That word in itself favours many punters. It pays to appreciate Willie Mullins' star will need to shine at this level to win. It's telling Ruby Walsh takes the ride over warhorse Hurricane Fly. 

Verdict:

Faugheen (win bet) 11/10
Hurricane Fly (each-way) 10/1

3:20 Cheltenham (11th March) STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY GRADE 1

The Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy. This Grade 1 race, run over a distance of 2m 110y, on good to soft going, is open to horses aged four years and older, the youngest to take part this year is five, with old timer Captain Cee Bee, seemingly making up the numbers at the age of thirteen. This is a fantastic race for punters looking for free bets and enhanced offers, so don't miss out, especially if opening a new account with top bookmaker William Hill.  

Notable victories of this race include inaugural winner Blaris (1927), Istabraq (2000) and last triple winner & legendary Dawn Run (1984). Only the second mare to taste victory in this contest, going on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup (1986). The only horse to complete this notable double. Last year's winner Hurricane Fly, trained by Willie Mullins, was the first horse in 38 years to reclaim the Champion Hurdle after denying old adversary Rock On Ruby, who heads for the Arkle Chase. This bay gelding, a son of Montjeu, shades favouritism. Hurricane Fly is a true talent, winning 21 of his 24 races over hurdles, achieving prize money of over £1.6 m.

Experience tells Hurricane Fly will take all the beating here.  

His main opposition include hot fancy The New One. Nigel Twiston-Davies son of King's Theatre sits at the head of the betting with the Mullin's-trained talent, and may even go off favourite (unlikely). 

He is closely matched with My Tent Or Yours on their recent running at Kempton over 2m when the later blundered at the last, his jockey losing an iron, before a narrow half-length loss. The pair were closely matched in the betting that day there is likely to be very little between them today. 

Jezki is a fine young horse but looks held by Hurricane Fly and My Tent Or Yours. Mrs John Harrington has opted for the hood first time in an effort to garner a fraction more ability.

Our Conor, a five year old gelding, has struggled to contend with Hurricane Fly on their last two meeting, but in truth has done exceptionally well competing against older, stronger talents this season. Few could forget his impressive victory in last year's JCB Triumph Hurdle. Dessie Hughes' runner made a big impact that day and loved every inch of Cheltenham. This son of Jeremy, will have many punters thinking Prestbury Park could bring this horse on a few pounds and pose a serious threat. 

Melodic Rendezvous, Ptit Zig, Captain Cee Bee & Grumeti will need to have lady luck on their side to figure here.

Conclusion: A truly fascinating race. Hurricane Fly is definitely the horse to beat. A winner in this race on two of his three starts affirms that the Willie Mullins team may taste victory today. Ruby Walsh has been very critical of himself suggesting he still hasn't ridden this horse to his best at Cheltenham. If that is true, he must be stiff competition. Walsh will be at pains to get it right this year and something tells me he will. Hurricane Fly is the tip selection, while Our Conor is worth a small each way saver as this course looks made for this youngster. 

1:30 Cheltenham (Tuesday, 12th March) Free Horse Racing Tips

1.30 – William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle 

My Tent or Yours is clearly a worthy favourite in this and could be very good indeed. He's absolutely miles clear on Timeform ratings (significantly more than Sprinter Sacre against his rivals in the Queen Mother at 1/4). You could therefore argue that 7/4 is a decent price. The difference here is, of course, that this race has a number of unexposed horses running who could be as good or even better than My Tent or Yours. If you have a look at the horses that have run in this race in recent years you'll see some very smart horses have taken part and not won. Horses like Sprinter Sacre, Darlan and Oscar Whiskey. You'll notice they were also all trained by Nicky Henderson. It would be very unusual if there wasn't a horse or two in this able to challenge My Tent or Yours and as this is the first race of the festival it's best not to get too involved. The Irish challenge this year looks particularly strong and they've won five out of the last ten renewals. Jezki has won two Grade 1's and has a good chance but I prefer the chances of Un Atout at a bigger price of 7/1. He's absolutely hacked up in two races this season and whilst these races were of lower quality he beat Art of Logistics easily who came out and beat Waaheb next time. You shouldn't read too much into collateral form but it does put him well up there with Jezki. Dodging Bullets deserves a mention; beaten 7 lengths by Darlan last time and previously beating River Maigue giving weight away are smart performances. I think he'll run a good race but he looks a little exposed and it's difficult to see him improving as much as some of the others. Puffin Billy travels really well in his races but had a slight tendency to jump out his right in his last race; that won't help round Cheltenham although it could be because he was carrying an injury last time. 14/1 is a tempting price. William Hill are paying out 5 places ew.

Un Atout 1 pt e/w - 7/1 (with William Hill) 4th

Puffin Billy 1 pt win 14/1 5th 

Great couple of selections - both place with William Hill enhanced places

How Do I Use William Hill's C50 Promotion?

2.05 – Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase

This looks like a two horse race between Simonsig and Overturn. Overturn was very high class on the flat and over hurdles and won his chases well. It's fair to say those chases were at a much lower level than Simonsig who's won a couple of Grade 2's. Simonsig has generally raced over further and you can argue that Overturn might be too speedy for him. Simonsig has a high cruising speed and I can see Overturn setting up the race for him. Overturn will also have soft ground to contend with which he has avoided for most of his career (only raced on it four times). Arvika Ligeonniere is a front runner who jumps to the right and fell last time. He and Overturn will battle for the lead and Simonsig should cruise past them without too much trouble. None of the other horses in the race are likely to get a look in. Ladbrokes are giving you your money back, up to £25, as a free bet if Simonsig loses. Simonsig is unbeaten in his last five races and is taken to extend that to six today.

Simonsig 2 pts win - 4/7 1st

Not as easy as we thought, but a solid win after pulling too hard

2.40 – JLT Specialty Steeple Chase (A Handicap)

I thought Midnight Chase represented a good chance on Good ground but now the rain has come I'll have to look elsewhere. Fruity O'Rooney acts on the track, goes on any ground and never runs a bad race. His mark of 139 is the same as his second here back in January and we should get a decent run for our money. His price has contracted somewhat in the last few days but 10/1 is a reasonable price.

Fruity O'Rooney 1 pt win - 10/1 5th

Ran well after making a terrible mistake.  

I would like to thank Sean Kelsey for his superb analysis, the author of this post. 

1:30 Chelteneham (Tuesday, 12th March) Supreme Novices' Hurdle ****** 5 Places With William Hill ********

The William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle Grade 1 open to horses aged four years and older run over 2m 110y with eight hurdles to jump. At present the going is soft. The first race of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. Get ready to be greeted by the ''Cheltenham Roar''. 

Originally called the Gloucestershire Hurdle it was first run in 1946 where the race was split in two or three divisions. Vincent O'Brien dominated this race in the mid-to-late 50s. However, its first running as an individual event saw Noble Life win in 1972, trained by Christy Grassick & ridden by Stan Murphy. Other notable successes included Flyingbolt (1964), L'Escargot (1968), Bula (1970) & the ill-fated Golden Cygnet (1978) who was trained by Edward O'Grady  and described by Vincent O'Brien as ''the best horse I've ever seen''.  

More recent victories have seen Brave Inca (2004), Go Native (2009) & Menorah (2010). Last year's winner Cinders And Ashes won at odds of 10/1, trained by Donald McCain & ridden by Jason Maguire, staying on strongly on the flat to win by one and a quarter lengths. 

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is run at a fast and furious pace, which tends to be the norm at this big National Hunt Race meeting. The race attracts a large number of entrants and therefore experience of competing in big fields before Cheltenham is often of paramount importance.     

Twelve horses have been declared. 

My Tent Or Yours, trained by Nicky Henderson, has A P McCoy booked to ride. This horse will be the focus of many punters hoping to get off to a flying start. This six-year-old bay gelding - owned by legendary pro gambler J P McManus - will start a hot favourite. This son of Desert Prince was purchase for just £12,000 at the age of three. He won his only start at four when cantering clear at Ludlow in a National Hunt Flat Race. Never out of the first two on all starts, he has excelled with recent victories at Ascot, Huntingdon & Newbury. The latter two successes have seen sparkling displays. He wasn't extended to win the Red Mills on soft ground. Then a truly impressive display in the Betfair Chase captured the imagination.  

Henderson will be hoping for better fortunes because you have to go back to 1992 to find his last winner - Flown, who was ridden to victory by Jamie Osborne. His only other win came in 1986 with River Ceiriog.

Without question My Tent Or Yours is the horse to beat. 

Henderson also fields River Maigue, a relatively fancied horse. On recent form he looks held by Dodging Bullets.  

It is important to note that for all My Tent Or Yours ability this has proven a tricky race for favourites to win. Only four have found success in the last twenty years. Also, an average starting price of 14/1 details that not only do favourites often lose - big priced horse may have their day. In 2007 Ebaziyan won at odds of 40/1.  These statistics give good reason why backers are often tempted by each way value.

Paul Nicholls is no stranger to success at the Cheltenham Festival nor the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Many punters remember Noland winning in 2006, beating Staw Bear in the last few strides. And the exquisite hold-up tactics of Ruby Walsh on Al Ferof who won in 2011. 

Dodging Bullets is their sole representative. This bay gelding, a son of Dubawi, was bred by none other than L Dettori. This horse has been kept busy over the last two seasons. He raced in Ireland on the Flat as a three-year-old, trained by Andrew Oliver, then started his hurdling career at Kempton. He has a liking for Cheltenham with two success at the end of last year over course and distance. His most recent effort in the Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) saw a gallant third place. 

Cheltenham guarantees top-class Irish challangers. In fact, this race has been won ten times in the last eighteen runnings by such horses. One particularly well touted for this year's event is Jezki. Trained by Jessica Harrington, J P McManus is the lucky owner with a strong hand with this gelding and the favourite racing in his familiar green and yellow hooped silks. This son of Milan has done little wrong in his four-year-old career: racing eight times, winning six times, both recent starts at Grade 1. Jezki is likely to be held up just off the pace and finish with some effect. He's been well backed and a live chance.

Willie Mullins won this race in 2007 with Ebaziyan, ridden by Davy Condon. He has three horses entered Champagne Fever, Pique Sous & Un Atout. 

The latter is unbeaten in three starts. This son of Robin De Champs has brushed aside his opponents with contempt. An odds on winner on each start, you couldn't help but be impressed. However, this is a huge step up in class. In his favour, Mullins has a huge string of horses and this five-year-old is clearly held in some regard. The betting indicates this lightly race horse could be a superb talent. 

I've heard a good word for Cheltenian. After winning a point to point,  this ex-Irish horse was sold out of Liz Doyle's yard for £210,000. This son of Astarabad made a winning return at Kempton for Philip Hobbs. Thereafter, he showed class to win a valuable Cheltenham bumper despite sustaining an injuring mid race. Powering up the Cheltenham hill, he beat nine graded winners in a stylish display. Off course for over 700 days, he made a belated appearance at Doncaster this February. This bay gelding traveled easily, holding a clear advantage in the home straight. However, he tired in the closing stages and a poor jump at the last proved costly as he was headed on the line. That race will do him the world of good and improvement should be expected. This course winner looks overpriced at 20/1 and value for a small each way bet.  

Conclusion: The Supreme Novices' Hurdle sees the start of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. Many punters will not be able to prize their eyes or their money away from My Tent Or Yours. He will be a tough horse to beat - an outstanding individual. If there is one concern it could be his keen-running style. However, his last performance was pure class. Cheltenham has often proven to be a stiff test for many a good horse. From a statistical point of view Henderson's charge needs to buck problematic trends. Point blank - favourites struggle to win this race. In fact, just two market leaders have won in the last eighteen years.  Make no mistake My Tent Or Yours will be a tough nut to crack. However, priced at such short odds, many backers will be searching for each way value. William Hill sponsor this race and give value hunters a great offer with 5 places (1/4 odds).  This is also coupled with their new C50 offer which is a free match bet up to £50 for new account. 

Here are a few pointers worth keeping in mind.

• Thirteen of the last eighteen winners have won on their last start.
• Don't be put off by horses making their Cheltenham debut. Twelve of the last eighteen winners have never run at Prestbury before. 
• Pay particular attention to changing ground conditions. If the ground is fast take note of horses with Flat breeding, if the rain falls you may need horses with plenty of stamina.
• J P McManus sets the standard with the first and second favourite.
• Jezki has been well supported and the Irish raiders should always be feared.
• Jessica Harrington's gelding looks a sterling each way bet.  

''Get ready for the Cheltenham Roar''