The first day of Cheltenham's Open meeting is today's undoubted highlight and four live races on Channel 4 to consider. The ground is, at the time of writing, good to soft but conditions are set to deteriorate with heavy rain forecast and I expect to see soft ground at Prestbury Park this afternoon.
In the opening Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase Handy Andy (1.15) can follow up last year's win in the corresponding race from a 6lb higher mark for Colin Tizzard. The selection ran a promising race at Chepstow on his reappearance when the yard weren't firing and he can again take the measure of Charingworth runner up in this event 12 months ago.
Many declared for the 2m Handicap Chase wouldn't want the ground to get any worse but my two against the field are Rio De Sivola and Shangani (1.50) with marginal preference for the latter who represents the yard of Venetia Williams' whose string are in such good form. The selection gets further than the minimum trip and the forecast ground and strong pace should suit the 8-year-old who bypasses the Paddy Power on Saturday for a crack at this valuable prize.
The Novices' Chase that follows is a race to savour. Chase debutants Champagne West and Dell' Arca are fascinating newcomers but Urban Hymn (2.25) ran well over a trip just short of his best at Carlisle when a mistake two out might have been the difference between victory and defeat given he was only beaten a head. He is forecast to be a 6/1 shot at BetVictor and could represent the value.
The unbeaten Blaklion (3.00) won the Persian War in a first time hood at Chepstow last month and, despite a 3lbs penalty, is taken to score for Nigel Twiston-Davies and Jamie Moore who keeps the ride as the trainer's son and regular pilot Sam is required for his retained yard of Paul Nicholls and Port Melon. Minella Present is a personal favourite and is one to consider if the overnight rain fails to materialise but Blaklion, who runs without a hood today, can maintain his progress.
The weights greatly favour Balthazar King (3.30) in the X Country event and he is hard to oppose as he bids to follow up his win in this corresponding event last year. He is a much better animal on good or good to soft ground but can cope with soft and would be much worse off if this were a handicap.
The dogs are barking Cup Final (4.05) in the last for the Nicky Henderson/Barry Geraghty combination. The 5-year-ols has never run on ground this soft but his dam (Asian Maze) loved soft ground and it would be no surprise to see owner JP McManus get his betting boots on.
The errant Go West Young Man and Cassells Rock are others to consider in a fascinating conclusion to a wonderful days racing.
For all your racing odds check out BetVictor.com
