IT'S time for our horse-racing blog the FLARED NOSTRIL to pin the colours to the mast with Cheltenham's first day upon us and AMARETTO ROSE looks a worthy favourite for the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle at 2pm.
Trainer Nicky Henderson usually has a good one for this race and Amaretto, in receipt of the mares' 7lb allowance and with excellent form in the book, should take all the beating.
Granit Jack will have his supporters as he comes from Paul Nicholls' all-powerful yard, and the best of the Irish may be Hide the Evidence, but although a bit short of big-field experience AMARETTO is chosen to show her charisma under experienced Mick Fitzgerald.
Of course, the showpiece in the Champion Hurdle at 3.15 and there does not seem to be much to choose at the highest level between a handful of contenders. But further down the betting, Irish raider Sublimity has been laid out for the race and has one of the most powerful bursts of speed seen in a hurdle horse.
Each way at 14s in very tempting but the same can be said of IKTITAF, who was a leading contender until beaten by a couple of the fancied runners. He was a poorly horse and can show that form all wrong, and is taken to give the relentless galloper Detroit City a run for his money.
Beforehand, the Arkle Challenge Chase at 2.35 over two iles brings the cream of the two-mile chasers together. Jumping is the name of the game at what is sure to be a fast pace and none has impressed so much as LENNON, who has won around the northern tracks and is set to make his reputation in this esteemed company.
HEADSONTHEGROUND can go well in the Cross-Country race and provide a lady winner in Nina Carberry, a bit of a story as brother Paul is out for the Festival after a horse stood on him. Good punting....