Cheltenham Day 1 Preview - 14th march

At 2pm the famous Cheltenham roar will accompany the tapes going up for the start of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. 20/1 Arcalis took the spoils last year to end a punter friendly sequence of 3 winning favourites. The market for this years renewal is headed by Sweet Wake from the Noel Meade stable, the German bred horse has impressed on both starts over hurdles, winning 2 from 2. Irish trained horses have a fantastic recent record in this race winning 5 of the last 7. Racing Demon will carry the main festival hopes of trainer Henrietta Knight in the Arkle Trophy Chase at 2.35pm. Proven Cheltenham performer Accordion Etoile heads the Irish challenge along with last years Champion Bumper winner Missed That. Martin Pipe has won this race two years running and attempts to complete the three timer, among his entries are Don't Be Shy and Tamarinbleu. The Champion Hurdle is the showpiece race on day one at 3.15pm. Hardy Eustace bids to emulate the mighty Istabraq by winning this race for the third successive season, whilst his fellow Irish raider Brave Inca goes into the contest as most people's festival banker. Arcalis, for the home team, looks to end a poor sequence of Supreme Novice Hurdle winners to take on this race. Other Races On Day One: 4.00pm - Trophy Handicap Chase. 4.40pm - Cross Country Chase. 5.20pm - Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle.