Alex Hammond blog: Cheltenham Festival day one tips with Willie Mullins fancied to add to record haul

Alex Hammond's blog is about Cheltenham Festival day one. Willie Mullins is fancied to add to his record haul.

The festival is about to start. Alex Hammond has some tips for the opening day. He reckons it's one of the finest weeks of this year. He also reckon Willie Mullins is a contender to win.

Constitution Hill and Jonbon represent Nicky Henderson. Constitution Hill has looked like a colossus in his two starts under rules so far. Willie Mullins has won this race seven times. Sir Gerhard, Dysart Dynamo, Kilcruit and others are entered for the Closutton juggernaut. Kil cruit was beaten by SirGerhard in the Champion Bumper.

Last year's Supreme winner, Appreciate It, finished second in the Champion Bumper to Ferny Hollow. Edwardstone heads the market for Alan King. Willie Mullins has a strong entry in this race. Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore are a match made in heaven. The Unibet Champion Hurdle is probably going to be the shortest summary of the week. It's been farmed by Irish-trained runners since its inception. The horses from the Emerald Isle dominate the race market. Gordon Elliott could be leading trainer. Five-year-olds are 0-13 in Arkle since 2007.