Cheltenham Day one betting preview: Key runners and riders on first day of the festival

THE opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is sure to be as pulsating as ever. With four Grade 1 races, a host of equine superstars and a crowd bursting with adrenaline, the stage is well and truly set fair.  

And what a line-up we’ve got to look forward to. From the traditional curtain-raiser – the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – through to the National Hunt Chase at the end of the card, there is talent wherever you look. 

And none come more talented than Constitution Hill. Nicky Henderson’s behemoth has been monstrous on each of his starts so far, trouncing his rivals at each and every opportunity. He demonstrated just how much ability he possesses when bolting up in last year’s Supreme, seeing off the high-class Jonbon with the minimum of fuss. So far this season he has been untouchable, with easy victories in the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdle, both times beating former Champion Hurdle winner Epatante.  Now, though, comes his acid test – the Champion Hurdle itself. And unlike the Grade 1 contests, he’s strolled home in so far this campaign, this time he must take on State Man – Ireland’s great white hope of the 2m hurdling division. 

Willie Mullins’ contender has dismantled all-comers this season, winning the Morgiana, the Matheson and the Irish Champion Hurdle from the likes of Honeysuckle, Vauban and Sharjah. Last year’s County Hurdle winner is progressing at a rate of knots and is a more than worthy adversary to Constitution Hill. For perhaps the first time, we’ll be able to get a handle on just how exceptional Constitution Hill could be – or indeed, if State Man has the required firepower to gun him down. It’s not a two-horse race, not by any stretch - but it would be very surprised if anything was good enough to get to the girths of the front two in the market. It’s sure to be a clash to savour.  

Also likely to be a duel in the sun is the battle between El Fabiolo and Jonbon in the second race of the afternoon. Both are wickedly talented and have dominated their divisions since being sent over fences. They’ll take each other on in the Arkle - a two-mile speed test that has so often been a stepping-stone to greater things. 

Elsewhere on the card, a glittering opening day kicks off with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Although there’s no stand-out star lining up, Facile Vega looked every inch a rocket prior to bombing out at Leopardstown last month. All eyes will be on Willie Mullins’ contender as he bids for redemption, but he won’t have it easy against the likes of Il Etait Temps, Marine Nationale and Tahmuras.

The final Grade 1 of the afternoon is the Mares’ Hurdle, and a chance to see what Honeysuckle can do now rerouted away from the Champion Hurdle. Henry De Bromhead will want his stalwart to go out on a high – and if she wins, you can guarantee Cheltenham’s roof will come off.  

What a first day in prospect. 

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