13.30 Cheltenham

I do actually like Champ but can’t back him now it’s 3/1 or shorter so I’m siding with SAMS PROFILE (best price 11-1) in Wednesday’s opener. The five year-old has had shocking luck when losing to Battleoverdoyen last time out.

He made a big error and then got stuck behind a couple before finishing off well. He will like the ground, and I’m backing him to finish a lot better than plenty of others taking part in the Ballymore. Derrinross finished ahead of Sams Profile at Cork back in December, who has since gone on to score.

Sams Profile - 1pt e/w @ 11/1

14.10 Cheltenham

I’m not the biggest SANTINI (best price 7-2) fan but these conditions should suit the seven year-old. Nicky Henderson’s horse has drifted over the last week or so following various social media rumours, but remains in the race.

It’s obvious looking at the form he enjoys a bit of cut in the ground, which can’t be said for Delta Work. Kempton was on the sharp side for Santini, who has some decent Cheltenham form.

Santini - 2pts e/w @ 7/2

14.50 Cheltenham

BRIO CONTI's (best price 12-1) form has been bolstered by Malaya winning at Sandown last weekend. His last run came at Ascot winning by a head against Honest Vic. I’m looking past his effort at Sandown, and focusing on his handful of decent runs on soft ground. He’s back up 5lb but is lightly races, and will be fresh coming into Cheltenham.

I’m taking a little gamble on JOKE DANCER (best price 40-1), who had a wind operation in September. This sort of competition might be a little alien to the six year old, but he enjoys going over 2 miles and will enjoy the softer ground.

Brio Conti - 1pt e/w @ 12/1
Joke Dancer - 0.5pts e/w @ 40/1

15.30 Cheltenham

I don’t see how Altior loses this race, but I’m not up for tipping such an odds-on shot. MIN (best price evs w/out Altior) would go down as one of the greats if it wasn’t for Altior, and even money for without the favourite is a ridiculous price.

The eight year-old appears to be back in good form, and there’s no doubting the form of the Mullins yard.

Min (W/Out Favourite) - 2pts @ 1/1

16.10 Cheltenham

TIGER ROLL (best price 11-8) is an absolute beast! Despite 5/4 being absolutely ridiculous odds for a race of this nature, I just can’t look past the Gordon Elliott horse. The nine year-old was massively impressive when winning with ease at Navan. He showed that he doesn’t mind a bit of cut in the ground when he won the Grand National last year. I’d imagine this will be the NAP for plenty of people on day two.

Tiger Roll - 2pts @ 11/8

16.50 Cheltenham

This was one of my main fancies at the festival, and the ground has only enhanced the chances. BAND OF OUTLAWS (best price 7-1) easily beat Fine Brunello at Limerick on Boxing Day, Joseph O’Brien’s horse then beat Fakir D’oudairies, who went off favourite for the Supreme.

The UK handicappers have been kind to Elliott’s horse and his runs at Limerick and Cork have shown he has the stamina needed at Cheltenham.

Band Of Outlaws - 1.5pts e/w @ 7/1

17.30 Cheltenham

There’s not much form to take out of ASK FOR GLORY's (best price 17-2) last two wins, but there’s no doubting the class of this horse. He’s won by 10+ lengths in his only two races today, both on the soft ground. He’s obviously got potential, but still unsure if he’s got the class to compete with horses of this level, he’s well worth an each-way punt.

Ask For Glory - 0.5pts e/w @ 17/2