The countdown has concluded, and the exciting four-day Cheltenham Festival is now underway. Today marks the beginning of the action-packed festival, with punters eagerly anticipating the performance of renowned trainer Willie Mullins, who eyes a milestone of 100 Festival winners. Mullins has an impressive six of the seven favourites under his belt, setting the stage for an electrifying Tuesday.
Recent developments have shaken up the Champion Hurdle landscape, as British hope Constitution Hill's absence has shifted the focus to stablemate Iberico Lord, who has been added to the mix by trainer Nicky Henderson. State Man, a previous runner-up for Mullins, emerges as a strong contender from Closutton, boasting an illustrious record with eight Grade 1 victories. Backed as the odds-on favourite by BoyleSports, State Man is poised to conquer Tuesday's headline race.
In the Supreme Novices' Hurdle opening the day at 1:30, Irish customers are in for a treat with money-back offers on all losing bets plus €50 in free bets. Firefox holds the strongest form in this race, having triumphed over Ballyburn at Leopardstown in December. Trained by Gordon Elliott, Firefox presents an appealing bet at 4-1 as he returns to a shorter distance.
The Arkle Novices' Chase sees an open field this year due to Marine Nationale's absence. Quilixios emerged as a promising each-way option for trainer Henry de Bromhead, backed by winning course form and favourable ground conditions. Gordon Elliott's Found A Fifty also stands a good chance, aiming to outperform rivals like Gaelic Warrior and Il Etait Temps.
In the Ultima Handicap Chase, Irish hopes rest on Meetingofthewaters, recently acquired by JP McManus and displaying strong credentials with a notable win at Leopardstown. Chianti Classico is another contender worth considering, with a solid track record and a progressive streak under trainer Kim Bailey's guidance.
The Mares' Hurdle features Lossiemouth, the reigning Triumph Hurdle champion, looking to maintain her winning streak despite the distance change. Ashroe Diamond poses a significant threat, holding strong form and representing a formidable challenge for the field.
Gordon Elliott and Paul Nicholls are the ones to watch in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, with Elliott's Ndaawi and Nicholls' Liari both showcasing impressive credentials. Milan Tino, owned by JP McManus, also stands out as a strong contender with commendable performances at Prestbury Park.
The final race of the day, the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Chase, presents an opportunity for the Mullins team with Embassy Gardens, a proficient jumper who has dominated his last two fence starts. Henry's Friend, from the Ben Pauling stable, could prove to be a dark horse after a notable victory in the Reynoldstown, hinting at a potential upset in a race that the yard previously won in 2019.