13.30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

The insurance provided by our offer means it’s definitely worth taking on the favourite in the first race, and I really like the chances of PALOMA BLUE .

He won on soft ground on debut at Fairyhouse last May and followed that up as a respectable runner-up in a Grade 1 flat race behind Fayonagh, the winner of last year’s Champion Bumper.

Even more impressive was his performance last time out, when he was keen to take on Samcro and finished a commendable third in another Grade 1 hurdle.

Davy Russell has ridden the last four and always thrives during the Festival, so he looks great price to start the week.

The other one to keep your eye on is MENGLI KHAN .

Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy teamed up to win this race with Labaik last year and it wouldn’t surprise me if they do so again.

The five-year-old has been really impressive for Elliott (241-1102), including a Grade 1 win at Fairyhouse and second to Getabird last time out.

The ground should suit him well and I think he’s definitely in with an each-way chance.

14.10 – Arkle Challenge Trophy 

For my NAP of the day, I’m backing FOOTPAD to win this with ease.

He’s won his last three on the bounce including two Grade 1s – one of which was by 11 lengths while the other saw him finish five clear of Petit Mouchoir last month.

He jumps like a dream and has Festival experience in last year’s Champion Hurdle and the Triumph the year before that.

I’ll be very surprised if he gets beat here.

14.50 – Ultima Handicap Chase

Next up is a race to squeeze out some each-way value, and the first one I’m drawn to is Sue Smith’s WAKANDA .

He has caught the eye on his last two runs, missing out by a neck to Get On The Yager on Boxing Day before holding on really well to beat Warriors Tale and L’Ami Serge at Doncaster.

He’s another who should relish the conditions and will have no problem staying the distance.

The other one I like is a horse I’ve tipped multiple times in Nigel Twiston-Davies’ COGRY .

The nine-year-old is a course-and-distance winner here on his last two visits, including October where he finished four lengths ahead of Singlefarmpayment .

He just missed out on last year’s Scottish Grand National by a neck, which sits nicely on his CV and, with plenty of experience in these big fields, I think he’s another good bet.

15.30 – Champion Hurdle

It looks incredibly unlikely that Buveur D’Air won’t win this race again but his price is too short for me, so I’m taking a huge each-way chance with stablemate MICK JAZZ  .

He’s a tidy hurdler who has a Grade 1 victory in the Ryanair at Leopardstown in December and also put in a respectable showing when third in the Irish Champion Hurdle behind Supasundae and Faugheen.

The seven-year-old should love this ground and I think he’s a nice price to nick a place here.

16.10 – Mares’ Hurdle

I’m going to take on another short-priced favourite here as I’m quietly confident in LA BAGUE AU ROI .

Trained by Warren Greatrex, she’s won her last four very well – with the most notable victory coming at Kempton where she beat Jer’s Girl and Midnight Tour .

She will have no problem staying the distance while champion jockey Richard Johnson is looking to make it four from four on board.

16.50 – National Hunt Chase

This is a really tough race to call, but I think MS PARFOIS should go well.

The mare arrives in great form (131-112) and won a handicap chase on this course in December.

She was the best of the rest last time out against Black Corton but did travel smartly before hitting the last fence.

Nicely handicapped at 10-13, I think she’s in with a shout.

17.30 – Close Brothers’ Handicap Chase

Final race of the day and I’m backing TESTIFY to complete a four-timer.

The seven-year-old has been fantastic so far with five wins and two seconds from eight trips, and won his last two on very heavy ground.

I’m a huge fan of Will Kennedy and with five places on offer, he’s definitely got some each-way value.

Another who is worth a punt is Nick Williams’ LE ROCHER .

He also comes into the race in good form, having won three of his last four, and was victorious in the Triumph Hurdle here in 2014.

The eight-year-old seems to excel on heavy ground so conditions should also suit him perfectly.