13.30

I don’t have a ride in the opening race of day two, the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, but Samcro  is a worthy favourite.

He comes from a good yard in Gordon Elliott’s and has been very impressive in all three of his starts so far this season.

He comes into this race with huge expectations, but he’s priced accordingly.

Next Destination could just be a bit more battle-hardened, though. He looks like a real fighter, which could be important if the ground stays as testing as it currently is.

He could offer a bit of value against the favourite, but I definitely wouldn’t be knocking Samcro. The word from his connections has been very positive and he could look a big price if he bolts up.

14.10

Presenting Percy  looks to be the best horse in the RSA Chase. Many are already talking him up as a potential winner of next year’s Gold Cup.

He won last year’s Pertemps, which shows he likes the course. We’ve seen in the past how important form around Cheltenham can be.

My only worry with him is that he’s already had quite a hard season. It was a great performance behind Our Duke last time, but I’m concerned that might have taken a bit out of him.

Monalee  looks a worthy opponent. He was impressive last time at Leopardstown and if he stays three miles, I think he’s the one who could give Presenting Percy the most to think about.

I also think Colin Tizzard’s Elegant Escape might go well at a bigger price.

I know his connections think an awful lot of him and he could offer a bit of value against the top two in the market.

14.50

I ride Springtown Lake  for Philip Hobbs in the Coral Cup, and I’m hopeful of a big run.

We think he’s a nice horse and he’ll make up to be a really good staying chaser next season, but he can be a force over hurdles until then.

It’s a very competitive handicap, but we know he’ll handle the ground and we hope he’s still improving.

Over the next couple of days, those handling conditions are the ones that will do the best. We’re hopeful that Springtown Lake will be one of them.

15.30

The big race of the day is the Betway Champion Chase, where Altior is very much the one to beat, despite the scare they had with him on Monday.

I was very taken with him at Newbury. To win that easily against Politologue after a lay-off like that was incredibly impressive. In all honesty, I can’t see how he can get beaten.

He looks the best horse in the race, has won at the last two Festivals and should take all the beating.

It’s a high-class race with both Douvan and Min being declared. If Douvan was back to the form of two years ago, he would definitely make it a proper race.

Willie Mullins is a master, but if he manged to get Douvan back to win this it would be a minor miracle.

I’m not surprised that Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride him. If he turns up in top form, then he is the only horse that could potentially challenge Altior.

16.10

I’ve had plenty of great days in the Cross Country Chase and, while I don’t have a ride in this year’s race, I think Gordon Elliott’s Tiger Roll will go well.

His trainer is very keen on his chances, and he seems to come alive at the Festival having won the Triumph and the four-miler previously.

He’s schooled over the fences at Cheltenham during the winter, which will mean he’s in great shape for this.

16.50

I’m on Oxford Blu  for Olly Murphy in the Fred Winter.

We were very happy with him at Market Rasen last time and you’d expect him to come on from that.

It’s going to be very hard work for the juveniles, but he’s one of the horses who will handle the testing conditions.

He goes there with a solid each-way chance in a wide-open contest.

17.30

My final ride of the day is Crooks Peak  for Philip Hobbs in the Champion Bumper.

He’s run twice this season, winning both times - including last time at Cheltenham on soft ground.

The form of that race has worked out really well, with a lot of those in behind coming out and winning.

He’s been off for a little while, so I think he’s the forgotten horse of the race, but we think a lot of him and are expecting a big run.

I’d like to think all three of my rides on Wednesday have good chances but of the three, Crooks Peak would be my best chance.

He’s very exciting, and I’m pretty confident we haven’t seen the best of his ability yet.