Voice of Value’s Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Tips

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‘TIS the night before Cheltenham and we’re ready for drama, good luck to Glen Forsa and big Discorama…

I’m now officially beside myself with excitement for the biggest week of the year so here’s hoping it lives up to expectations. I have already given my initial thoughts on the 7 races on Tuesday here: Day 1 Preview so please read that post too for my full thoughts.

I now also have some updates and additional selections to add into the mix. Good luck one and all!

1.30pm Supreme Novices Hurdle

ELIXIR DE NUTZ remains my first choice for this race and he has drifted out in some places to 10-1 so fill your boots if you haven’t already done so.

I think we should also have an each way interest in GRAND SANCY who has solid form including his last win ahead of Sceau Royal and is too big at 16-1 with William Hill who are paying seven places. There are some great bookmakers offers for existing customers flying around for day 1 so make sure that you take advantage.

• Previously advised: Elixir De Nutz – 2pt e/w (8-1, Coral NRNB)

2.10pm Arkle Chase

A strong race is in store with a big field declared to run. GLEN FORSA remains the pick for me.

• Previously advised: Glen Forsa – 4pt win (4-1, Ladbrokes, Coral both NRNB)

2.50pm Ultima Handicap Chase

The picture has become a bit clearer for this race now that we have the final declarations. I tipped Walt for this but he is a non-runner so you will get your money back for that (mine has already been credited to my account actually) and we can go again.

Technically our first winner of the festival and I’ll take what I can get!

As I said earlier about MINELLA ROCCO he could win this with the old cigar and newspaper out but could also end up out of the back of telly. I think a win only bet is the way to go with him now.

Of the others Calipto is very interesting if the good to soft ground holds up but I’m not confident on that with a deluge forecast for tonight. That will be no problem for COO STAR SIVOLA though who won the race last year in heavy ground and looks a rock solid each way prospect to me this year again, having been targeted at the race all season. They have managed to get his handicap mark down to only a few lbs higher than last year and he can go close.

For those of you who like a bonkers bet I think Catamaran Du Seuil is too big a price at 66-1 and the like. He will go in any ground and when I saw him at Ayr last year he looked like he would enjoy this sort of test.

• Previously advised: Walt now a non-runner

3.30pm Champion Hurdle

I’m still with APPLES JADE here but any of the top 3 could easily win what is going to surely be a sensational race.

Those who don’t like backing favourites should get involved with SHARJAH who is a lovely big price at 18-1 for such a strong consistent horse. If one or more of the favourites disappoint then he will be the one that takes advantage I think. On his wins at Christmas and in the Galway hurdle you could make a decent argument for him winning the race too.

• Previously advised: Apples Jade – 5pt win (9-4, Unibet NRNB)

4.10pm Mares Hurdle

LIMINI remains the bet for this. She has actually drifted in price seemingly because some lunatics are backing Roksana. Limini is completely the wrong price for this and should be nearer 7-2. I’ll be having a bit more on now at the bigger prices. Rain no problem either.

• Previously advised: Limini – 3pt e/w (7-1, Ladbrokes NRNB)

4.50pm Close Brothers Novice Handicap Chase

RIDERS ONTHE STORM remains my top selection in this but I am also drawn to LOUGH DERG SPIRIT who looks a big price for such a classy horse.

He has solid form from the festival last year over hurdles and has improved for the switch to fences this year. Soft ground shouldn’t be an issue and I think he could go really close.

• Previously advised: Riders onthe storm – 2pt e/w (7-1, Paddy Power NRNB and paying 5 places)

5.30pm National Hunt Chase

DISCORAMA is my previous tip for this and I am happy to go into battle with just the one selection. He has shortened in the betting a bit so well done to those who managed to get on last week.

• Previously advised: Discorama – 2pt e/w (10-1, Coral NRNB)

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