1.30 SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE. 2m 110yds

This looks like a shootout between trainers Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson, who have won this race in seven of the past nine years. Dysart Dynamo has looked freakishly good on several occasions and gets the nod ahead of Constitution Hill, whose best form is on heavy ground. Kilcruit is a good place bet, having finished second in the Champion Bumper here a year ago.

Selection: DYSART DYNAMO. Next best: CONSTITUTION HILL.

2.10 ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ CHASE. 2m.

Willie Mullins has supplied the winner of this race four times in the past seven years. This year he has three of the 11 runners and a chance is taken on the outsider of that trio, Haut En Coeleurs. This horse finished third in the Triumph Hurdle last year and made a sparkling debut over fences at Leopardstown over Christmas. If you forgive him his early fall in the Irish Arkle, he has serious claims here. Gordon Elliott’s Riviere D’etel was arguably a little unlucky not to defeat Blue Lord in the Irish Arkle and can go close again.

Selection: HAUT EN COELUERS. Next best: RIVIERE D’ETEL.

2.50 ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE. 3m 1f.

Trainer David Pipe has a great record in this race and his runner Gericault Roque is worth a second look. He caught the eye on both his latest runs, finishing second to the progressive Saint Palais at Newbury, and then chasing home Éclair Surf in the Classic Chase at Newbury. Both those winners were well treated and the Pipe horse deserves to get his head in front. Gordon Elliott’s two runners – Death Duty and Floueur – are very much respected. Ben Dundee and Corach Rambler are two others with each-way claims.

Selection: GERICAULT ROUGE. Next best: DEATH DUTY

3.30 CHAMPION HURDLE. 2m 110yds.

Not a popular opinion but perhaps today is the day Honeysuckle gets beaten. It’s a bit ridiculous to suggest winning an Irish Champion Hurdle by six and a half lengths is not impressive. However, off the home bend, she looked like she would win by half the track. From the last hurdle to the line, the runner-up Zanahiyr seemed to close the distance slightly and he had made a very bad blunder earlier in the race. Appreciate It, if at his best, might really test her. He hasn’t run since winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by 24 lengths exactly one year ago but his trainer can be relied upon to have him in good condition. The progressive Teahupoo and course specialist Adagio are good each-way bets.

Selection: APPRECIATE IT. Next best: HONEYSUCKLE

4.10 MARES’ HURDLE. 2m 4f.

There should be a strong pace here with the likes of Stormy Ireland, Heaven Help Us and Western Victory in the line-up. Punters should be looking for a hold-up mare to stick late and we’ll take a chance with Marie’s Rock. Nicky Henderson’s charge has spoiled her chance on numerous occasions by racing too freely but the likely strong pace should suit her. The favourite Telmesomethinggirl won well here last year and was conceding weight all around when an eyecatching third at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Selection: MARIE’S ROCK. Next best: TELMESOMETHINGGIRL

4.50 JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE. 2m 110yds.

Gaelic Warrior is an unknown quantity. His French form is good and it’s very likely that his new trainer Willie Mullins has improved him further. But has he the experience for the hustle and bustle of this race today? There are any number of possible winners and one of them is Doctor Brown Bear. When trained by Brendan Duke, this horse caught the eye on all four of his hurdle outings. Now he has joined Martin Brassil who has such a good record with his runners in big races. A few others to consider include top weight Petit Tonnerre. Brazil and Champion Green.

Selection: DOCTOR BROWN BEAR. Next best: BRAZIL

5.30 NATIONAL HUNT CHALLENGE CUP NOVICES’ CHASE. 3m 6f.

This looks a match between the Irish novices Run Wild Fred and Stattler. Preference is for the former who looks the stronger stayer. Run Wild Fred handles all ground conditions and is not far off Grade 1 class, so this looks the perfect race for him. It’s incredible to think there are only two British-trained runners in the race and both from the Welsh stables of Rebecca Curtis. Of the pair, Pats Fancy should go well.

Selection: RUN FOR WILD. Next best: STATTLER

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