The best week of the year is upon us. The weather is looking like a mixed bag, but there is no mixed levels of excitement. The build-up and tension is rising and the unpredictability of day one is only adding to the occasion.

Going to keep all of these short and sweet in text format, as people don’t have all day to be reading these, but extensive research has been done in the background. Actually, I would probably stay well away from these selections. Although, Nagle has confirmed them…

On a side note, any free flights going from Melbourne to Birmingham? Thanks x

Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

I think this could be between the top two in the betting. Facile Vega was the standout horse until his implosion at Leopardstown last month. Most of the shrewdies on the preview circuit are writing him off, but I’m not willing to do that yet. Willie Mullins was visibly shocked afterwards at how bad Paul Townend rode him in the Tatterstalls, and if it wasn’t for that one run he would be odds on here to gain his second Festival win. His price has gone to the dogs, as you could have got him at 7/2 a few days ago, but he would be my selection for the race.

Marine National for Barry Connell is a huge danger after winning the Grade one Royal Bond in Fairyhouse in December, but will the lack of another run hinder him for this? The field was a big one that day in Fairyhouse, which will stand to him, but I like the fact that Facile has been to Cheltenham and managed the occasion before.

One at the bigger prices could be Doctor Bravo, he has run in decent Grade one company this year and is Gordon Elliot’s number one.

Definitely a small bet (if any) in this one, as it is so wide open.

Arkle Novices’ Chase

The smart money would be on El Fabiola here, but if there is one thing I’m good at, it’s being silly. I like Jonbon to take home the spoils in this one, but I am very worried that we could see a remake of last year’s Supreme, where Jonbon and Dysart Dynamo slit each other’s throats and someone else comes to pick up the pieces. Dysart won’t get up the hill and I can’t have Banbridge, so it looks to be within the top two. Everyone is on Jonbon’s case for his Warwick run, but I thought it was a lot better than most. It was an actual two horse race, where a lesser horse seemed to put it up to him, but like a light switched Jonbon reeled him in and finished six clear. This should be a cracking race, and El Fabiola has the stronger form, but I still like JP’s man to get the job done.

Again, not too confident, so a small bet at best.

Ultima Handicap Chase

First handicap of the meeting and I like last year’s second, Oscar Elite. He has been a serious mixed bag since then, but a win in the grade two Reynoldstown’s at Ascot last month was a nice bounce back, and with his clear course form, I like him to go one better this year.

Champion Hurdle

Constitutional Hill.

Mares’ Hurdle

This is such a deep race and should be a brilliant spectacle on Day one. The masses seem to be in the camp of Marie’s Rock, but I’m going back for one more roll of the Honeysuckle dice. My heart is swaying this selection, but I don’t care. She is clearly in regression, but if close to her best, she is the standout talent in the race. Her five-length loss to State Man is very decent if State Man does what we all think he will and put it up slightly to Constitutional Hill. I can’t have Brandy Love with the lack of runs, and Love Envoi because I think this is above her pay grade, so it really only leaves Echoes in Rain and Epatante. Epatante is probably not up to it either, even with a good win at Doncaster the last day but Echoes in Rain wouldn’t be a bad EW shout if you fancied one at a slightly bigger price.

Boodles Juvenile Hurdle

Probably won’t be having a punt on this, but if I did, it would probably be on Tekao. His third-place finish behind Gala Marceau and Lossiemouth is the best form coming into the race, but it has led to him carrying top weight in this. The good news is, nine of the last ten winners of the race have carried at least 11 stone. That would rule out Byker, Risk Belle and Bad, who are all next in the betting. Perseus Way could be in with a shout and was second in the Grade two Adonis Hurdle at Kempton a few weeks ago. However, people in the know feel like that form isn’t as strong as it looks. I couldn’t have Sir Allen, but JP’s next one up, Common Practice, wouldn’t look all that bad at 12/1. Trained by Joseph O’Brien is another plus and I wouldn’t hold it against you for backing.

National Hunt Chase

No great feeling on this one, but Upping the Ante had a lovely little nugget the other day that Barry O’Neill who was supposed to ride Mahler Mission has now chosen to switch over to Minella Crooner. Huge vibes from Gordon’s camp. Big choice and makes Minella Crooner a bit more appetising at around 8/1.