1:30 – Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Al Dancer is a worthy of his short price and the form of his latest victory looks strong, while Angels Breath is highly thought of by connections.

But I am banking on the Irish starting the week on a high. While Fakir D’Oudairies will be popular, I will be supporting Klassical Dream.

Willie Mullins has a superb record in this race and the money started to come for his charge over the weekend and continued yesterday.

He won a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time out and looks a progressive sort.

  • Prediction: 1 Klassical Dream, 2 Al Dancer, 3 Fakir D’Oudairies.

2.10 – Arkle Novices’ Chase

There will be few dry eyes if Lalor were to secure what would be an emotional victory for Kayley Woollacott and the manner of his win at this track in November was certainly eye-catching.

The Irish have backed Hardline heavily over recent weeks and the fact he runs here rather than in the JLT should be noted. With a fast pace also certain, the race could be set up perfectly for Gordon Elliott’s charge.

But I really fancy Glen Forsa. He has gone from strength-to-strength this season, jumps well, travels strongly and has all the attributes to land this for Mick Channon.

  • Prediction: 1 Glen Forsa, 2 Hardline, 3 Lalor

2.50 – Ultima Handicap Chase

One of the most competitive races of the week with a maximum 24-runner field.

Mick Channon fancies the chances of Mister Whitaker and he has the capabilities to go close.

But I think this could be the another Irish winner with Willie Mullins’s Up For Review.

The ten-year-old has had a series of niggles and only made his chasing debut a year ago.

He made a pleasing seasonal debut when third in the Grade A Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park and providing his jumping holds up, looks to have a solid chance.

Last year’s winner Coo Star Sivola has had this race in mind all season and should be a threat, while Calipto should be monitored in the betting.

  • Prediction: 1 Up For Review 2 Mister Whitaker 3 Calipto 4 Coo Star Sivola

3.30 – Champion Hurdle

With Laurina and Apples Jade taking their chance, this is without question one of the most eagerly-anticipated races of the week.

Both will be hugely popular winners, but I see no reason to change from double champion Buveur D’Air.

Nicky Henderson knows exactly what it takes to win a Champion Hurdle and while defeat at Kempton on Boxing Day was hardly ideal, he will be spot-on for this race. With Apples Jade likely to set a scorching gallop, Barry Geraghty will be able to keep his eyes on his main rival and pounce in the straight.

  • Prediction: 1 Buveur D’Air, 2 Apples Jade 3 Laurina.

4.10 – Mares’ Hurdle

With the big guns taking their chance in the previous race, Benie Des Dieux is likely to prove extremely hard to beat for Willie Mullins.

Although without a run this season, the odds would suggest connections believe their mare is in fine form and likely to take some beating.

The value could be finding a decent each-way alternative, however.

Lady Buttons looks the best of the British contingent, but I will take a chance on another of Mullins’ runners Stormy Ireland running into a place.

Although no match for Laurina last time, that rival is aiming much higher than this and leaves the door open for Stormy Ireland to snatch a place at double-figure odds.

  • Prediction: 1 Benie Des Dieux 2 Stormy Ireland 3 Lady Buttons

4.50 – Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase

A Plus Tard is only five but his last two victories have come in big-race fields and he looks to have a live chance here.

Although second last time out, that run was still noteworthy and providing his lack of experience does not catch him out, is my fancy for the winner.

Riders Onthe Storm impressed at Punchestown last time when the front two pulled miles clear of their rivals. The step back up in trip will help and he looks to be on a good mark.

Roaring Bull showed an impressive turn of foot to win at Naas a month ago and could have more to offer over this trip. He looks over-priced and looks a decent each-way bet.

  • Prediction: 1 A Plus Tard 2 Riders on the Storm 3 Roaring Bull 4 Cubomania

5.30 National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase

Not the most inspiring selection, but OK Corral was very impressive at Warwick last time and has been laid out for this race.

There were other options for JP McManus’s charge, but this has long been his preferred race and his odds suggest there is no reason to go against him Derek O’Connor is a top jockey and providing he gets a clear run, will take all the beating.

Discorama will give his running, while Impulsive Star was another good winner last time and can run into the frame, with an even bigger priced Whisperinthebreeze another with place claims

  • Prediction: 1 OK Corral 2 Discorama 3 Impulsive Star 4 Whisperinthebreeze