First up, we've the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle, where the Willie Mullins-trained Ballyburn will go off a short-price favourite.

Such is his perceived superiority, he was the antepost favourite for this race and Tuesday's Supreme prior to the Festival.

Paul Townend's mount ran his rivals ragged in an exceptional time at the Dublin Racing Festival last month. Slade Steel was a seven-length runner-up and came out and won the opener on Tuesday, so Ballyburn shortened further for this race.

Ile Atlantique, Predators Gold, Jimmy Du Seuil and Mercurey also represent the Mullins yard here.

Handstands and Jingko Blue are the sole British representatives.

Handstands is unbeaten, but he can race keenly and two of his three victories have come on speed-favouring, flat tracks very different to Cheltenham.

Jingko Blue hails from a Nicky Henderson yard currently as sick as a small hospital.

It would be no surprise to see Mullins saddle a 1-2-3 here. Predators Gold is the one for each-way money. At a huge price, Jimmy Du Seuil could outrun his odds, if he stays.

However, the absence of the rag The Grey Man kills this as an each-way race. We're down to two places from three.

Betting: Ballyburn 1-2, Ile Atlantique 9-2, Predators Gold 7-1, 20-1 bar