Jane Mangan's Cheltenham Day 1 preview

There have been six mils of rain at the track overnight and currently I think between four and six yet to fall, that means we're going to start with an official going that will be soft to heavy.

To be honest, while I might not like it for my outfits and my makeup, it will probably suit the Irish horses because we've had rain all winter, they'll be pretty much used to this.

We'll start with the Champion Hurdle, the obvious place to start. There's no Constitution Hill but Stateman is a very solid horse, second in the race last year and an eight-time grade one winner. I think this is his race to lose and I think it's a fascinating race.

The meeting opens with the Supreme Novices at 1:30pm and you'll expect to hear the roar of the crowd then.

For Mystical Power, the son of Annie Power, this rain won't have helped his chances, I liked him in the buildup to this race.

Gordon Elliott has Firefox in there. Nikki Henderson with Jeriko Du Reponet, while Rachel Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead have a very good chance in this race with Slade Steel who shouldn't mind the ground. There’s also Paul Townend and to partner Tullyhill for Willie Mullins.

The second race is the Arkle Challenge Trophy. That is a wide-open race as well.

Gaelic Warrior and Paul Townend will be a warm order but I think Found a Fifty for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy has a great chance as does My Mate Mozzie for Keith Donaghue and Gavin Cromwell - he's going to be a big each way price. I think he's going to sneak into the money somewhere along the line.

You have the wide-open Ultima Chase and after that is the Mare’s Race where Lossiemouth is short odds and probably not a betting prospect.

Henry de Bromhead fields three mare’s here. Tellmesomethinggirl, the choice of