Rain still hovers around and the going is soft but the sun may make a brief appearance and the Guiness will be flowing!

Let the games begin starting with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle with 14 runners.  Facile Vega had not such a great race last start but overall the form is good and Mullins-Townend may bet things moving with a win – 9/4 the quote.  Opposition comes from Marine Nationale and trainer Barry Connell has been very positive and 4/1 OK.  Il Etait Temps is 9/2 for Mullins W and Danny, and our roughie here is Chasing Fire 20/1 for Olly Murphy with Aidan Coleman on board.

The Arkle (Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase) has 9 runners with El Fabiola Mullins-Townend on 5/4 and Jonbon (Henderson-Coleman) 13/8 the top two by far.  Our not too rough roughie is Saint Roi 7/1 Mullins-Walsh.

The Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy could be one for the ages with superstar Constitution Hill odds-on.  Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville as usual the support cast.

You could try a quinella with Vaubon Mullins W & Danny.

The Mares' Hurdle is a farewell to Honeysuckle and thanks for all those wonderful memories.  Marie's Rock is favoured over her in the market at present on 9/4 but the sentimental money may come in and shorten Honeysuckle's 10/3.  We may also have a bit of the hard-earned on Epatant 7/1 – certainly in the multiples.