Cheltenham Festival day one preview – Melon, Altior and Yanworth set to strike for punters
MELON may not have the experience but Willie Mullins is confident he has the ability to win a Supreme.
And if he does, then the bookies will be starting the Festival on the back foot once again.
Mullins' five-year-old has been steadily supported before the Festival, and this renewal won't take much winning.
Mullins said: "He is a horse with plenty of ability but doesn't have the experience.
"But he jumps well and this isn't a strong renewal of the race."
Mullins also runs Bunk Off Early, Crack Mome and Cilaos Emery.
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Melon's closest rival looks likely to be Nigel Twiston-Davies' Ballyandy who struck gold in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on his last start.
He leads the home team closely followed by Nicky Henderson's River Wylde who was impressive when winning the Dovecote last time out, but Henderson is praying the rain stays away for his hope.
He said: "I liked the way he finished his race in the Dovecote but he must have good ground to have a realistic chance."
Others to note in the field include Alan King's Elgin, Ben Pauling's High Bridge and Henry de Bromhead's Capital Force.
Altior is looking to gain a second Festival success in the Arkle Chase.
A brilliant winner of the Supreme last year Altior has been foot perfect over fences and looks a penalty kick for Henderson.
This year's Champion Hurdle is not the strongest and Yanworth is looking to pick up the pieces.
Alan King's hurdler will be without regular rider Barry Geraghty who is sidelined through injury, but gets Mark Walsh on board for the first time.