The Cheltenham Festival / Kieran Packman / 14 March 2011 /

Kieran Packman offers his observations on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, as he heads down to Prestbury Park.

'Tizzard literally sticks two fingers up to doubters', 'Henderson does syringe celebration after Oscar Whisky success', 'Cross Country voided as horse gets stuck in windmill'. All unlikely headlines admittedly in twenty-four hours time, though who knows in what has already been a tumultuous final build-up.

I certainly hope Cue Card wins. In the couple of preview nights I've done, I've trotted out the now weary line that he's 'already achieved a level of form good enough to win an average Supreme'. I've also mentioned that what puts me off getting stuck in as a punter is that I'm not a fan of the jockey, though admittedly this negativity applies more to chases than hurdles.

As someone older and wiser than I pointed out, Joe Tizzard was riding Festival winners a decade ago and will no doubt be out there with a point to prove today. Not to the likes of me though, I'm sure he couldn't give a damn what I think. My hope is he does it as the horse stands out on Timeform ratings and, after much to-ing and fro-ing I won't be having a bet. Therefore, my loyalty lies firmly with the company pick. Good luck Joe.

Once that opening race is behind us (so far so good on avoiding mentions of either 'the roar' or 'natural amphitheatre'), we really get into it. The smell of burnt onions a permanent accompaniment as we get on with the Arkle and William Hill (insert name you know it by here). Hmmm. Bets in those usually finish somewhere between third and seventh. Apart from when Wichita Lineman won, receiving one of those unforgettable McCoy rides. Unforgettable if you'd laid it, as I had. It's normally about now that burning optimism begins to give way to the oh-so-familiar feeling of doom and you remember it's the Festival, it's bleeding hard and there's a reason the bookmakers promote it so heavily.

Never fear, here's the Nicky Henderson second string galloping to success in the Champion Hurdle. All is forgiven and forgotten. That's my hope anyway. If not, then Peddlers please, as it's about time the North had a really good one.
Off to sample the delights of the eateries at the nether end of the stands. Hog roast for £7 or gourmet burger for £8? Sigh. Queuing for one of those at least means I can avoid the veterans chase (sponsored by Homebase). I'd like it more if they finally put in a see-saw.

No bet in the mares, though I expect there will be persistent rumours about Quevega, she'll drift and then she'll win. The last looks tricky. I haven't got a strong view. Pretty sure I'll have one by off time. Stick with me, the views will get stronger/more desperate as the week goes on. Good luck.

Get the Timeform Jury's tips for every Channel 4 race at the Cheltenham Festival this week with Timeform TV Focus. Click HERE to find out more.

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