Constitution Hill the star attraction on day one of Champion Hurdle

Despite a dry month of February, they probably start on soft ground, a welcome situation for the track staff, the recent snow and the cold spell ensuring limited drying in recent weeks. Strong winds are expected today, with some rain expected later in the week.

The Festival kicks off with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30), the picture of which turned rather murky at the Dublin Racing Festival, where unbeaten Easy Vega bombed behind fellow stablemate Il Etait Temps. Willie Mullins’ critique of Paul Townend’s run was somewhat unexpected, but it’s no surprise Townend remains loyal to Quevega’s son.

He may not be a safe choice, but if Easy Vega bounces back, he should have enough class. The Marine Nationale remains undefeated, but would probably have preferred better ground.

The composition of the Sporting Life Arkle (2.10) is enticing for punters. Nine are running, but most are 33-1 or better, so the other four need to come under scrutiny. Jonbon is a fine specimen and has done little harm on the fences for trainer Nicky Henderson. Owner JP McManus also leans on Saint Roi, who might have run elsewhere – perhaps a tip in itself.

The key is the near certainty of a steady pace. Dysart Dynamo and El Fabiolo, both teammates of the selection, like to go forward, as does Effernock Fizz. This should play to the strengths of the Saint Roi hold-up, impressive on its last tenure.

The bookmakers will fight for your custom with extra round-trip places in the Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50), and for good reason, as it’s devilishly tough on paper, but Fastorslow is a sporting siesta on day one.

The Irish trainers’ record in this race is abysmal, but trainer Martin Brassil finished runner-up in last year’s Coral Cup for this race and it doesn’t seem surprising that the tongue tie will be re-established. Last year’s winner Corach Rambler is 6 pounds higher in his repeat bid but still looks likely to become a favorite.

The Unibet Champion Hurdle (3.30) looks to have a true superstar for perhaps the first time since Hurricane Fly won 10 years ago, but Constitution Hill is expected to be even better.

It seems unbelievable now that he was sent off 9-4 in the opening run on this card 12 months ago, when he produced one of the greatest rookie displays ever at a racetrack.

Henderson’s son, Blue Bresil, is set to leave the lowest-priced favorite in history from a first run in 1927. If he was somehow scratched, State Man would be a equally short price to win the race. Indeed, the direct prediction of Constitution Hill beating Mullins’ runner is unlikely.

Two previous Champion Hurdle winners, Honeysuckle and Epatante, face off in the Close Brothers Mares’Hurdle (3.40). This has so many upsides for her narrative, with Honeysuckle bidding to win again after two heavy losses, but Brandy Love may have too much toe for Mullins now that she’s finally going left-handed.

The Fred Winter (4.50) looks beefy, with Tekao perhaps a vulnerable favorite. Bad, well backed in recent days and ridden by Rachael Blackmore, is a hit in the dark for its UK debut.

Mullins has his cheapest runner of the day in the Wellchild National Hunt Challenge Cup (5.30) in Gaillard Du Mesnil, but the preference goes to Mahler Mission, with trainer John McConnell having an outstanding season.