Sean O'Keeffe: Constitution Hill Faces Tough Battle On Day One
It's finally here! After all the build-up, it's time to get going at Prestbury Park.
I am lucky enough to have three rides on day one, including one in the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
To say I am excited is an understatement, but I am happy to be coming here in form after a double at Naas on Sunday.
However, the biggest race that day was trying to get to the airport on time!
Thankfully, I made it, and I am going to share my thoughts on some of the big races and my rides on day one at Cheltenham.
Kopek Des Bordes Hard To Beat In The Supreme
Kopek Des Bordes is going to be very hard to beat in the Festival opener.
A horse with a huge amount of potential, he has a big engine and has been able to get away with things in races and still win.
Keenness is a worry, but he may get away with it, as we have seen him do already.
Majborough Looks Solid In The Arkle
Majborough is a high-quality horse and is a very worthy favourite.
He has course form after winning the Triumph last year and I can't see anything being good enough to beat him.
He learned a lot about jumping at Leopardstown the last day, so he will be well prepared.
As it stands, it would seem as if he will be very hard to pass.
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Lossiemouth Win Should Be Straightforward
The decision to send Lossiemouth to the Mares' Hurdle has divided opinion.
I'm sure she would have run well in the Champion Hurdle, but this race makes her task look very straightforward.
Two and a half miles is right up her street and the ground will suit her.
She is definitely a better mare than anything else in the field.
Constitution Hill Faces Tough Battle
The Champion Hurdle is going to be a cracking race.
Of all the favourites on day one, Constitution Hill may have the toughest challenge as he has some serious competition.
Brighterdaysahead was very impressive over Christmas.
That was a huge performance, and if she can put in a similar one here, Constitution Hill will have to be at his very best to cope.
State Man is running with cheekpieces on, and that could spark a revival from him.
It's building up to be a cracking race, and I'm very much looking forward to it.
My Rides On Day One
13:20 Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle - Karbau
I am delighted to have a ride in the race, as I was a good friend of Michael's.
Naming the race in his honour is a fitting tribute and a lovely way to remember him.
I will be riding Karbau who was very impressive in his Maiden Hurdle the last day.
He jumped really well and is very unexposed as he moves into this grade.
I am really looking forward to the ride, as he has lots of potential.
Hopefully, he will run a good race.
16:40 Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle - Luker's Tipple
I ride Luker's Tipple in the Fred Winter.
He is a horse that has had two good runs in Ireland and was second behind two good horses.
He was running really well at Musselburgh the last day before falling at the last.
He has plenty of ability and could be on a good mark going into a very competitive handicap at Cheltenham.
17:20 National Hunt Novices' Handicap Chase - Klarc Kent
I have Klarc Kent in the National Hunt Chase.
A horse I have ridden plenty of times, he ran really well in the Scottish National last year.
That was on good ground over four miles, so stepping back up in trip and having good ground at Cheltenham might improve his form again.
The course, ground and distance will suit, and I hope that will put him in the mix.
I look forward to keeping everyone informed on what's happening at the Festival in my daily Gambling.com Cheltenham column.
If you want to keep track of what horses I will be riding throughout the week, you can keep an eye on the Sean O'Keeffe booked rides page.
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