Cheltenham Placepot picks: Tom Segal with his New Year's Day perm

There won't be many races all year at Cheltenham as competitive as the Paddy Power New Year's Day Handicap Chase (1.55).

A case can be made for almost all of the 17 runners and it was tempting to include more than two in the Placepot. Il Ridoto, Brave Seasca and Midnight River are the obvious ones, with the last-named particularly solid.

However, Fantastic Lady is less exposed and jumps well, while Coconut Splash comes from a yard that has a good record in this type of race.

The Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle (3.05) is also tricky. Provided the ground doesn't get too testing, Abuffalosoldiershould go well as the form of his Newbury win last time looks strong and there could be more to come from him.

I would also include the classy Thomas Darby, who is very good on his day and should enjoy any cut in the ground.

Rapperand Java Point stay extremely well and they are my two against the field in the AIS Handicap Chase (12.45), although a case can be made for Farinet as well.

Weveallbeencaughtwill be hard to keep out of the frame in the opening maiden hurdle (12.10) after a good effort behind Hermes Allen on his hurdling debut and the same applies to , who is preferred to Monmiral in the Paddy Power Novices' Chase (1.20).

There are lots of in-form and improving hurdlers in the Grade 2 careers@dornangroup.com Relkeel Hurdle (2.30) but it is interesting that Nico de Boinville opts for Marie's Rock over First Street.

Marie's Rock was one of the stars of last season and there is no reason why she can't improve again.