Cheltenham Placepot tips: Tom Collins analyses the competitive jumps card

Despite my preference for Flat racing, the opening novice event at Newmarket, which features 13 unraced juveniles, could be an early stumbling block for Placepot punters and it may be safer to focus on Cheltenham's jumps card.

It kickstarts with a five-runner novice hurdle (1.30) and although Faivoir looks a banker to hit the frame on form, he's had a tough year and I want to double-up with Torn And Frayed, who will appreciate the ground.

Ten-year-old Coole Cody is fancied in leg two (2.05) after his valiant fourth in the Plate at the festival, while the lightly raced Manofthemountain can't be ignored off a light weight.

The following 2m4½f handicap hurdle (2.40) is wide open. Focusing on progressive sorts could be the way to go and Quinta Do Mar and Java Point stand out with that in mind.

Eaglehill, who seeks a quickfire hat-trick and remains well handicapped, is a banker in leg four (3.15). It was tempting to say the same for Encore Champs on his second start for Dan Skelton in the next (3.50), but Aaron Lad is also worth including given the big field.

Finally, course winner The Mighty Don has a good chance of featuring at the business end in the 3m2f handicap chase (4.25) on the class drop. Singlefarmpayment, who is always there or thereabouts, gets a tick in the box too.