The Punt Daily: Tom Collins with three to follow on Tuesday

BIG-RACE BANKER

Footpad (Arkle Chase, 2.10 Cheltenham)

Only five runners line up for the first Grade 1 over fences this year and it should go the way of the favourite Footpad. He's been the subject of doubts for the last couple of months, but to me he's the best horse in the race, will handle the ground and can pounce on likely-leader Saint Calvados – who I think has been overbet – entering the straight. He thrashed Petit Mouchoir when last seen and, although that rival didn't jump very well and was making his seasonal reappearance, it would be some improvement to see him turn the form around.

EYECATCHER

Mossback (National Hunt Chase, 4.50 Cheltenham)

Gordon Elliott, who has won this 4m contest twice in the last three years, has the top two in the market in Jury Duty and Mossback and my preference is for the latter, who seems to be crying out for a stamina-punishing affair. The six-year-old relishes heavy ground and was staying on well behind Monbeg Notorious – who was completing a hat-trick – over 3m at Navan last month. Elliott has always said that Mossback needs a proper test and Lisa O'Neill, who rode Tiger Roll to win this race last year, is a promising booking.

EACH-WAY PLAY

Shantou Flyer (Ultima Handicap Chase, 2.50 Cheltenham)

The Ultima is the hardest race to call on the opening day but there are a few outsiders worthy of an each-way bet at big prices, one of them being Shantou Flyer. Richard Hobson's eight-year-old is by no means well-handicapped but he goes very well at Cheltenham (form figures of 1F1422), handles testing conditions and has been fitted with a first-time visor which should seek some extra improvement. James Bowen's 3lb claim is noteworthy.

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