Tuesday's tips: our experts with their best bets for day one of Cheltenham

Handicappers' nap

Epatante (3.30 Cheltenham)

Open to further improvement, she was very impressive when quickening clear in the Christmas Hurdle and might not need to improve on that to land the spoils.
Steve Mason

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Eyecatcher

Bawaader (8.15 Newcastle)

An unexposed sort who fared best of those who raced up with the pace last time.
Raceform

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West Country nap

Fiddlerontheroof (1.30 Cheltenham)

Has made giant strides recently and can pass his most serious examination to date.
Andrew King

Ace Tipster

Rouge Vif (2.10 Cheltenham)

Passed a similar test to this with flying colours at Warwick last month, showing high-class form. He looks overpriced in an open Arkle.
Keith Melrose

Newmarket nap

Merry Vale (5.15 Newcastle)

The daughter of Intello is fancied to oblige in her first handicap for the in-form team of John Gosden and Robert Havlin.
David Milnes

Speed figures

Asterion Forlonge (1.30 Cheltenham)

Has carried all before him posting an improved Topspeed rating each time and can maintain his unbeaten record.
Dave Edwards

Spotlight nap

Imperial Aura (4.50 Cheltenham)

A progressive sort who has posted good efforts at this course on his last two starts.
Steve Boow

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Irish angle

Benie Des Dieux (4.10 Cheltenham)

But for her fall in the race 12 months ago, this nine-year-old would be bidding for a third win in the Mares' Hurdle and she rates one of the festival bankers.
Tony O'Hehir

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Dark horse

Kildisart (2.50 Cheltenham)

Kept on well for fourth at the festival last year, beating likely favourite Vinndication in the process. He looks feasibly handicapped to put up a big performance.
Dave Revers

Must-have stat of the day

Eight of the last nine winners of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle won their previous start. In that time, Willie Mullins has supplied half of those successful plus three seconds. Asterion Forlonge holds solid claims to enhance that record at 1.30.

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