One key runner to note in each race on Tuesday of the Cheltenham Festival

1.30 Cheltenham, Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle
The famous roar that kicks off the festival has often been followed by a Willie Mullins-trained contender winning the Supreme, and history could repeat itself.

Cheltenham day-one cards

Asterion Forlonge, who is bidding to give Mullins a fifth win in ten years, remains unbeaten after completing a hat-trick under rules in scintillating fashion at the Dublin Racing Festival and is a leading player.

2.10 Cheltenham, Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase
Olly Murphy has quickly established himself in the training ranks since his first winner in July 2017 and Brewin'upastorm could give him a first Cheltenham Festival winner.

Brewin'upastorm: made it two from two over fences at TauntonCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The seven-year-old comes here having won two novice chases at Carlisle and Taunton but he made a big impression on those outings and looks the best of the British runners. Champion jockey Richard Johnson is seeking his first festival winner since winning the Gold Cup on Native River in 2018.

The Conditional
2.50 Cheltenham, Ultima Handicap Chase
David Bridgwater may not have a big string at his Gloucestershire yard but he is enjoying a fine campaign and The Conditional has emerged as his flagship horse.

The eight-year-old has been consistent in top staying handicaps, winning over course and distance before a fine second in the Ladbrokes Trophy and a fair fourth in the Classic Chase. He looks to have optimum conditions for this contest.

Bridgwater, who trained The Giant Bolster to finish in the first four in three Gold Cups, is another looking for his first Cheltenham success.

Epatante
3.30 Cheltenham, Unibet Champion Hurdle
Much has been said about the quality of this year's Champion Hurdle but the young and improving Epatante has the potential to be special.

The six-year-old has won four of her five starts since joining Nicky Henderson, including a dazzling five-length win in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day. Although she was disappointing at last year's festival, it is hard to gauge just how good Epatante could be.

Epatante leads over the final flight to win the Christmas Hurdle in impressive styleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Her trainer has won this race with improving sorts of the same age in Binocular (2010) and Buveur D'Air (2017).

4.10 Cheltenham, Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle
Supporters of Benie Des Dieux are probably still haunted by her final-flight fall in this race 12 months ago. Willie Mullins' star was in second gear as she breezed into the lead but came tumbling down at the last, allowing Roksana to pick up the pieces.

Benie Des Dieux: seeking a second win in the Mares' HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann

Since then she has been faultless, winning three Graded prizes by a combined 37 lengths and is odds-on to make amends. This time, however, Benie Des Dieux has a significant new rival in Honeysuckle and it looks a fascinating race between the two brilliant mares.

Hold The Note
4.50 Cheltenham, Northern Trust Company Novices' Handicap Chase
Two years ago, England striker-turned racehorse trainer Mick Channon gave his trademark windmill celebration after a first festival winner with Mister Whitaker in this race. His well-fancied Hold The Note, who represents the same connections, could mean those scenes are recreated.

Hold The Note has shown plenty of promise in three starts over fences and looks the ideal type for this race based on the form of his close second in a Grade 2 at Warwick last time.

Carefully Selected
5.30 Cheltenham, National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase
The Willie Mullins team have been aiming Carefully Selected at the National Hunt Chase all season and the longterm plan could pay off, with the eight-year-old a strong favourite for the Grade 2.

Carefully Selected: the one to beat in the National Hunt ChaseCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Carefully Selected has impressed with three wins from three starts over fences and looks the sort to relish this tough, staying contest, which is run over 3m6f for the first time.

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