The Briefing: Josies Orders takes on old rivals on a cracking day at Cheltenham

The International meeting kicks off at Cheltenham and festival favourites Josies Orders and last year's winner Bless The Wings go head to head in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (3.05).

Also on the card, Lil Rockerfeller is out to enhance his RSA claims in the Neville Lumb Novices' Chase (12.45) and Theatre Territory bids for a first success over fences in the Grade 3 CF Roberts 25 Years Of Sponsorship Handicap Chase (2.30).

Away from Cheltenham, there are jumps fixtures at Bangor and Doncaster, as well as all-weather evening meetings at Kempton and Dundalk.

Going report

Bangor (first race 11.50)
Soft, good to soft in places (GoingStick: 6.0 at 9.00am on Wednesday)

Doncaster (12.00)
Good

Cheltenham (12.10)
Good on hurdle, chase and cross country courses (GoingStick: 7.3 on chase and hurdle, 7.5 on cross country at 6.15am on Friday)

Kempton (5.15)
Standard to slow

Dundalk (5.30)
Standard

Market movers

12.00 Doncaster - Angus Milan 11-2 (from 4)
12.45 Cheltenham - Gunfleet 5-1 (from 6)
5.30 Dundalk - Easy Come Easy Go 12-1 (from 9)

What to back

Gavin Beech backs a handicap hurdler to pull off a hat-trick at Cheltenham and our regional experts have their say in our daily Tips Box service.

What to read

There are a host of previews for the International meeting at Cheltenham, which often throws up festival clues.

And in case you missed it, click here to read Bruce Millington's final column as editor of the Racing Post.

What to watch

Thom Malone is joined by Brian Sheerin and Johnny Ward as they preview Friday's action at Dundalk . . .

The best of Racing Post Sport

Bruce Millington, Mark Langdon and Dan Childs are joined by Paddy Power's Jason Murphy for a quick round-up on the midweek's Champions League action and look forward to the weekend's football where Liverpool host rivals Manchester United at Anfield . . .

Final thought

Even in the absence of Tiger Roll, the cross-country race at Cheltenham looks very competitive, with two festival favourites renewing their rivalry.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app