'An ideal opportunity for him' - our panel give their New Year's Day verdicts

The Relkeel Hurdle heads the Cheltenham action. Who wins?

Pat Cooney, bet365 If you’re only as good as your last race, Brewin’upastorm will be tough to beat. It was an impressive win at Aintree in November giving weight away. McFabulous is the main danger and this is his first run since a wind op, but he hasn't run for 268 days, which may count against him up the run-in.

Robert Cooper, Sky Sports Racing presenter Brewin'upastorm will take a lot of beating if he produces anything like his Aintree win last time. He beat McFabulous in the National Spirit at Fontwell last season and I think he'll beat him again. It's an ideal opportunity for him to take another step up the ladder and he's hard to oppose.

James Hill, tipster It’s only each-way the first two, but most firms are going a quarter the odds, so the value is On The Blind Side. He disappointed last time, but prior to that his form was as good as any of these. Yes he’s turned ten, but five of the six runners are aged eight or older, so it’s not like he’s up against a bunch of youngsters, and conditions are in his favour.