The Lowdown: going updates, racecards, news and tips for today's racing

Today's news

• FESTIVAL NEWS:Cheltenham to go ahead has hit the shortest price yet in record Betfair market, while soft ground is expected for the opening day on Tuesday.

• AIMING HIGH: Irish trainer Barry Murphy has only four horses but one of those is Pakens Rock, a contender in Friday's Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

• DAY-FOUR FORFEITS:Al Boum Photo is one of 12 confirmed for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup. 19 remain in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

• DOG'S LIFE: Conditional jockey Charlie Hammond will ride outsider Le Patriote in Tuesday's Unibet Champion Hurdle.

Key links

Today's racecards
Today's non-runners
Today's free racing tipsLatest free bets

Today's meetings

**STAR MEETING**
Southwell (mixed) (first race 1.50)
It is all about the girls at Southwell, with all eight races featuring only female riders. The Bud Light Female Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (3.55) is the feature, with Bryony Frost aboard likely favourite Ostuni. Read the preview here.
Going Soft, heavy in places (hurdle and chase); standard (all-weather)
SPOTLIGHT TIP: Lord Roccoco (3.55)

Warwick (12.50)
Going Soft, good to soft in places (chase); soft (hurdle)

Naas (2.10)
Going Soft (chase); yielding to soft (hurdle)

Key non-runners

Keep up to speed with today's non-runners and the latest changes with Raceday Live.

Today's tips

Cathal Gahan's top tip

Chef Des Obeaux (3.15 Naas)

Is the class act in the race and can put a poor Thyestes effort behind him returning to a left-handed track.

Live Tipster
Pietro Innocenzi leads our team of experts providing live insight through the day on Raceday Live.

Today's video

Dave Orton, Charlie Poste and Paul Kealy feature on a Cheltenham Festival special of What A Shout, sponsored by bet365.

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