Ruby Walsh’s best bets for Day 1 at the Cheltenham Festival

That famous roar as the racing begins with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle might just echo across the Irish Sea as the greatest show on turf move into overdrive.

We have teamed up with Paddy Power to get Ruby Walsh’s best bets for the week, with the most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history kicking off with this selection.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1.30pm)

Ruby says: "All the debate over where Ballyburn would run is over as he will be in the Gallagher Novices Hurdle tomorrow so I'm going for Tullyhill in the opening race of the Festival at 3/1. Paul Townend's on the right one. He obviously didn't have the choice of Mystical Power (10/3), but I'd be happy to be going to the start on Tullyhill."

Arkle Chase (2.10pm)

Ruby says: "I prefer a horse going into Cheltenham on the front foot rather than on the back of a bad performance that's why I'm not with a few of the fancied horses in this race. Looking outside the favourite for some value, I thought there was a lot to like about Quilixios (6/1) at Naas, so he is worth a consideration.

"Going through the card on this one, Master Chewy (16/1) and Matata (20/1) both have chances to run into the money places in this race."

Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50pm)

Ruby says: "Meetingofthewaters (9/2) is in great form but his price in a 23-runner race is not for me. He likes to come from off the pace and he might be well handicapped but there's better value and options elsewhere. Trelawne (8/1) has been crying out for a trip and with Harry Cobden stepping in to ride, I'd prefer to have a few quid each-way on him than Meetingofthewaters.."

Champion Hurdle (3.30pm)

Ruby says: “State Man (4/11) is the best horse in the race and barring an accident, he should win. He just doesn’t need bad luck. I’d be watching Jeriko Du Reponet in the Supreme to see how the Nicky Henderson stable is performing and if he runs well then I think Iberico Lord (10/1) will get in the first three.”

Mares’ Hurdle (4.10pm)

I’m a huge fan of Lossiemouth (8/13) and she’s the second leg of the double with State Man. She’s in great form and has improved a good bit from last year. Ashroe Diamond (13/2) is a two-and-a-half mile winner so she should stay but I would prefer Lossiemouth.”

Boodles Handicap Hurdle (4.50pm)

Ruby says: "There has been plenty of money for Ose Partir (11/1) from the Martin Brassil stable and he probably looks like the best bet here.

"Batman Girac (9/1) is one to watch here, but the Leopardstown novice hurdle at Christmas gave us the clues here and from that, Ose Partir is the one for me."