MARCUS TOWNEND’S DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE

TUESDAY

TOP IRISH jockey Rachael Blackmore has a great chance to get her bid to be the meeting’s top jockey off to a flying start with favourite Notebook in the Arkle Novices’ Chase and unbeaten

Honeysuckle in the Close Brother Mares’ Hurdle. It could be a female win in the Champion Hurdle too with mare Epatante favourite to give trainer Nicky Henderson his eighth win in the race.

Laurie Brannan’s top tip: EPATANTE (3.30pm)

WEDNESDAY

ALTIOR bids for his third Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and fifth Festival win in all. His clash with Chacun Pour Soi and Defi Du Seuil is being hailed as the race of the meeting. A dual Grand National winner cannot be cast in the supporting role so the focus will be on Tiger Roll, who goes for his third victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase and his fifth Festival success.

Laurie Brannan’s top tip: ALTIOR (3.30pm)

THURSDAY

IT COULD be Groundhog Day with a repeat of the 2019 results that lit up the Festival. Bryony Frost is on Frodon to attempt back-to-back wins in the Ryanair Chase, but stiff opposition is headed by Riders Onthe Storm. Paisley Park is one of the hottest favourites as he tries to win the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle for the second year for trainer Emma Lavelle, jockey Aidan Coleman and the gelding’s blind owner Andrew Gemmell.

Laurie Brannan’s top tip: POLITOLOGUE (2.50pm)

FRIDAY

AL BOUM PHOTO gave trainer Willie Mullins his first Gold Cup last year and will attempt to be the first horse since three-time winner Best Mate (2002-04) to retain his crown.

He is joint favourite with the Nicky Henderson-trained Santini. The clash of unbeaten Allmankind,

Goschen and Solo will make the JCB Triumph Hurdle an extra tasty opening race of the day.

Laurie Brannan’s top tip: CLANS DES OBEAUX (3.30pm)