TELLY VERDICTS

Best bets for today’s TV action from our experts

GO for THE GOFFER (2.50) in the Ultima Handicap Chase on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

Gordon Elliott’s raider ran a blinder when fourth in a red-hot running of this race last year and appears to have been laid out for another crack.

He hit the front a tad too soon that day before pulling away in a group of four.

He was the first to fold but the others were Grand National hero Corach Rambler, Gold Cup fancy Fastorslow and the classy Monbeg Genius, so there was no shame in that.

Now a year older and wiser, he has been given a strategic build-up and runs off a 2lb lower mark. Willie Mullins can set the ball rolling for the week with TULLYHILL (1.30) in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Paul Townend’s mount looked top class when making all for a Listed win last time. He seems to have ironed out his jumping issues and could be hard to peg back on ground that will suit. Another who could be dangerous from the front end is QUILIXIOS (2.10) in the My Pension Expert Arkle Chase.

The 2021 Triumph Hurdle hero has taken well to fences this term after an injury absence. He put up a brilliant jumping display last time, and that fast and accurate fencing could be deadly under a positive ride from Festival queen Rachael Blackmore (left).

STATE MAN (3.30)

should take the Unibet Champion Hurdle. There are no chinks in his armour and he can’t be argued with, even at odds-on.

Lossiemouth is the likely winner of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle if she stays, but an each-way tickle on 20-1 shot YOU WEAR IT WELL (4.10)

looks a more fun bet.

She made all in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle here last year and, with no obvious rivals for the lead, Gavin Sheehan may take his chances up front again.