In a few hours, when the great cheer goes up that marks the first race of another Cheltenham festival, I’ll be at the Speak Up for Libraries Lobby. I hope to see some of the races later on.

My betting strategy is often deliberately contrary, but today, even my twisted brain cannot find reasons to oppose the three odds-on favourites, Sprinter Sacre, Hurricane Fly and Quevega . The intellectual puzzles lie in the other races, not least the Cross Country. If the field remember to follow the course correctly, I think Willie Mullins Scotsirish has  a great chance.

1.30: Darlan
205: Sprinter Sacre
240: The Package
320: Hurricane Fly
400: Scotsirish
440: Quevega
515: Carrickboy