The opening card to the Showcase meeting is a belter and we've got all you need to know right here.
Race 1 – 2.00pm Ballymore Novices' Hurdle
A competitive opener can go the way of progressive mare MAKE MY HEART FLY.
Richard Johnson and Gordon Elliott have been firing in the winners lately and their challenger can be given a sound chance in receipt of so much weight from most of her main rivals.
She struck up a sequence of four wins on the trot this summer over hurdles and although she wasn't quite as good switched to fences last time, that was a hot little race.
She could be too strong on these terms.
Fellow Irish raider Canardier also has a big chance based on his last performance behind the smart Woodland Opera, while Grageelagh Girl is decent on her day and gets a chunk of weight from the boys.
VERDICT – 1. Make My Heart Fly 2. Canardier 3. Grageelagh Girl
Race 2 – 2.35pm Squareintheair.com Novices' Chase
A classic beginning-of-the-season novices' chase, with most of the runners having been action during the summer.
One of those is former classy novice hurdler DIAKALI.
Now with Gary Moore after spending most of his career with Willie Mullins, he's been electric in both his starts so far over fences, winning minor events in style.
He's up against different opposition now, but he was the best of these over hurdles. If transferring that ability he should be too good, particularly given how efficient a jumper he is.
Dear Sire beat Caid Du Lin convincingly enough last time to suggest he can do it again on less favourable terms. Sister Sibyl should not be underestimated and can fill out third spot.
VERDICT – 1. Diakali 2. Dear Sire 3. Sister Sibyl
Race 3 – 3.10pm Brandon Hill Capital Handicap Hurdle
CANTON PRINCE always threatened to be a decent horse in 2016 and he could be finally starting to fulfil that promise.
An easy win at Warwick earlier this month after nearly a year off the track was a good start and a rise in the weights shouldn't handicap him out of things.
This is a much more competitive affair but he could be up to the task.
High Expectations almost certainly has more to come off his current mark and represents a formidable trainer/jockey combination, while Brillare Momento loves Cheltenham and has a chance from the head of the weights.
VERDICT – 1. Canton Prince 2. High Expectations 3. Brillare Momento
Race 4 – 3.45pm "Matchbook Time To Move Over Novices' Chase"
All eyes will be on brilliant hurdler LIL ROCKERFELLER.
Neil King's seven-year-old should have plenty more to come over fences given how good he is over hurdles. It wasn't a massively inspiring debut at Uttoxeter a few weeks ago but he started with a win and will only get better.
Treackle Tart beat a decent field last time and can fill out second spot while smart novice hurdler Shannon Bridge can take third place in a first time tongue-tie.
VERDICT – 1. Lil Rockerfeller 2. Treackle Tart 3. Shannon Bridge
Race 5 – 4.20pm Foundation Developments Ltd Maiden Hurdle
Another competitive maiden hurdle will be at the mercy of SEBASTOPOL if he can produce the same form over hurdles as he has in bumpers.
He destroyed a top field at Ayr when last seen and could make a very smart sort provided he's as good this campaign.
He'll need to be good, though, to get the better of Seven De Baune, who was a very impressive bumper winner at Uttoxeter in May and runs for red-hot Ian Williams.
Perhaps Elixir De Nutz can nab third spot on his debut for Colin Tizzard.
VERDICT – 1. Lil Rockerfeller 2. Treackle Tart 3. Shannon Bridge
Race 6 – 4.55pm Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase
The annual lottery for the amateur riders usually goes to one of the better pilots and Michael Legg ticks the boxes aboard the consistent CUCKLINGTON.
Colin Tizzard's seven-year-old will need to be at peak fitness to win this stamina test but that's unlikely to be an issue given his record first time out.
A mark of 113 may still underestimate him and he should be suited by the undulating track.
Sam Waley-Cohen takes the reins on Cornish Warrior and he can go well once again, while Dotties Dilema has posted consistent performances in recent outings and should be bang there again.
VERDICT – 1. Cucklington 2. Cornish Warrior 3. Dotties Dilema
Race 7 – 5.30pm "Matchbook Betting Podcast" Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
MAGIC DANCER bolted up at the track when last seen and off only a 4lb higher mark can win once more.
Kerry Lee usually has them ready to go first time out and Richard Patrick is definitely one of the better riders in the contest.
Silver Star has been in very good form across the Irish Sea and gets the services of Fergus Gregory which is a big plus.
Philip Hobbs has his string in blinding form and a big run from Majestic Touch wouldn't surprise.
VERDICT – 1. Magic Dancer 2. Silver Star 3. Majestic Touch
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