Here are the best hopes for the Irish going into day one of Cheltenham
The opening day has traditionally been the strongest for the Irish at Cheltenham in recent years and the raiders look set to blast out of the blocks at the Festival once again.
In fact the very first race can often make or break the week for a lot of travelling punters and Melon looks the great white hope this time in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Willie Mullins has not hidden his admiration for the French import but a lack of experience would have to be a major question mark hanging over his head in the hustle and bustle of the curtain raiser.
There may be better value in his stablemate Bunk Off Early, who went into many notebooks for this contest when running a cracker in Grade One company at Leopardstown on Irish Gold Cup Day.
He travelled like the winner, when taking it up going to the last in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle, but was outstayed on the run-in by Bacardys.
A slight drop back in trip now should play to his strengths and he looks to have a serious chance of upstaging his higher-profile stablemate.
The Stan James Champion Hurdle has taken a hit this year with the previous two winners both ruled out due to injury.
It may not be the strongest field possible, but it's still a quality contest and the main Irish hope looks to be Petit Mouchoir.
The Gigginstown gelding looks a stronger horse this year and ran out a stunning winner of the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.
He was not quite as impressive when taking the Irish Champion Hurdle at the same venue in January, but looked to be idling a touch in front and Footpad was perhaps flattered to get so close.
Considering that he was only beaten a neck by Buveur D'Air in a cracking Grade One novice at Aintree last season, he has the form in the book to be bang there.
Front-running tactics have been utilised to good effect recently and if Bryan Cooper gets a handy lead on the grey he could lead them all a merry dance.
The decision to leave Limini in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle has left that a very competitive contest and probably the hottest renewal of the race to date.
She was very impressive when winning the novice mares' event here last season and was hardly disgraced behind two leading Champion Hurdle contenders at Aintree subsequently.
It was hard not to be impressed by the style of her victory over Apple's Jade on her return at Punchestown and although a stronger-run race will undoubtedly suit her rival better now, she can confirm the placings.
Stablemate Vroum Vroum Mag was a good winner 12 months ago but perhaps has not hit the same heights this season and it is telling that Ruby Walsh has deserted her.
There is a strong Irish representation in the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase and Arbre De Vie, who made Acapella Bourgeois work at Navan back in January, looks worth an each-way interest at a nice price.
- Gary Carson of Press Association Sport
1.50 Bunk Off Early, 3.30 Petit Mouchoir, 4.10 Limini, 4.50 Arbre De Vie (each-way)
