Charlie Swan previews the first day at Cheltenham

2.00 I'm a Sweet Wake fan but I think his stable companion Jazz Messenger has a big each-way chance at 33 to 1. If he hadn't run the last day, and you concentrate on how he beat No Where To Hyde at Navan, he would nearly be second favourite. There are many in the Noel Meade camp who think he is a very good horse.

I thought O'Muircheartaigh was some horse too, and he might still be, but the vibes are not encouraging. Straw Bear has an each-way chance.

Selection: Jazz Messenger.

2.35 This is a super race and if I was a bookmaker I would be laying Racing Demon. He jumped way to the right in the SunAlliance Hurdle last year and you just can't do that in an Arkle. I also don't think Missed That jumps quick enough to win an Arkle. Accordion Etoile takes a bit of knowing but he has loads of class. I just prefer him to Foreman who is a big danger.

Selection: Accordion Etoile.

3.15 I think Brave Inca will win but the one question mark I have in my mind is if he races in behind horses. In small fields he has been able to dictate what happens at the front but the day he was dropped in behind Solerina at Fairyhouse I thought he ran a little bit lazy. Having said that he is very tough and stays well. He also has the right man on his back to get him going.

If you're thinking of backing Hardy Eustace I think you would have to be worried about how badly he ran on his last start. I know from my own experience how you think they are fine, and they look fine, but you don't know for certain until they run.

Selection: Brave Inca

4.00 Dun Doire will be hard to beat. The English handicapper hasn't been kind to the Irish horses but I think it is worse in the hurdles. Dun Doire is still on the upgrade and it doesn't matter that Ruby Walsh rides instead of Paul Carberry, who is on No Half Session. They are two class riders. Moulin Riche is fancied but Fork Lightning could be each-way value. He's better going left handed.

Selection: Dun Doire

4.40 If Spot Thedifference is handy early on then he will go close to winning again. But he is a bit of a lad and Good Step might be a better bet. One to look out for is Native Jack's who looks well handicapped.

Selection: Good Step

5.20 This is definitely a race to steer clear of. There are no lines of form between England and Ireland. Marhaba Million has an each-way chance but Royals Darling has some good form and seems to be fancied.

Selection: Royals Darling.