Cheltenham Festival opens with competitive races and favorites

The Cheltenham Festival begins with good ground conditions, likely leaning towards good after selective watering. The opening race, the Supreme, features 12 runners, including favorite Kopek Des Bordes, who is undefeated in three races. The Arkle has a smaller field than expected, with five runners. Majborough, the 2024 Triumph winner, is favored after a strong performance in the Irish Arkle. Lossiemouth leads the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle ratings despite a recent fall. In the Champion Hurdle, Constitution Hill faces Brighterdaysahead, who has shown strong form. The Ultima handicap sees The Changing Man as a top contender, while the Fred Winter and National Hunt Challenge Cup feature several interesting entries.