The much fancied Samcro is paraded ahead of the opening race; the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.

Listen to the race on BBC Radio 5 live by selecting the commentary at the top of this page from 13:30.

Image source, Getty Images

Samcro has never raced outside of Ireland, but his seven-race record is blemish-free and stuffed with as many wins. He romped to victory over two miles in a Grade One in Leopardstown last month.

He looks pretty much unassailable and will go off as heavy favourite at around 8-11.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

I've been asking some of the BBC 5 live team for their selections

Jockey Andrew Thornton: 13:30, Samcro (8-11)

For me there is only one horse to consider - Samcro. He's my banker for the meeting and could be a future Gold Cup winner.

The first race - the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle - is just 10 minutes away. And it is a chance to see a potential superstar....

Image source, Getty Images

Ladies Day and a chance to celebrate the great women of racing.

Let's have your tributes to the sport's female figures past and present via #bbcracing, external and 81111 on text.

Image source, PA

Oddschecker's Callum Wilson: Bookies have been dismissive about Douvan’s chances this morning. Last night, Ladbrokes went 9-2 on Douvan winning the Champion Chase, but other firms have regarded his chances of winning as short as 5-2.

Nineteen different bookmakers this morning have lengthened the odds of Douvan making a winning return, he can now be backed at 4/1 with seven different bookies.

Punters have forced bookies to alter odds on a number of entries. Last night Min was 4-1 with a number of firms. The best price on Willie Mullins’ second entry is 7-2, with some bookies going as short as 11-4.

Altior was odds-on with every bookmaker on Oddschecker before Douvan was confirmed for the race, since then there’s been plenty movement in the market.

Sixteen bookies have lengthened Altior’s odds this morning., external

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

And so to Ladies' Day at Cheltenham. Not normally as flamboyant an occasion as the Aintree equivalent - think stylish tweed and the country set.

There's a competition for the best-dressed racegoers under the banner "Colour Me March".

Jockey Bryony Frost could be a female winner in the RSA Chase aboard Black Corton (14:10).

But the main event on the track is the showdown between Altior, Douvan, Min and the rest in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (15:30).

Image source, Frank Keogh

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Patience Chisango, Farry Kadema and Lorraine Sibs, from Derby, are making their first visit to the Festival.

"I'm loving the atmosphere . It's great to get dressed up. I won't say how much I spent - it was expensive, but worth it," said Lorraine, 27.

BBC Radio 5 live

And every moment will be called live on BBC Radio 5 live and, from 16:00 GMT, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

The team are in place and poised already.

Radio commentary is just a click away. Aim for the top of this page and get it streaming straight into your lugholes.

Roving reporter Gina Harding says: "There's so much action on the track to grab your attention but on Ladies' Day your eyes are on swivels, spotting all the fabulous outfits, bright colours and fun hats in the crowd."Racegoers are always smartly turned out but Ladies' Day sees people take it to a new level. I love the way people embrace colour at Cheltenham in what is usually a sea of green and tweed."I always admire people that can look incredibly glamorous but are also appropriately dressed for the weather."

There is a stronger cast list for this one than Ocean's Eleven.

In addition to the main event, there is wonderhorse-in-the-making Samcro going in the Ballymore Hurdle, Presenting Percy - a potential 2019 Gold Cup contender - attempting to prove his worth in the RSA Chase and the thrills and spills of the Cross Country Chase.

Here is your full card.

13:30:Ballymore Novices' Hurdle 2m 5f

14:10:RSA Steeple Chase 3m ½f

14:50:Coral Cup (handicap hurdle) 2m 5f

15:30:Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase 2m

16:10:Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase 3m 6f

16:50:Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 2m 1½f

17:30:Weatherbys Champion Bumper 2m ½f

Image source, Getty Images

Ding-ding. Seconds out. Bout two.

In the red corner, Altior. A two-time Cheltenham champion will, after overcoming some late complaints in sparring, will bring the rumble from Nicky Henderson's jungle.

In the blue corner, Douvan. He strides to the parade ring with twin Cheltenham triumphs on the board and wise old whisperer Ruby Walsh on board.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase - at 15:30 - is the prize fight that we are all waiting for on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.