Klassical Dream still out in front... over the last...

Image source, gett

Two to jump... Klassical Dream out in front with Felix Desjy in second...

Klassical Dream drops a gear and catches up with Brandon Castle going into the third, Al Dancer moving alongside Klassical Dream by the fifth. Brandon Castle looks cooked...

Brandon Castle races off the line like the equine version of Usain Bolt. This race will be longer than 10 seconds though... Bryony Frost's mount still leads going over the second fence...

Image source, Reuters

That means a standing start. A couple of the horses are faced the wrong way... chaos at the moment.

Mr Fisher is one of them, trotting back and turning around... the flag is raised... take two... this time we are under way!

Seven fences to go...

The horses, steam rising off their bodies, are bunched together and leading towards the line. The murmur of excitement is building in the stands.

Here comes the famous, spine-tingling Cheltenham roar... the horses turn towards the line... WE ARE OFF!

Oh, no we're not! The starter wafts his yellow flag high.. false start. Ah. The anti-climax.

Image source, Reuters

The protagonists have arrived in the ring! Ruby Walsh leads out the jockeys, blowing out his lips like he's thinking: 'Blimey it's cold. Wish I could have put an extra pair of leggings on....'

Although Klassical Dream looks a little lively, leaving Walsh riding the horse like a bucking bronco. If anyone can settle the ride down it is Mr Walsh...

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

This selection just in from BBC Radio 5 live's Gina Harding.

Exceptional looking French recruit Vision D'Honneur is expected to improve greatly for the rain softened ground and should have a good chance in what looks a wide open Supreme.

Interesting to note that only two of the last 10 favourites have won this race. And, bearing that in mind, here's another tip from one of our team in the soggy Cotswolds...

But here's a stat which might leave you thinking of swerving both Al Dancer and Angels Breath...

If Angels Breath doesn't claim victory then another horse likely to win, according to the bookmakers anyway, is Al Dancer.

And that is good news for Dai Walters, who owns both horses.

Al Dancer is looking for a fifth consecutive win over hurdles, putting him just ahead of Angels Breath in the market, and trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has no doubts over this ability.

"This is the sort of race that should be run to suit him. The ground will be fine, as he has won on heavy and good," he said.

Image source, Getty Images

As we've heard, Angels Breath is among the frontrunners and represents Nicky Henderson's best chance of winning the curtain-raiser for a fourth time.

After running away with a Grade Two contest at Ascot on his debut, the five-year-old suffered an odds-on defeat at Kempton last month.

"That doesn't worry me one iota. Although he got beaten, it was over a sharp two miles which bears no relation to what we are going to be doing on Tuesday," Henderson, whose has trained 60 winners at the Festival, said.

"He is very professional and I've got to say he is a talented young horse."

Image source, Getty Images

Lost a bet, by any chance?

Image source, Reuters

Andrew's pick Angels Breath is just behind Al Dancer in the market, although Klassical Dream - running under that old Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins combo - is making a move with the bookies...

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey and BBC Radio 5 live pundit Andrew Thornton has been casting his eye over the runners.

Here's the selections from the retired rider, who struck gold on Cool Dawn in 1998...

GOOD THING

13:30 Angels Breath 5-1, Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Will improve for the run last time out and should appreciate the rain-softened ground.

EACH-WAY

16:50 Tower Bridge 8-1, Close Brothers Chase

A Grade 1 winner over hurdles last season, remains unexposed over fences.

Image source, Getty Images

We're about 20 minutes away from the Cheltenham roar - the traditional spine-tingling cheer from the packed stands which signals the start of the Festival.

And that means it is time for you to decide on your opening pick. The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is not too far away...

At least Tommo is keeping dry with his funky flat cap. But I can't believe today's main prize is not being given any shelter...

AP McCoy, or Sir Anthony as he is now known, is sporting a heck of a shiner as he appears in front of the camera in his role as a television pundit.

"I was sparring with Anthony Joshua," he jokes.

Turns out it was a football injury apparently... These (former) jockeys just can't stay out of the wars can they?

BBC Radio 5 Live

If you're not lucky enough to be in Cheltenham - although judging by the weather you might happy to be following from the warmth - then we've got your back.

Stick with us for every sprint, chase and winner, plus plenty of insider gems off the track from our team down there, over the next four days.

And in those moments where you can't be glued to your computer or phone, then stick in your earphones and tune in to our radio coverage. Or read and listen at the same time.

Every one of the 28 races will be on either 5 Live or Sports Extra. The next three days sees coverage run uninterrupted from 13:15 to 17:45 on Sports Extra. On Friday - Gold Cup day, of course - it will be on 5 Live from 13:00.

Basically, you've got no excuse.

Image source, BBC Sport

Let's hope our man Frank has remembered to pack his rainmac and brolly...