With Willie Mullins having farmed the first race on the three previous days of the Festival, it was no surprise to see his As De Ferbet sent off favourite for yesterday’s opener at Ballybrit.

Smart bumper performer Some Present is set to step up to Graded company for the first time over obstacles in the Sharp Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday.

FOLLOWING much soul-searching, New Approach is the choice to land the Boylesports’ Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh this afternoon.