Classy Melon can get my festival off to a flying start

It’s that time of year again, when National Hunt folk become consumed by the Cheltenham Festival, and while it’s going to be a long week, it’s also a tremendous occasion.

I’ve been fortunate enough to make the perfect start to the meeting on a number of occasions, but who knows if I’ve got it right by picking Melon in this year’s opening race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

The decision was much easier for me in the past, when we had Champagne Fever, Vautour, Douvan, and Min.