This is the start of a new feature which looks back at trends since 2000 alongside horses to consider for various races at the Cheltenham Festival.

Punters might not be interested to learn how many favourites have won a certain race since 1950, though modern day results really do have a bearing on the way people think these days.

Since The Turn of the Millennium--'Supreme Novices'

Ante post tip: MONTBAZON

Alan King is one of the shrewdest trainers around and it's worth noting that Alan has saddled just one horse in this event in the last six years when Medermit finish second at 12/1 when beaten a neck in 2009.

Medermit has gone on to land Grade 1 & 2 races over the larger obstacles, whilst Alan's previous runner in this race was My Way De Solzen in 2005 who became a dual Cheltenham Festival winner.

Brilliant champion hurdler Hurricane Fly is back on the hunt to retain his Champion Hurdle title. The nine times Grade 1 winner hasn't been seen on the track since beating stable companion Thousand Stars in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in May.

Willie Mullins stated after his racecourse workout, "It was good. It was the first time this season he's really pleased me in a piece of work." This gives the firm impression of a man who doesn't play his hand until its spot on to take the pot. "Emmet (Mullins) said that when he asked him to change gear, he leaped into the bridle. If anything he got there a bit too soon (past his lead horse) but he had travelled well at all stages and ran to the line."

That's what we like to hear.

PAUL NICHOLLS had a day to forget on Tuesday but can bounce back with MASTER MINDED (Cheltenham, 3.20) in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday.

The winner of 10 from 16 chases and a cool £891,998 in prize money flopped in the Connaught Chase over course and distance last November but resumed normal service at Newbury in the Game Spirit Chase a month ago. A cracked rib was the problem and with that sorted, he posted a superb display. He demonstrated a devastating turn of foot and jumped like a stag until the last, where he made a complete porridge of the fence. However, he stayed upright and quicky powered away to win unchallenged. This is his stage and he can win this great race for the third year running.

HERE we go for Day One of the 2010 Cheltenham Festival and GO NATIVE (Cheltenham, 3.20) carries the flag for the speed ratings on Tuesday.

The Irish raider and winner of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle last year, has had a solid, if interupted, build up to today's task and is on target to land the Triple Crown bonus of £1million, which concludes with this, the Champion Hurdle. Off the track since winning at Kempton on Boxing Day, the ground looks to have dried out perfectly for the Double Eclipse gelding after a tough winter. He has a terrific turn of foot and the ability to put a race to bed in a matter of strides, although Paul Carberry will be at pains not to hit the front too soon. Go Native may be quick but he tends to idle in front and will need to be produced under a canny ride but the hugely talented seven-year-old can land the Grade 1 prize.

(Transcribed highlights from the Towcester/GG.COM Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening - Paul Jones)

Mark Winstanley : Ashkazar is lobbed in on old form in the Martin Pipe race and he could develop into one of the big gambles of the meeting. Dave's Dream is interesting in the Grand Annual as is a novice and trained by Henderson, which are both good pointers,

An member of the audience introduced by Gary Wiltshire then highlighted the Irish-trained Kilty Storm for the Foxhunters', a horse he says is currently residing in his back garden! He went on to tell us all about the good horses he has beaten in Irish points and hunter chases since moving from David Pipe, an experience he hated as he needs a small stable environment which he now has.

(Transcribed highlights from the Towcester/GG.COM Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening - Paul Jones)

Paddy Brennan : Imperial Commander's Haydock run was no fluke and I thought I had won. I have never been going so fast at the end of a three-mile chase and agree with Ruby that Kauto Star was a bit short on the day.