Cheltenham Festival: Don’t miss Bryan Cooper’s latest column as he gives him tips for Day Two

I know we haven’t seen him all season but his achievements of the past couple of seasons put him right up there with the greats.

He has already got eight Grade 1 wins to his name including one of the best Arkle victories you’ll ever see.

The only bad run of his career came when he was injured so if he is anywhere near his best he can take this.

I have it on good authority he has been lighting up the gallops at Closutton and, who knows, he could return better than ever.

Altior deserves to be favourite and I wouldn’t worry about his dramas on Monday morning. It was just a minor problem and he’ll be fine.

But I still think he’ll need to produce a bit more to beat Douvan.

It could turn out to be some day for Mullins and Walsh — just for a change!

They hit the ground running with a double yesterday and I thought Ruby’s beautifully judged ride on Footpad was up there with one of his best. Quite simply, Ruby is the best in the business at judging pace at the Festival.

I like the chances of AL BOUM PHOTO in the RSA at 2.10. The ground has gone against the excellent Presenting Percy and there will be another day for him.

I thought Ruby’s horse went very well at Leopardstown in a hot contest. The strong gallop here will be ideal and the trip can bring out the best in him. His jumping will hold up when the going gets tough.

A lot of Irish punters will pile into last year’s winner Cause Of Causes in the Cross Country Chase (4.10) but I think the prize will be staying a lot closer to home with Kim Bailey’s THE LAST SAMURI.

I know he has no experience of this challenge but he ran well over the conventional fences here in January and will thrive on the ground. He’s a good jumper who has gone around the Grand National course so these obstacles will hold no fears.

Another one I’m keen on is NUBE NEGRA in the Fred Winter (4.50).

I really rate his effort behind Apple’s Shakira here before Christmas and he has come out and won again since.

Ruby can be  toasting another winner with CAREFULLY SELECTED in the Bumper at 5.30.

He looks aptly named because Mullins has a strong team to choose from. I was delighted to see Ruby pick this one because I fancied him anyway.

I was very impressed by his win at Naas last time. He has one massive plus in being so laid back.

When these young horses get to Cheltenham they can lose their chance at the start by getting buzzed up and too keen. Carefully Selected will be the coolest dude out there . . . apart from Ruby.