The anticipation is over and Cheltenham kicks off on Tuesday March 11 and here at freebet.co.uk betting offers are available to give you a free bet on any of the six races.

The day begins with the traditional curtain raiser - the Supreme Novices Hurdle. There was a 40/1 shock two seasons ago but over the years the more fancied horses have held sway. Take your pick about British/ Irish trained runners with the Irish slightly having the edge over the past ten years. Leading fancies this year are Dunguib, Get Me Out Of Here and Menorah.

Next up is the Irish Independent Arkle Chase which sees the cream of the novice chasers hurtling around Cheltenham at breakneck speed. Can Paul Nicholls land this event again or will one of his rival trainers whose runners include captain Cee bee, Somersby and Sizing Europe prevail.

The highlight of Day 1 and the contest where most free bets will be used is the Champion Hurdle. The cream of the hurdlers look to win the elusive prize with the contest looking one of the more wide-open for many a year. Punjabi, Go Native, Zaynar and Khyber Kim all have live chances but it could be the favourite Solwhit who takes hurdling's ultimate crown on the opening day.

The William Hill Handicap Chase is next up with this ultra-competitive betting heat usually providing one of the watching highlights of the first day. Some call the BSG Cross Country race a novelty contest being run over strange fences in the middle of the Cheltenham course. However, the race is becoming a firm favourite with the betting public.

Still no joy? Then try a free bet on the closing race of the day - the fascinating David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle.