IT'S time to put my neck on the line in advance of the most thrilling week of the jump racing season . . . the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival.

Everyone who warms to the 'winter game' has their tips and fancies as the annual battle royal with the bookmakers ensues.

Last year it was Punters 1 Bookies 0. Actually, it was more like 5-0!

So here goes, as I highlight my best bet for each of the three days (including one horse that won at Hereford Racecourse four months ago) as well as another horse with which to take on the very short-priced favourites in the three major championship races.

The showpiece event of day one on Tuesday is the Champion Hurdle. Last year's winner - Rooster Booster - is favourite. But I'll back Inglis Drever who'll be a decent price if he runs. Should he not run, then Rigmarole is my bet.

My best bet for the first afternoon is in the Arkle Trophy. I go for Thisthatandtother, from the West Country yard of Paul Nicholls.

Wednesday sees the running of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Arguably, the top two-mile steeplechasers create the most exciting spectacle of the Festival. Last year's victor Moscow Flyer is favourite. But, for my best bet, I opt for the second favourite Azertyuiop - another Nicholls inmate.

I'll also be having a little money each way on the current 50-1 outsider Venn Ottery. A few weeks ago he was 1,000-1! But then he broke the course record time at Ludlow Racecourse - and everyone started thinking again. I rode Venn Ottery's dam when I worked for her owner/trainer Oliver Carter. She wasn't a good racehorse, but I do have a soft spot for the family and so I'll be cheering on the long shot.

On Thursday I'll support Trouble At Bay - who won his first hurdle race in November at Hereford Races - in the Triumph Hurdle as my best bet.

Then it's on to the Gold Cup, the race that every owner, jockey and trainer wants to win.

Best Mate goes for an incredible hat-trick, and is odds-on to achieve it. Not really worth putting much money on him at that kind of price. If he wins, just savour the occasion. To give myself an interest in the race, I'll be betting each way on Kingscliff, from Robert Alner's Dorset yard.

Whichever horses you back next week, the very best of luck. Shop around the bookmakers for the longest prices - and remember to use the internet betting exchanges too where there is often incredibly good value.

*A Cheltenham Festival preview evening will be held at Hereford Racecourse on Sunday, March 14, at 7.30pm. Joining myself on the panel are former Champion Jockey Peter Scudamore and jockey son Tom as well as Venetia Williams' conditional rider Sam Thomas. Admission is £10, including refreshments. Proceeds to the Injured Jockeys' Fund.

**The next fixture at Hereford Racecourse is on Monday, March 22. Admission is £10 to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure, and £15 to the Premier Enclosure. Accompanied children under 16 enter free of charge. Parties of 15 booked in advance receive a 20% discount. More information can be found on web site www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk or by telephoning the racecourse on 01432 273560.

***Hereford Racecourse's meeting on Saturday, April 3 coincides with Grand National day. There will be a big screen on which racegoers can watch the action from Aintree. If you would like the chance to win a pair of Premier Enclosure badges to the racing on Saturday, April 3 - and remember accompanied children are admitted free - send your answer to the following question along with your name and address to April Racing Competition IV, Hereford Racecourse, Roman Road, Hereford HR4 9QU. Name the horse that won at Hereford Races in November and is now a strong fancy for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival next week?