It's not being a chicken, it's just smart.

Don't mind the bullies, you stick to your guns. You make your marginal, consistent profits. They say you're doing well if you break even after Cheltenham, but wouldn't it be better craic to actually finish the week up on what you started with? There are ways to do that and it's in the secret ballot of a checked each-way box. But we're not complete bores and, to that end, we present you with what you might think sounds like a ridiculous 929/1 bet courtesy of Paddy Power. On day one of the biggest festival on the horse racing calendar, there are seven races kicking off at 1.30pm and each separated by 40 minutes across the day.

THE EACH WAY EXTRAVAGANZA

13:30 Angels Breath 9/2 Al Dancer is the favourite for the Novice Hurdle but the Nicky Henderson-trained horse likes the soft ground and can do the business in the festival opener. 14:10 Lalor 5/1 Lalor is unbelievable odds as the current third favourite for what is an effortless jumper highly fancied by some of the experts. A bolder punter would go on the nose and back Lalor to win outright but there's a system in place here, a very careful system. 15:30 Laurina 3/1 Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins will fancy their chances in the Champion Hurdle but with Apples Jade knocking around and another threat from Nicky Henderson, the each way bet is the safe bet. 16:50 A Plus Tard 11/2 In the second last race of the day, Rachael Blackmore is aboard the favourite in what is going to be a tight field. An each way accumulator on those four horses will get you odds could see you make back up to €943 on two quid (a euro each way). Thank us later.