I'm going into this year's Cheltenham Festival more hopeful than I've ever been of coming away with a winner.

I managed to nick one seven years ago, but haven't had anything since and I haven't really expected to either.

This week I would be disappointed if I didn't leave Cheltenham on Friday with another winner to my name.

As I've said before, John Ferguson's team is going all out for a winner in what will be his final season with a licence. Many of the horses have been saved for this week, including my first ride of the week, Penglai Pavilion, who runs in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

His Flat form has been well-documented – his fifth in the 2013 Arc being the stand-out – and he has taken to hurdling really well.

He racked up a hat-trick, culminating with a course and distance win in October. He was then odds-on back at Cheltenham at The Open, but never fired.

We're not sure what happened but he was very quiet at home afterwards and John felt it was best to give him a break.

He's been saved for this and John is confident that he is back to his best and 40-1 looks a big price.

Aso is a good horse in his own right and hasn't finished out of the places this season but he is going to struggle in the Racing Post Arkle Chase, which looks a steering job for Ruby Walsh on Douvan.

Beg To Differ is a progressive horse and looks more appealing in the Ultima Handicap Chase. I have been going into Jonjo O'Neill's once a week, but have never sat on him.

I don't want to sit on the fence but he could be unexposed with a whole lot more to come or his rating of 143 could be his limit. His odds of 12-1 look about right.

Morello Royale won a Listed mares' race at Kempton at the start of the season before disappointing in the mud at Sandown in January. This OLBG Mares' Hurdle is a completely different proposition, but if she runs up to her best she could grab some prize-money.

My best chance on day one comes in the final race, the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase.

I rode Amore Alato to fourth behind Silviniaco Conti at Ascot last time and he should have won a Grade Two at the same course in December when unseating at the last.

The handicapper hasn't changed his rating of 139 and I really do think he will run a big race.

Aidan is sponsored by Racing UK - the only place to see all 28 races live, and now in glorious HD, from the Cheltenham Festival. See racinguk.com/join for more.