Supreme Novices Hurdle
The Supreme Novices Hurdle is the opening race at the Cheltenham Festival and one that is famously greeted with the “Cheltenham roar” as the event kicks off. The race is a Grade One hurdle for novices aged four years and above. Run over a distance of approximately 2 miles and 110 yards the runners have eight hurdles to tackle as they battle for glory. The race always attracts a large field and is a very competitive affair as proved by the history book showing the last winning favourite was back in 2004. Four of the last five winners have returned at double-digit odds and punters will be looking to get their Cheltenham betting off to a fantastic start with a good priced winner.
Who Will Reign Supreme in 2012
The 2012 Supreme Novices Hurdle looks like a wide-open affair currently. The current Cheltenham betting favourite Steps To Freedom heads the market at 10/1 but some may argue the form of his narrow victory over Prospect Wells hasn’t worked out brilliantly following a lacklustre performance by the latter in the The Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown. If you’re prepared to forgive that run then the 25/1 for Prospect Wells appeals as a big price given the narrow defeat to Steps To Freedom. With news breaking that the highly touted and impressive bumper winner Waaheb is due to miss the race the contest remains a realistic Grade One success for many of the entrants.
Digging In For Victory In 2011
Last year’s Supreme Novices Hurdle started the festival off in fantastic style as Paul Nicholls’ talented grey Al Ferof powered up the hill under a typically well timed ride from Ruby Walsh. A roar from the crowd could be heard as the well backed favourite Cue Card moved powerfully in between Sprinter Sacre and Spirit Son to challenge the lead. Spirit Son was to get the better of the other two but was unable to stop the brilliant burst from Al Ferof.
The form of the 2011 Supreme has worked out very nicely. Spirit Son bolted up at Aintree in the John Smith’s Mersey Novices Hurdle battering Cue Card by 13 lengths. Whilst not seen so far this season, trainer Nicky Henderson has suggested he could be rather special. Spirit Son is prominent in this year’s Champion Hurdle. 2011 Supreme Novices Hurdle third-placed Sprinter Sacre has served up a huge impression this season switching to chasing. A facile winner on his chasing debut at Doncaster, the Nicky Henderson gelding set pulses racing with a breathtaking display at Kempton by slamming Peddlers Cross in The Wayward Lard Novices Chase. Sacre has clearly relished the larger obstacles and sits comfortably at the top of the market for the Arkle Trophy. Cue Card has perhaps failed to live up to the hype placed on him but a confidence boosting win last time out against a couple of smart performers means he’s still entitled to plenty of respect.