Galileo’s Choice Impresses
Yesterday we saw two classy performances with a big impact on the Supreme Novices Hurdle market. First we saw the Dermot Weld trained Galileo’s Choice score a comfortable victory at Fairyhouse. Having finished second last time out to Sous Les Cieux in Grade 1 company, he went off 2/9 favourite and duly won in the style of a heavily odds-on shot. There’s unlikely to be much substance to the form but he travelled nicely and looked very slick over the hurdles. Unsurprisingly he was cut for the Supreme and he looks to have solid claims at Cheltenham.
Simonsig Cruises To Stylish Victory
In a very much ‘over to you’ style, we later saw Simonsig who is my ante post Supreme selection. Again heavily odds-on, the grey oozed class winning on the bridle at 2/7. He didn’t tackle each hurdle with great accuracy but had more than enough for his rivals. He clearly has a serious engine on him and trainer Nicky Henderson said afterwards “I’d always hoped he might be a bit special, and I think he probably is”. Jockey Barry Geraghty didn’t have to move a muscle as he cruised past the winning line, and he would of surely hacked up by a large distance if he had been let go. He was then cut in the Supreme market, and is as short as 5/1 with a couple bookmakers.
There was a mixed reaction from Geraghty and Henderson after the race though, with no clear indication of whether he will go for the Supreme or step back up in trip for the Neptune. It’s a frustrating situation for myself and other ante post punters who have taken a bigger price on Simonsig. Henderson has suggested he feels something wasn’t quite right with Simonsig at Sandown when he didn’t get home despite looking all over Fingal Bay. My main gripe with this is yesterday did absolutely nothing to prove he can stay the trip. Maybe he can, but why take the risk? I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking the Supreme is the easier target for this hugely talented grey. If he went for the Neptune he’d be up against Fingal Bay again, and also possibly Boston Bob who has some really solid form in Ireland. I’d fancy both of these two to outstay Simonsig at a demanding course like Cheltenham. Simonsig clearly showed he had plenty of speed yesterday and a stiff 2 miles round Cheltenham would be no issue at all. Hopefully connections will confirm the plan sooner than later. A look at the Betfair markets would suggest there’s not a huge amount of money going on him for the Supreme. I don’t see why connections would want to take on Fingal Bay again when the Supreme is an easier option in my mind. At this stage all we can do is wait and hope they see sense!
More Supreme Clues At Newbury
Tomorrow we’re set to see further clues for the Supreme with the ‘Betfair Don’t Settle For Less Novices Hurdle’. (View the card here). On a really top class card this will be a fascinating race with All The Aces, Colour Squadron, Montbazon and Vulcanite all looking to enhance their Cheltenham Festival claims. Vulcanite was the Pricewise pick for the Supreme and will surely have to win this to be considered a real threat next month. I don’t see him having an easy task by any stretch of the imagination however, with all three of his rivals boasting smart form. It’s surely to be a fantastic race and will hopefully give us some more clues.