Supreme Novices` Hurdle Preview - Cheltenham Festival
Published on: 12/03/2018
Cheltenham Festival - Supreme Novices` Hurdle Preview
March 13, 2018 13:30pm - Cheltenham
Cheltenham Festival
With just a day to go before the Cheltenham roar initiates the weeks proceedings, we take a look at the contenders for the opening race, the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Once again, Willie Mullins is one of the first names that falls off the lips when discussing possible winning trainers at Cheltenham. He will be well represented in the first race by Getabird, a well-fancied six-year-old who will head out as clear favourite at around 15/8. The double-bumper winner has gone well over the hurdles since making the switch, landing two victories including his most recent showing in the Moscow Flyer Novices Hurdle at Punchestown. There he showed a turn of pace that impressed and with Ruby Walsh on board, it is hard to imagine anyone else getting a look in. Especially considering this trainer/jockey combinations record record here.
Having said that, Gordon Elliott will fancy his chances with Mengli Khan who will be ridden by Jack Kennedy. The pair won this with Labaik last year and have another strong contender in the five-year-old. He came second when giving 6lbs to Getabird at Punchestown but landed three wins on the trot prior to that including a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse. The going should suit him too.
While it is hard to argue against Getabird for the win, the conditions make Mengli Khan look like a great each-way bet with prices of 14/1 available.
Supreme Novices` Hurdle Winners - past 10 years:
2008 Captain Cee Bee - Robert Thornton (Eddie Harty)
2009 Go Native - Paul Carberry (Noel Meade)
2010 Menorah - Richard Johnson (Philip Hobbs)
2011 Al Ferof- Ruby Walsh (Paul Nicholls)
2012 Cinders and Ashes - Jason Maguire (Donald McCain)
2013 Champagne Fever - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)
2014 Vautour - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)
2015 Douvan - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)
2016 Altior - Nico de Boinville (Nicky Henderson)
2017 Labaik - Jack Kennedy (Gordon Elliott)
Latest Betting odds:
Getabird 15/8
Kalashnikov 11/2
Summerville Boy 8/1
First Flow 12/1
Mengli Khan 14/1
Paloma Blue 16/1
Claimantakinforgan 20/1
Sharjah 20/1
Slate House 25/1
Western Ryder 33/1
You can back Mengli Khan each way at 14/1.
By Neil Morris
Published on: 12/03/2018
Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/03/2018 18:57:29) but are subject to change.
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