Twenty runners were confirmed at midday for the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next Tuesday.
Long time market leader Old Park Star heads a strong field that could turn into one of the greatest Supremes in recent seasons. The Well Chosen gelding is unbeaten in three runs this season, arriving off an 18-length win at Haydock. He looks to give Nicky Henderson his sixth Supreme since 1986.
Despite murmurs that Talk The Talk could be heading for the Turners, connections have confirmed his participation at this stage. Talk The Talk got up late to win in Grade 1 company last time out, beating Ballyfad by a short-head.
Ballyfad is one of three confirmed for Gordon Elliott, including the highly regarded El Cairos. He was fifth in last year’s Champion Bumper, and comfortably won at Thurles after his Leopardstown mishap.
Willie Mullins confirms eight runners
Willie Mullins holds eight of the 20 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runners at this stage, including recent market mover Mighty Park. The half brother to Might Bite beat Roc Dino 38 lengths on his hurdling debut, drawing Faugheen comparisons. The Turners had appeared to be the original plan, but there’s a growing element that this is a very smart horse with the required blend of speed and stamina needed to win a Supreme.
Unlike in recent seasons, Mullins does not have an obvious ‘Supreme’ horse. The next in the market is Leader d’Allier. The Cokoriko gelding was well regarded coming into the season, but met defeat on hurdles debut. He looked better when making all at Punchestown though, and that form has been franked.
King Rasko Grey was confirmed and he only has half a length to find with Talk The Talk. Sortudo Sober, Saint Baco, Too Bossy For Us and Free Spirit complete the Closutton contingent.
Formby pair meet again
Both Mydaddypaddy and Idaho Sun were confirmed and it’ll be interesting to see how the Formby form holds up. The omission of four hurdles changed the complexion of the race, and Skelton is adamant he can reverse the form. Harry Fry’s charge shouldn’t be underestimated, as he comes into the contest unbeaten in three after his sixth in last year’s Champion Bumper.
Newbury novice winner Sober Glory looks set to line up, having won his last two starts a combined 40 lengths. His sole defeat in seven starts came when held up on soft ground, and he looks a definite pace angle.