Supreme Novice Hurdle

As the traditional opener of the Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is widely-considered to be one of the most difficult races to bet on. This Grade 1 contest goes 2m110y over eight hurdles.

The first iteration of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle ran in 1946 when Ron Smyth and Ted Smyth teamed up with Prince Rupert. A number of breakout contenders have emerged in this race in recent years and they include Brave Inca, Noland, Captain Cee Bee, Go Native and Menorah.

Notable Runners

Cue Card– With only one loss in his brief hurdling career, Cue Card enters the Supreme Novices as the stand out favourite. He’ll look to be in touch early and will likely track the leaders; clearly the one to beat.

Zaidpour– Ran against quality runners on the flat in France, the Willy Mullins-trained five year-old saw his profile diminished by a pair of second place finishes. He’ll likely sit a bit off the pace before coming on later in the race; an interesting outsider at a respectable price.

Spirit Son– Classy novice raced only three times in his career. He emerges off the listed circuit and enters the race undefeated. He’ll likely run in midfield and will be a real threat if he runs a clean race.