The Cheltenham Festival is set to kick off in some style as The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle looks like providing a top quality field. The bookmakers will be bracing themselves for some big bets on Nicky Henderson’s star novice My Tent Or Yours who shot to favouritism with a breathtaking win in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Many thought that he had plenty to do under 11st 2lb against seasoned handicappers but Tony McCoy could be picked out sitting motionless on the home turn and it was just a matter of when he decided to press the button. He took up the running 2 out and powered clear to win by five lengths.
Such was the authority with which he dismissed his rivals that there was speculation that Henderson may even run him in the Champion Hurdle. The Lambourn trainer has decided to stick to the more orthodox route and it is no wonder that he is quoted as short as 7-4 favourite in the Cheltenham ante-post betting. Dark Lover, fourth in the Betfair, may not have boosted the form by finishing only third at Fontwell recently but the longer trip may have been his undoing. Nonetheless, it does serve to remind us that the form of handicaps can sometimes be deceptive. It is also worth remembering that even the brilliant but ill-fated Darlan was beaten in the Supreme and there are several other talented rivals to consider.
Leading owner JP McManus had his cheque book out earlier in the season to secure the top Irish novice Jezki and it is ironic that he has now been usurped in the betting market by a horse that he already owns. Jezki is trained by Jessica Harrington and has won all four starts this season. He was particularly impressive when disposing of Waaheb by six lengths at Leopardstown in December and his trainer is convinced that he will improve again on better ground. He is rock solid at 4-1 in the betting and McManus will be expecting big runs from both of his horses.
Melodic Rendezvous is another strongly fancied contender and was most impressive when beating Puffin Billy at Exeter last time out. Connections of the runner-up blamed that defeat on an injury and are still hoping to make the festival line up but Melodic Rendezvous carries maximum stable confidence. Trainer Jeremy Scott has a choice of engagements for the seven-year-old and will leave a decision until as late as possible to take the going into account. The son of Where Or When shapes as though two and a half miles would be well within his compass and he could yet be switched to the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson may also be represented by the useful River Mague, second to Triumph Hurdle hope Far West at Ascot recently. That was an extremely tactical affair and time may show that he was up against a very useful performer. He is probably better judged on his second to Dodging Bullets at Cheltenham in November, losing out to the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding by a length and a half. Dodging Bullets was pitched against the best of his age group last season and his third to Darlan in the Christmas Hurdle is arguably the best on show in this race.
Summary
This looks like being one of the hottest races of the Cheltenham Festival with My Tent Or Yours likely to be sent off a strong favourite. Although Jezki and Melodic Rendezvous have plenty of potential, it is impossible to ignore the ease with which Henderson’s novice won the competitive Betfair Handicap and he looks likely to get favourite-backers off to a good start. Dodging Bullets has done nothing wrong this season and he could still represent each-way value.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
