Cheltenham betting: 2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contenders and tip

Cheltenham Festival 2026 kicks off with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and Coral has you covered with our preview and tip for the race.

With Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star as the talking horse of this race, having been unbeaten over hurdles in three starts so far, latterly at Grade Two level, this could turn out to be a more open contest than the media would have us believe.

Willie Mullins’ Mighty Park goes for this race instead of the Turners over further, so must be thought to have the speed for this race rather than the longer trip which he looks more suitably bred for. He is still exposed with just one 38-length maiden win under his belt, but could give the favourite a real race. 

Talk The Talk runs in the Double Green colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, and should have a strong chance having won two-mile novice hurdles on a variety of ground, including at Grade One level at Leopardstown. His record, though, is not unblemished with a fall in December.

On the topic of blemished records, Gordon Elliott’s El Cairos is thought of as a very fast individual who won his latest start at Thurles very easily. He fell when stumbling on landing the time before at Leopardstown but, if his jumping has improved sufficiently, he could be a big danger for Old Park Star if getting round. 

Dan Skelton’s Mydaddypaddy has had a very productive season, winning two out of three starts over hurdles and placing second in a Grade One contest before Christmas. Having been given time to freshen up, he might factor again but - as far as his current rating is concerned - he has a bit to find with the others. 

At a price, Baron Noir has in fact beaten El Cairos in a bumper and has been close to some other good horses since, so might be a fun each-way play, particularly with extra places.

Coral’s big-race tip: Talk The Talk at 4/1

View the latest Cheltenham Festival 2026 betting odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.