Cheltenham Update: Supreme Novices Hurdle

Catch-up on the betting

We take a look at how things are shaping on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, with the curtain going up on Tuesday 14^th March at Prestbury Park. Bet on the racing with peace of mind, as Coral are offering non-runner money back, meaning you can have a go at the early value.

We get off and running with the always-popular Supreme Novices Hurdle. Neon Wolf heads the betting with a week to go, and he is doing the rounds at 7/2 with Coral at present. Our traders have him as the most-likely winner of the race, but is that the way to play it?

Neon Wolf to light-up day one?

Harry Fry’s promising six-year-old gelding has caught the imagination of punters so far, and rolls into town with a CV reading three starts – three wins. He was last seen keeping hold of his 100 per cent record courtesy of victory in the Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock in January, when going off as odds-on favourite.

He was backed like losing wasn’t an option that day, and certainly won in impressive fashion, with nearest rival Elgin traipsing home nine-lengths behind. Despite winning with plenty in hand, Neon Wolf was noted running away from them at the end, suggesting he was thoroughly enjoying the task at hand, and had plenty more to give. Backers will be eager to see that proven on day one.

Melon looks a tasty alternative

If backing the shortest price runner in a race at Cheltenham isn’t your thing, we certainly wouldn’t argue against that. Trainer Willie Mullins has won this prize in three of the last four years, and he looks to hold a good hand again, with second-favourite Melon getting punters talking.

The five-year-old showed just what he was capable of when coming over from France to join Team Mullins, scooting up in the Donohue Marquees Maiden Hurdle over two-miles at Leopardstown at the tail-end of January, under the ride of Ruby Walsh.