Min no banker for Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival

And while Open Eagle has since been thrashed out of sight by Altior at Kempton, there is little to choose between Min and Nicky Henderson’s gelding on that line of form.

Min also didn’t really beat much in the Moscow Flyer, even given the fact that the runner-up Attribution was officially rated 132. Attribution had previously been beaten in a four-runner contest at Punchestown by a horse rated 123, so his 132 rating flatters him greatly.

Horse’s head a concern

Min’s run-style in his two victories is also a cause for concern. On both occasions the son of Walk In The Park has raced keenly with the choke out, and although he has found plenty at the end of each race that may well be down to the weakeness of the opposition.

Also demonstrating a high head carriage when winning the Moscow Flyer, Min could well be the type that could boil over in the preliminaries at Cheltenham. Of course, he could settle much better in the Supreme given that the race is traditionally run at a strong gallop.

But he could also get lit up by the occasion and tank his way to the front, and it would then be a case of what he had left when coming under pressure against some top class opposition.

So taking everything into account, Min may not be the banker he has been labelled for the Supreme, and will be keen to take him on come March.

If you don’t agree, then snap up the 6/4 on offer with Coral about him winning the Festival curtain raiser on Tuesday, March 15th, as he is almost certain to go off shorter on the day.

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