Supreme Novices Hurdle Tips

It's the first race of the Cheltenham Festival! Get our Supreme Novices Hurdle tips here.

We're also bringing you the latest odds, a runner by runner preview of the race and the best sign up offers to help you enjoy the opening Cheltenham roar.

Nicky Henderson knows how to win this race, having taken the title three times in the last 10 years with Constitution Hill, Shishkin and Altior.

This year, his only representative is the six year old Old Park Star.

The top rated horse based on official ratings, he's left an average 2024 season behind to put in three extremely progressive runs since November.

The last of those was a demolition job of the Supreme Trial field at Haydock, leaving him with the highest official rating in the field (151).

His jumping is polished, he travels well, is flexible tactically (can race at the front or behind the leaders) and is the well deserved favourite.

Nico de Boinville takes the ride again for the fourth time in a row - a positive for consistency.

Old Park Star

Highly progressive this season, winning three from three including the Grade 2 Supreme Novices Trial at Haydock. Represents Nicky Henderson, winner of this race 3 times in the last 3 years. Highest official rated in the field (151) and unbeaten over hurdles.

Talk The Talk

Three from four over Hurdles in Ireland, falling when looking likely to win on his other start. Form from his Leopardstown win looks strong with good horses in behind, and he showed a good turn of pace that day. Stamina shouldn't be a problem based on pedigree. Needs to avoid any silly jumping mistakes.

Mighty Park

One of the Mullins trio, who's won this three times in the last 7 years including last year. Has only run under rules once, but recorded an impressive RPR. With stamina in his pedigree, surprised many by choosing this race instead of the Turners. Needs to cope with the occasion and higher quality field but an exciting sort.

El Cairos

Big priced (28/1) fifth place in the Champion Bumper here last year when trained by David Maxwell. Now with Gordon Elliott, his jumping has been poor, falling on hurdle debut and hitting the last badly at Thurles. Despite that, he's got course form, goes on any ground, and is clearly a very quick horse if his jumping improves.

Mydaddypaddy

An early favourite for this race following an easy win at Haydock in December, where trainer Dan Skelton also made much of his abundance of stamina. Beaten into second in a Grade 1 on Boxing Day, hasn't run since, so comes here fresh but with a lot to prove. Pay close attention if he comes round the final bend in contention.

Sober Glory

Quality bumper horse who has now won three from four over hurdles. Holds the third highest official rating in the race, but with 7 total runs is more exposed than most. Likes to lead, so expect him to be prominent throughout. Same ownership as ex-Gold Cup winner Native River.

Leader d'Allier

The Mullins second string in the betting, although benefits from Paul Townend with Mark Walsh riding Mighty Park for JP McManus. Grade 3 French bumper winner who has run twice in Ireland; beaten favourite on stable debut, but an easy winner last time out. Unknown quantity over hurdles and could attract market attention.

Baron Noir

Eye catching late surge to win a Punchestown bumper, and has two wins from three over hurdles since then. Not that impressive on ratings though, those being just Class 3 and 4 contests, and needs to find a lot more to be competitive here.

Too Bossy For Us

The third of the Mullins trio, has better form on the Flat than over hurdles so far. Finished a distant 7th in the Triumph last year and hasn't been able to transfer that form to this code. Hood was tried then dropped, and tongue tie is retained for second race in a row. Clearly has a serious engine and one to keep an eye on at the odds.

Koktail Brut

Another good bumper horse, finishing 3rd in a Grade 3, but was beaten by Baron Noir at Punchestown and then was well beaten by Talk The Talk last time out at Leopardstown. Boasts a handicap rating not far off the top of this race thanks to a couple of impressive wins in November. Trainer won this in 2017 with a big price (Labaik), but not an obvious pick.

Eachtotheirown

One of the horses between by Koktail Brut in November. Deserves a place here after an easy win off 124 at Thurles in January, but well beaten on only attempt so far at Graded company. Made all last time out and could set a fierce pace with Sober Glory.

Sageborough

Also beaten by Koktail Brut in November, finishing a 33 length 7th. That was just his second start, and his hopes here are pinned on his debut win at Wexford. That was a maiden hurdle with a lack of quality behind, so a lot to ask today and expect him to be sent off a big price.

The latest Supreme Novices Hurdle odds from BOYLE Sports are:

• Old Park Star - 5/2
• Talk The Talk - 4/1
• Mighty Park - 9/2
• El Cairos - 7/1
• Mydaddypaddy - 7/1
• Sober Glory - 10/1
• Leader D'allier - 12/1
• Baron Noir - 28/1
• Too Bossy For Us - 33/1
• Eachtotheirown - 40/1
• Koktail Brut - 50/1
• Sageborough - 100/1

Last updated on 9th March at 2.30pm.

The key trends for the Supreme Novices Hurdle are:

• Aged 5-6 (11/12)
• Last time out winners (10/12)
• Avoid Previous Cheltenham Winners (1/12)
• Winning Graded Form (11/12)
• Irish-trained (8/12)

Below is our section of Supreme Novices free bets and offers. This will be updated ahead of the Festival on Monday.

For now, here are our top 3 Cheltenham offers:

Tuesday - Champion Hurdle Tips

Wednesday - Champion Chase Tips

Thursday - Stayers Hurdle Tips & Ryanair Chase Tips

Friday - Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips

The 2025 Supreme Novices Hurdle was won by Kopek Des Bordes for Willie Mullins, ridden by Paul Townend.

Coming soon