March 12 / 13.30 Cheltenham

13.30

Soft

Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £75964.5
  • 2m 0f 87y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 2-411 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
One of six runners for Willie Mullins; point winner for previous stable; 2-2 since joining this yard and switched to hurdles, both wins under 7lb amateur Thomas Costello and latest by 10l at Navan (2m, soft to heavy) in a novice event that has been won by a few subsequent Grade 1 scorers (albeit over fences) in recent years; promising sort but the jockey cannot utilise his claim, which would have helped at this deeper level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

1st May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Asian Master

12st 0lb

J: Mr T Costello

T: A G Costello

Promising early in his career for this stable and initially did well for Willie Mullins, winning twice over hurdles and taking fourth in the Supreme Novices'; also placed in good company over fences; has prospered again in points this season; Journey With Me got a better jump at the last to beat him in a hunter chase at Cork last month.

12/1

2nd

1

6th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

16:10 Cork

Asian Master

12st 0lb

J: Mr T Costello

T: A G Costello

Promising sort early in his career for this stable and initially did well for Willie Mullins, winning twice over hurdles and taking fourth in the Supreme Novices'; also placed in good company over fences; has prospered again in points this season and looks the part here.

15/8

5th

1

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:45 Cork

Asian Master

11st 0lb

J: Mr T Costello

T: A G Costello

Rated 142; smart form over hurdles for Willie Mullins including a fourth in the Supreme; solid efforts in first two beginners' chases at Fairyhouse last season before soundly beaten in Grade 2 novice handicap back at Cheltenham in March; has since left Willie Mullins; capable of going well if fit for return in first-time tongue tie.

9/2

Form: 0-1122 D BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Appears to handle any ground; comfortably held in last season's Champion Bumper here; very consistent otherwise, runner-up in Aintree Grade 1 and Exeter Listed event (notwithstanding a lack of fluency) over 2m the last twice, taking hurdles form figures to 1122; faces a stiffer assignment back at this meeting and has the added pressure of needing to jump more proficiently than last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

25th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 178y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Favour And Fortune

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Seen only twice this season but posted career-best performance when close third of 22 at Aintree (2m4f, good to soft) a fortnight ago, despite Tom Bellamy's saddle slipping after the last; respected.

6/1

3rd

1

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Favour And Fortune

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Acts on any going; successful in major handicap at Ayr two years ago; his two attempts at Aintree were good efforts in the 2023 Formby (second to highly notable rival) and this race last year (finished third); each-way claims back here with Kempton reappearance under his belt.

11/1

6th

1

21st Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:10 Kempton

Favour And Fortune

12st 2lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Won the Scottish Champion Hurdle (2m, soft) in April 2024 and showed he stays 2m4f when a good third of 20 at Aintree last spring; not ruled out but he'll need a career best to defy topweight after 11 months off.

13/2

Form: 11-114 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Completed a bumper hat-trick prior to winning a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m, soft; second attempt in this sphere) where he comfortably beat leading novice Ballyburn, who is otherwise unbeaten and is favourite for the Gallagher here on Wednesday; ran below expectations (finished only fourth) in Grade 1 at Naas since but the 2m4f was perhaps a factor; could well resume his progress back down in distance and remains of strong interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

8

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Firefox

11st 4lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gordon Elliott

Tongue tied on last two starts; Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown (3m, soft) in February was also the first time he went beyond 2m5f, when 33-1 and spending most of the race out the back but running on into fourth of 12, beaten 14l; some encouragement might be derived from that but he didn't see it out so well when confronted by 3m2f in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

50/1

6th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Firefox

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

He's performed respectably in defeat at the last two Cheltenham Festivals and won a Grade 2 at Down Royal (2m3f, good to yielding) in November; 14l fourth when upped in trip in the Irish Gold Cup (3m, soft) last month and he'll be doing very well if he improves upon that finishing position today.

33/1

4th

4

2nd Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 100y

15:30 Leopardstown

Firefox

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart performer over shorter distances; ended last season with second to Spindleberry in 2m4f Grade 1 at Fairyhouse; made winning reappearance in five-runner Grade 2 event at Down Royal (2m3f, good to yielding) in November; outpointed by Iroko at Ascot last month; first time beyond 2m5f and tongue-tie tried; vulnerable.

66/1

OUR TIP

Form: 111 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; had to work harder than previously in Grade 2 at Doncaster (2m, good) most recently but the form has been franked by the second and third since and he remains unbeaten; one of his earlier Newbury wins came in a race that has thrown up several Grade 1 winners, including two from this yard, in the last decade; has been racing in steadily run affairs and the likely stronger gallop in this scenario may enable him to achieve a much higher rating; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 149y

Class 1

13:20 Aintree

Jeriko Du Reponet

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Hasn't looked a natural in his five chases (beaten favourite in Kim Muir last time) but he did very well over hurdles in cheekpieces last spring, finishing second to stablemate Doddiethegreat in the Pertemps at Cheltenham before getting the better of him at Punchestown (2m7f, yielding); could stage a revival back over hurdles.

12/1

12th

1

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Jeriko Du Reponet

12st 0lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Nicky Henderson

He hasn't looked a natural in his four chases; however, on the two previous occasions he wore these cheekpieces he ran mighty races in hot handicap hurdles last spring (including runner-up in the Pertemps Final here) and top Irish amateur Derek O'Connor rides today; respected.

3/1

Form: 041 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Justified favouritism at Thurles (1m7f, soft to heavy) four weeks ago on third attempt in maiden hurdles; remains unexposed but that form is nothing special and he was well behind Firefox at Fairyhouse on debut; well down this pack in terms of bare achievements.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Kings Hill

11st 10lb

J: Miss J Townend

T: Paul John Gilligan

Thurles maiden hurdle winner in 2024 (2m, soft to heavy); took on strong opposition in a pair of 3m beginners' chases; beaten 33l when fifth of nine finishers on handicap chase debut at Navan (3m, heavy); came good over 2m2f at Limerick; top amateur rider won this in 2022.

7/1

1st

1

12th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 1f 185y

14:54 Limerick

Kings Hill

11st 12lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Thurles maiden hurdle winner in 2024 (2m, soft to heavy); took on strong opposition in two attempts beginners' chases; beaten 33l when fifth of nine finishers on handicap chase debut last time at Navan (3m, heavy); big drop in distance now.

14/1

Form: 52-1 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
0-11 in France, mostly on Flat, but showed clear promise (in a hood) over hurdles and was sold for 190,000euros after final run there; bright start for new connections, recording a wide-margin success at Limerick (2m, heavy; made all) in a race that high-class stablemate State Man landed in 2022 en route to Cheltenham Festival glory (in the County) and multiple Grade 1 wins; hood now reapplied; interesting prospect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

11th Jan 2025

2m 1f 50y

14:18 Fairyhouse

Mistergif

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

midfield, in touch with leaders after 4th, went fourth after 7th

4/1

1st

6

11th Jan 2025

2m 1f 50y

14:18 Fairyhouse

Mistergif

11st 12lb

J: J J Slevin

T: W P Mullins

midfield, in touch with leaders after 4th, went fourth after 7th

4/1

Form: 111 D

Last run: 58 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 148

Form & Verdict
The son of highly distinguished parents, being by legendary Flat sire Galileo and the first foal of Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power; has duly made a big splash and took his record to 3-3 with Grade 2 romp at Punchestown (2m, soft) most recently; bumper win came on good ground; not completely fluent in his two races over hurdles but scored impressively by 7l both times and looks a Grade 1 winner in waiting; should benefit from first-time hood, having shown a tendency to take a good hold; brings stacks of potential to this bigger stage and commands major respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

13th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Mystical Power

11st 10lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Second in last year's Supreme Novices' (2m) before 2m Grade 1 wins at Aintree and Punchestown; while he takes a big step up in trip today, his dam Annie Power was second in this race and last term's promise isn't forgotten; however, he's been extremely lacklustre in 2m Grade 1s the last twice.

16/1

6th

4

29th Dec 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

14:30 Leopardstown

Mystical Power

11st 12lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: W P Mullins

Sole defeat last season when second in the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham, made amends with Grade 1 wins at Aintree and Punchestown; never going well on his reappearance in the Fighting Fifth; likely second-best of Mullins squad.

12/1

Form: 13-112 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Seems versatile ground-wise; has progressive RPRs and career record is 4-6; his only defeats came in races won by notable rival Ballyburn, keeping-on second in Leopardstown Grade 1 latest when dropped back to 2m; Grade 2 scorer over 2m4f at Navan the time before and may ideally need a return to that distance; he's in this race to avoid a clash with Ballyburn in the Gallagher but is a big player on form and any emphasis on stamina, through pace/ground, would be a plus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 3f 180y

15:50 Fairyhouse

Slade Steel

11st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Supreme winner two seasons ago; 0-7 in the meantime and has been chasing, last time beaten the thick end of 20l when one of the favourites for the 2m4f handicap at Cheltenham; if this return to hurdling and the first-time cheekpieces float his boat, then he might not be far away.

8/1

6th

3

12th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 127y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Slade Steel

11st 6lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Has form on most types of ground; consistent sort who has never finished out of the first three in his completed starts; broadly suffering from a frustrating bout of seconditis since switched to chasing (2m4f/3m) but this return to Cheltenham may prove the cure, as he won the 2024 Supreme in sole attempt at this venue; major Irish stable landed this corresponding prize in 2019; on an attractive mark and holds solid claims.

15/2

2nd

6

17th Jan 2026

Soft To Heavy

3m 0f 0y

14:25 Navan

Slade Steel

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Won 2024 Supreme Novices'; beaten odds-on favourite but decent form in two beginners' chases last season, notably when second to Brown Advisory winner Lecky Watson at Naas; off for a year before second to Predators Glory over an extended 2m4f at this venue; stepped up to this trip at Punchestown, one length down when brought down four out; worth another chance.

11/10

Form: 7/2-

Last run: 337 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Raced twice in France, better effort when second at Compiegne (2m2f, heavy) last April; absent since; siblings include a Cheltenham Festival winner (over 2m5f) but this looks a baptism of fire on debut for Willie Mullins; has easily the worst chance on bare figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

16th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:25 Wexford

Supersundae

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Maiden hurdle winner was runner-up in a Grade 1 novice last year before losing his form in that sphere; got off the mark on third chase start when an easy winner at Kilbeggan last time over 2m6f; penalised 6lb for that but should still be difficult to beat even dropping in trip.

6/4

1st

8

24th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 70y

18:59 Kilbeggan

Supersundae

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Rated 142 over hurdles; seventh in the 2024 Supreme Novices' Hurdle; 8l second behind The Yellow Clay in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Naas in January 2025 (2m4f, soft); pulled up in two following hurdle starts at Grade 1 level; form of his two chase starts bears little relation to his best hurdles form.

100/30

3rd

5

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 0y

16:37 Naas

Supersundae

11st 12lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

One of three for trainer; rated 142 over hurdles; seventh in the 2024 Supreme Novices' Hurdle; 8l second behind The Yellow Clay in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at this venue in January 2025 (2m4f, soft); pulled up in two following hurdle starts at Grade 1 level; beaten 30l on chase/seasonal debut at Punchestown last month; needs to come back to his best and Townend ignores.

10/1

Form: 21P1 D

Last run: 60 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Best to forgive his Grade 1 effort on Boxing Day (lost his action); has solid form otherwise and that defeat is flanked by all-the-way wins at Huntingdon (2m, good/good to soft), both by 14l; seems to handle soft; should rate higher still in the right scenario but chance may partly depend on whether he's able to dominate in the same comfortable manner, which isn't guaranteed in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 3

15:20 Cartmel

Tellherthename

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Both wins came at Huntingdon when trained by Ben Pauling; made his stable debut in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, when not beaten far, and he wasn't disgraced when hooded and held up out the back in the Swinton at Haydock (favourite) two weeks ago; this will feel like a drop in the ocean in comparison and, although turned over at a short price last October in his only chase, he should make light work of these two rivals on his return to fences.

1/3

8th

6

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Tellherthename

11st 6lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Lightly raced for his age; caught the eye in no uncertain terms when twelfth of 23 in the County at Cheltenham on first start for current yard, travelling smoothly but short of room in straight and finishing full of running; very best efforts for previous stables came on good ground and he missed the Scottish Champion when the rain came; still unexposed and a fascinating contender in a first-time hood.

3/1

Form: 12-211 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 153

Form & Verdict
Overall record is 4-6 and he appears to handle any ground; good second in Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown last April; jumping lacked fluency when turned over at very short odds there on debut over hurdles but he has posted two impressive all-the-way wins (over 2m) since, latest in Listed event at same venue; earlier form suggests he doesn't need to dominate; one of the main contenders back at the top level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

14th Jan 2026

Yielding

2m 1f 30y

14:15 Fairyhouse

Tullyhill

11st 3lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Dual winner over hurdles, including in Listed company as a novice; fine efforts on first two novice chase starts last season but twice pulled up afterwards; strong favourite on seasonal return in late October but below-form second to a clear winner in 2m Wexford conditions event; jumped poorly and generally below-par in a Navan handicap last month.

10/1

2nd

10

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:03 Wexford

Tullyhill

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Talented sort is a dual winner over hurdles including in Listed company as a novice; cracking efforts on first two novice chase starts last season including a second to Majborough; however, he has questions to answer after being pulled-up twice since, though his chasing experience will be an asset.

9/4

2nd

10

27th Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 0y

16:03 Wexford

Tullyhill

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Talented sort is a dual winner over hurdles including in Listed company as a novice; cracking efforts on first two novice chase starts last season including a second to Majborough; however, he has questions to answer after being pulled-up twice since, though his chasing experience will be an asset.

9/4

Non-runners

Gold Dancer

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Tullyhill

SPOTLIGHT:

Mystical Power

RP RATINGS:

Slade Steel

LAMBOURN:

Jeriko Du Reponet

WEST COUNTRY:

Tellherthename

The Times:

Mystical Power

Telegraph:

Mystical Power

The Sun:

Mystical Power

The Star:

Jeriko Du Reponet

The Guardian:

Slade Steel

D Express:

Slade Steel

POSTDATA:

Tullyhill

Daily Mail:

Tullyhill

Daily Mirror:

Tullyhill

Daily Record:

Tullyhill