Supreme Novices' Hurdle Tips: Ed Quigley's best bet for the Cheltenham opener
The return of the roar for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle will be a thrilling moment, and we have a high-class field of nine due to go to post for a contest that has everyone talking.
Constitution Hill hasn't put a foot wrong so far, and has oozed class to make it two wins from two over hurdles, both coming at Sandown - the latter in the Grade 1 Tolworth. No one can dispute the aesthetically pleasing manner in which he has bolted up in those assignments, but this offers a totally different examination; a strongly run race, on quicker ground, and on a left-handed track. It is also worth noting the form of his Tolworth Hurdle winner is working out diabolically. He may well have the gears to do this, and is as good as he looks, but I would be happy to take him on at the current prices.
Dysart Dynamo looks appropriately named, and like Constitution Hill, is two from two over hurdles, with both wins being achieved in an emphatic manner. He looks a free-going sort, who will clearly try and get on with matters at the head of proceedings. The key to him perhaps will be the preliminaries, and Paul Townend and the Closutton team ensuring that he doesn't boil over. He is an exciting individual but keeping a lid on that talent will be the name of the game, comments which could be equally applied to the Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon. He is another who presents an unblemished record, and had to knuckle down to give weight and a beating to some useful rivals at Haydock last time out. A strong gallop and drying ground look as though they will play to his strengths, and if he goes to post without losing the plot, a big run will surely be in-in store.
Kilcruit is the horse I am finding hard to weigh up; last season's Champion Bumper runner-up was in danger of becoming massively underwhelming, until, with the first-time tongue-tie on in a weak race at Punchestown last time out, he appeared to have his mojo back as he sauntered home by 21 lengths. On balance he still has it to do, and at a bigger price I would rather side with a horse with Grade 1 winning hurdling form in the book, and that is the Gordon Elliott trained MIGHTY POTTER. He isn't flash, but clearly has stamina in spades. There is a danger he may get outpaced, but I don't think many will come up the hill as well as him, so providing he is within striking distance as they turn into the home straight I think it would be foolish to dismiss his chances. He would be my each-way play here.
Of the remainder, JPR One, Silent Revolution and Shallwehaveonemore all look to be up against it, for all that they are entitled to improve, and the joker in the pack may be the Willie Mullns third string Bring On The Night. He looks raw, buzzy and unfurnished, yet tanked round at Naas last time out to win with ease on his hurdling/stable debut. The tongue-tie goes on for the first time, and if he outran his odds I wouldn't be surprised.
2022 Supreme Novices' Hurdle 1-2-3
- MIGHTY POTTER
- Jonbon
- Constitution Hill
