Supreme Novices Hurdle tips: Who to back and who to steer clear of at Cheltenham

RUBY WALSH

It’s a non-runner no bet market, so I can’t really see Envoi Allen here, I think he’ll run in the Ballymore.

I can see Asterion Forlonge and Shishkin dominating the race, and as much as it irks me to say it, I think Shishkin (5/2) could be just too quick for Asterion Forlonge.

Asterion Forlonge jumps a fraction to his right, but he stays incredibly well.

I was up at Cheltenham recently, and I don’t think the going to be as soft as people think.

And I’ve been really impressed with Shishkin in his few starts.

FRANK HICKEY

Shishkin has been very impressive visually. He did a very good section when he won at Newbury, and showed his gears.

But from a personal point of view, I’ve been burned by these type of horses who come up late and look great before.

Willie Mullins’s record in this race is just phenomenal. Since 2013 he’s won it four times and had two seconds.

Asterion Forlonge (7/2) was very impressive at Leopardstown. I really like how he did it, he stays further. That’s the kind of horse you want for a two-miler.

For the Supreme I just think he’s rock-solid. I’m definitely on his side.

PAUL JACOBS

I’m not sure Ruby would agree, but I’ve always thought the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle was a race where you have to stay, as opposed to the Ballymore where they go along at a much softer pace.

You’ve got to get up the hill, and I just think Shishkin is too short a price now. Envoi Allen will run in the Ballymore.

There’s plenty of each/way alternatives. I think Captain Guinness (12/1) is a good play on that front, I like the way he won his maiden, and he was second behind Andy Dufresne last time out.

The one thing he will do is stay. I don’t think he’ll lose his pitch, which you can’t afford to do in this race.

You need a high cruising speed and the ability to stay and the bonus is having a turn of foot and he’s my value each/way bet.

*All odds correct at time of publication