2021 Cheltenham Festival: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does the 2021 Cheltenham Festival take place? Tuesday 16th March – Friday 19th March, 2021
What time does the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle start? Tuesday 16th March, 2021 – 13:20 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Cheltenham Festival? The 2021 Cheltenham Festival will take place without spectators
What TV channel is the 2021 Cheltenham Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the first six races of each day, while Racing TV subscribers will be able to watch all of the action
Where can I stream the 2021 Cheltenham Festival in the UK? The first six races of each day can be streamed live on the ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can live stream all of the action
THE LOWDOWN
This is an unusually small field to kick off the 2021 Cheltenham Festival with just eight runners taking part in the Supreme. There are plenty in with chances but there are two horses in particular that catch the eye, the first being Appreciate It who will look to give Willie Mullins another success in a race he has had plenty of joy in. Mullins has trained the Supreme winner in four of the last eight years and the short-priced favourite is bound to give him every chance of another victory here. The 7-year-old is three from three over hurdles and while Metier can also match that record, the soft ground is likely to edge this in favour of Mullins’ horse. Harry Fry’s 5-year-old has just two wins on similar going while Appreciate It has never finished outside of the frame in six races, four of which saw him get his nose in front.
THE PREDICTION
Favourite backers could be rewarded in this Cheltenham Festival opener with Appreciate It difficult to oppose despite the short odds. Willie Mullins’ record in this race is superb and with Paul Townend on board, last year’s top jockey at the Festival with five winners, that pair can get off to a strong start with Mullins also hoping to defend his leading trainer status for the third consecutive year. Appreciate It has been consistent over hurdles and with the ground set to suit, he should be able to get up the hill in front.
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