Supreme Novices' Hurdle 2023 Tips - Willie can still win Cheltenham opener
- Ante-post tips for the 2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle
- This Grade One takes place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 14th March
- Impaire Et Passe is our ante-post selection at 4/1
The 2023 Cheltenham Festival will open in stunning style, as a field of the best novice hurdlers in the sport battles it out in the Supreme. This year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle was looking like a foregone conclusion going into the Dublin Racing Festival, but the events that unfolded at Leopardstown have blown this year's Supreme wide open.
We've taken a look through the ante-post market for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and picked out our best betting tips.
2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Odds
Somehow, after that shocking performance at the Dublin Racing Festival, Facile Vega remains one of the favourites for the Supreme. The full betting for the 2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle can be found here on our website.
Willie Mullins was quick to point the finger at Paul Townend, claiming he'd begun the race at a suicidal pace. The clock would back up those accusations and I'm sure if he could, Townend would ride the race differently.
It's still far too early to write Facile Vega off, but after such a deplorable performance five weeks out from the Cheltenham Festival, you simply cannot back the former favourite to win the Supreme. In fact, that run was so poor, I wouldn't be surprised if a medical issue came to light and Facile Vega missed the Cheltenham Festival entirely.
2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle Tips
Marine Nationale is an extremely talented horse. The form of his Royal Bond victory can be questioned, but he was much the best on the day. I've always seen Barry Connell's charge as more of a middle-distance hurdler. The Supreme does often suit more of a stayer than a speedster, though, so Marine Nationale's extra stamina will come in handy.
Tahmuras is a runner to respect. Rare Edition and Chasing Fire are worth watching at longer prices. Yet, despite Facile Vega's flop, I still feel that Willie Mullins is the man to follow in this year's Supreme.
If you'd asked Willie Mullins prior to the race at Leopardstown whether Il Etait Temps would win the Supreme, he'd have given you a fairly bleak answer. Even after that impressive winning display, Mullins won't want to put all of his eggs in Il Etait Temps' basket and, especially if Facile Vega isn't sent to Cheltenham, there's a strong chance that IMPAIRE ET PASSE is Willie's new number one for the Supreme.
Mullins described Impaire Et Passe as "a bit special" during his recent media day, and it's easy to see why. A six-length winner of a bumper in France last March, Paul Townend's mount motored to a lengthy victory on his hurdles debut in the Munir & Souede colours, before picking up nicely on heavy ground to win the Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle by six lengths.
Following that race, Mullins seemed intent on stepping Impaire Et Passe up in trip. Willie does, however, have Gaelic Warrior and Grade One winner, Champ Kiely earmarked for the Ballymore and Facile Vega's flop could see this talented son of Diamond Boy kept over the minimum distance.
Verdict
If Impaire Et Passe does end up running in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, I fancy he'll take plenty of beating. Back him at 4/1 in bet365's Non-Runner No Bet market and, if he is sent to the Ballymore, you'll get your money back.
Impaire Et Passe
Straight Win (NRNB)
@4/1 - 25 Units
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with bonus code NEWBONUS
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