The Novice Hurdles - A Closer Look
Supreme Novice Hurdle
A thoroughly intriguing start to the festival every year, the Supreme has a shortage of previous season hotpots. The last few years the likes of Vautour, Douvan and Altior have all obliged in the opener but finding the winner this year might be a tougher assignment. The real unknown of the race lies at the feet of Supreme specialist Willie Mullins, who potentially saddles four good chances in the race culminating with the more fancied Melon and Bunk Off Early. The former is the supposed talking horse of the race and punters will be eager to see whether he can justify Mullins' high praise of him. The English challenge looks potentially weak with better chances Moon Racer and Neon Wolf seemingly taking up preferred engagements at the meeting. Nicky Henderson's River Wylde deserves a look alongside the other two Mullins runners Crack Mome and Cilaos Emery, both of them must be highly respected given their source.
Selection:
Win: Melon (4/1)
Each way: Bunk off Early (6/1), Crack Mome (14/1)
Neptune Novice Hurdle
Despite the Supreme looking like a potential Irish winner, the Neptune does not offer the same view with England's two most exciting novices tackling each other in Neon Wolf and Finian's Oscar. Both horses have flawless records to date and both have sound credentials in the race and I don't see much from the others that should dispel their momentum. Potentially at the prices there might be some value in Saturnas, who clearly ran no race at Leopardstown last time but whose previous form would give him an Each way squeak.
Win: Neon Wolf (3/1)
Each way: Saturnas (25/1)
Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle
A grueling stamina test which has claimed the fate of many a 'good thing' before, this is not a race to back the favourite with much ease. Despite the market leader being the very highly regarded Death Duty, I must stay away from it solely down to the unforgivable nature of this race. In the form of Augusta Kate, Willie Mullins has a tough as nails mare who should give a good account for herself and would just be my selection although not with much confidence. I reckon there is each way value to Monalee who looks a horse which no trip is far enough and could certainly sneak into the prize money for Henry De Bromhead.
Win: Augusta Kate (6/1)
Each Way: Monalee (14/1