Cheltenham 2026 Supreme Novices Hurdle tips

Forget easing your way into the Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle throws you straight into the deep end. The roar, the charge to the first, the chaos of a big-field Grade 1… There is absolutely no hiding place in the opener.

For ante-post punters this is where months of studying novice form and tracking market moves either pay off or fall flat. The Supreme is rarely straightforward but that’s exactly why it’s such a brilliant betting heat. Get this right and you don’t just start the week with a winner you start it with momentum which as we all know is crucial.

I landed the winner 12 months ago with Kopek Des Bordes who went off heavily backed and won by nearly two lengths from a well strung out field. I have two bets in the race again and hopefully we can make it another perfect start.

Quick picks for the Supreme Novice

• OLD PARK STAR – 2/1 with BoyleSports
• MYDADDYPADDY – 10/1 with 247bet

Cheltenham 1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – Key stats and trends

Age

• 11 of the last 12 winners were aged 5 or 6
• 2 of the last 3 winners were aged 6
• Only 1 winning 7yo from the last 12 renewals

Price

• 5 of the last 12 winners were favourites or joint favourites
• 11 of the last 12 winners were in the top 3 in the betting
• Only 1 double-figure winner in the last 12 renewals

Form

• 10 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before the Supreme
• 12 of the last 12 winners had at least two runs over hurdles
• 9 of the last 12 winners had at least three runs over hurdles

Rating

• 11 of the last 12 winners were rated 147 or higher
• 9 of the last 12 winners were rated 150 or higher
• 6 of the last 8 winners were rated 150 or higher

Other pointers

• 8 of the last 12 winners were trained by Irish trainers
• 10 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 66 days
• Only 3 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham

Supreme Novices Hurdle preview & tips

It didn’t take long for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle picture to take shape this season and once OLD PARK STAR put his rivals to the sword in graded company, the market reacted accordingly.

I must admit I didn’t think we’d have such a clear favourite earlier in the season but such was the promise of his wins it now very much revolves around him.

He hasn’t just been winning he’s been doing it with authority. The way he put distance between himself and Hurricane Pat at Haydock was impressive and his ability to go up through the gears seemingly effortlessly has really caught the eye.

A couple of weeks ago there was some concern the ground was going to come up testing given the amount of rain we’ve had but now the forecast looks greatly improved he should have his perfect surface too so there won’t be any excuses.

There are still a few uncertainties among the opposition largely involving Willie Mullins runners. There is talk Mighty Park could come here and while he was impressive at Fairyhouse he lacks experience and it would be a big ask to go and win this so I’d still very much be in the Nicky Henderson camp.

However, Talk The Talk is definitely one that catches my eye. Given the way he stayed on to win at Leopardstown I’m really hoping he goes for the Turners but if he does come here I would likely include him in my selections as I rate him highly.

Each way angle?

With unknowns over both Mighty Park and Talk The Talk it could pay to take a chance on MYDADDYPADDY at each way odds. He might not have the flashy profile of the market leaders but his form reads solid and there’s a sense he could still be open to further progress.

He has only tasted defeat once and that came at Aintree where several hurdles were taken out due to the low sun so he had an excuse that day.

There will be a ferocious pace on here and he is a strong traveller so it could pan out perfectly if they go too hard. Dan Skelton looks set to have a big week and they will be hopeful he can get them off to a flyer. He is 11/1 with one bookmaker which looks a bit insulting.

My picks:

1. OLD PARK STAR

• Trainer: Nicky Henderson
• Form: 323-111
• Age: 6
• Weight: 11-7

Bet on Old Park Star to win the Supreme Novice at 2/1 with BoyleSports

2. MYDADDYPADDY

• Trainer: Dan Skelton
• Form: 1-112
• Age: 6
• Weight: 11-7

Bet on Mydaddypaddy to win the Supreme Novice at 10/1 with 247bet

Last 12 winners of the Arkle Chase

Cheltenham Festival 2026 news, tips and free bets:

• Cheltenham 2026 free bets and betting offers
• Cheltenham ante-post tips
• Cheltenham Festival 2026 favourites and outsiders
• Cheltenham 2026 horses to watch
• Cheltenham 2026 top trainers + jockeys
• Willie Mullins winners
• Nicky Henderson winners
• Gordon Elliott winners

About the author

Joe Norris

I’m Joe Norris, co-founder and Director of GetYourTipsOut (GYTO), which I launched in 2009 to provide daily sports betting tips, with the main focus on horse racing. Over the years, I’ve earned a reputation for offering reliable and profitable tips, which led to being named “Best Sports Betting Tipster” in 2023. Alongside my work at GYTO, I also contribute predictions to platforms like Oddschecker, allowing me to share my insights with a wide community of sports enthusiasts and bettors.

Find Joe on X: @JoeNorrisGYTO

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