The 2025 Cheltenham Festival opens with the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Day One and as such, now is an excellent time to register with any of our featured UK betting sites, whereupon you can benefit from a huge range of Cheltenham free bets as well as numerous other offers such as enhanced places and prices boosts.
Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Preview and Best Odds
The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the traditional curtain-raiser of the Cheltenham Festival, is set to ignite Prestbury Park on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, at 1:20 PM.
This Grade 1 contest, spanning approximately 2 miles and ½ furlong, showcases the finest up-and-coming hurdlers, all vying to make a triumphant statement on one of racing’s grandest stages.
Leading Contenders and Betting Odds
As the festival approaches, several novices have distinguished themselves as prime contenders for this prestigious opener:
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Kopek Des Bordes: Trained by the maestro Willie Mullins, Kopek Des Bordes has been nothing short of sensational. Despite a less-than-flawless hurdling debut, where he still managed a near three-length victory, he silenced doubters with a commanding 13-length triumph at the Dublin Racing Festival. This performance has solidified his position as the favourite, with odds currently at 4/5. While his lack of Cheltenham experience might raise an eyebrow, it’s worth noting that many past winners have conquered this race without prior runs at the venue.
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Romeo Coolio: Priced at 6/1, this Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has shown promise, notably with a victory at Down Royal in November. His progression suggests he could pose a significant threat to the favourite.
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Salvator Mundi: Also at 6/1, Salvator Mundi has displayed consistent form, making him a noteworthy contender in this competitive field.
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Workahead: Available at best odds of 12/1, Workahead offers value for those seeking an each-way bet. A decisive victory at Leopardstown has marked him as a horse on the rise, and with the potential for further improvement, he could well outrun his odds.
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William Munny: Priced at 16/1, this contender has shown potential and could be a dark horse in the race.
Key Race Statistics and Trends
Delving into the annals of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle reveals patterns that can guide the astute punter:
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Age: Youth often prevails in this contest, with 11 of the last 12 winners aged five or six. This trend suggests that the exuberance and resilience of younger horses are advantageous in this fiercely competitive race.
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Recent Form: Arriving at Cheltenham on the back of a victory seems crucial, as 10 of the last 12 winners had won their previous race. This statistic underscores the importance of momentum and confidence leading into the festival.
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Official Ratings: Class often tells, with 10 of the last 12 winners boasting an official rating of 148 or higher. This benchmark indicates that a certain level of proven quality is typically required to triumph in this Grade 1 event.
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Cheltenham Experience: Interestingly, prior experience at Prestbury Park isn’t a prerequisite for success. Only four of the last 12 winners had previously raced at Cheltenham, suggesting that raw talent and adaptability can outweigh course familiarity.
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Trainer Insights: The Irish have dominated this race in recent years, with Willie Mullins leading the charge.Mullins has saddled multiple winners, including Appreciate It in 2021 and Klassical Dream in 2019. His knack for preparing novices for this contest makes his entries, particularly Kopek Des Bordes, worthy of close consideration.
Historical Context
Established in 1946, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has evolved into the festival’s traditional curtain-raiser, setting the tone with the famous “Cheltenham Roar.” The race has been a springboard for future champions, with notable winners such as Vautour (2014) and Douvan (2015) going on to achieve further Grade 1 successes. The 2024 renewal saw Slade Steel, under the guidance of Rachael Blackmore, outstay Mystical Power to claim victory, despite a slight hiccup at the last hurdle.
Conclusion
The 2025 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle promises to be a thrilling spectacle, blending a handful of emerging talents with established prospects. Kopek Des Bordes stands out as the odds-on favourite, but the competitive nature of the race ensures that challengers like Romeo Coolio, Salvator Mundi, and Workahead are poised to make their presence felt. Punters would do well to consider factors such as age, recent form, official ratings, and trainer expertise when making their selections. As always, a touch of humour, a dash of scepticism, and a keen eye on the trends can make the difference between a triumphant cheer and a rueful sigh. Remember, in the world of novice hurdles, the only certainty is uncertainty—so bet responsibly, grab yourself some great free bets from our featured bookmaker partners and may the best horse win!
