Big entries for Festival novice hurdles

The entries for the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle, the JCB Triumph Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival have been unveiled.

The Grade 1 William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle gets The Festival underway on Champion Day, Tuesday, March 13 and a bumper entry of 91 for the extended two-mile contest (five more than in 2011) includes the Jessica Harrington-trained Steps To Freedom.

He has posted three wins from as many starts over the smaller obstacles, including a game neck success over Prospect Wells in the Grade 2 Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle at The Open in November.

A potential Irish challenge of 31 also includes Midnight Game, one of nine entries from the stable of Willie Mullins, and the Dermot Weld-trained Galileo's Choice.

The home defence may be headed by Simonsig, Darlan and Grade 1 winner Captain Conan, who all represent Nicky Henderson, plus the Donald McCain-trained Cinders And Ashes.

The Grade 1 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle, one of the highlights of Ladies Day, Wednesday, March 14, has received 118 entries (22 more than in 2011).

Fingal Bay looks set to be one of the leading contenders for the two mile, five furlong Grade1 following a faultless start to his hurdling career for trainer Philip Hobbs that included victory in the Grade 1 Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury on his latest start on December 31.

Other notable contenders include Boston Bob, who boasts Grade 1-winning form for Willie Mullins, who has entered 17, and the Noel Meade-trained Monksland.

Gold Cup Day, Friday, March 16, kicks off with the Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle over two miles and a furlong. An entry of 77 for this year's race includes Grumeti and Pearl Swan, who fought out the finish to the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle on Festival Trials Day.

Sadler's Risk and Dildar have both recorded impressive debut wins, while emphatic Irish Cesarewitch scorer Minsk is near to the top of bookmakers' ante-post lists despite not having jumped a hurdle in public.

Also taking place on Gold Cup Day is the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle over three miles. An entry of 95 includes Fingal Bay and Boston Bob as well as the Gordon Elliott-trained Mount Benbulben.