1.30 2m. 87yds. 9 Declared. Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £135,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €75,964.00 2nd - €28,620.00 3rd - €14,324.00 4th - €7,155.00 5th - €3,591.00 6th - €1,796.00 7th - €891.00 8th - €459.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - After just eight lined up last year, it’s again a single figure field for the Festival opener with some big reputations on the line. That of MIGHTY POTTER is perhaps not foremost amongst them but the form of his Grade 1 win at Leopardstown over Christmas was enhanced when the runner-up chased home Ballymore favourite Sir Gerhard at the same venue last month. Gordon Elliott’s sole contender is open to more improvement and can spring a mild surprise. Paul Townend partners the unbeaten Dysart Dynamo who looks the main hope for Willie Mullins although top-class bumper horse Kilcruit, off the mark on his third hurdles start at Punchestown, and impressive Naas maiden winner Bring On The Night (now tongue-tied) will also have their supporters. Nicky Henderson’s pair Jonbon and Constitution Hill are some way ahead of the other British-trained runners and both have shown abundant promise. The former has readily landed Grade 2 contests at Ascot and Haydock while Constitution Hill comes here after two wide margin victories at Sandown albeit the form of his win in the Tolworth Hurdle has not worked out.