TEMPLEGATE tackles the first race on day one of Cheltenham confident of getting off to an absolute flyer.
Here, our man runs through every horse in the Supreme and reveals his big pick at the bottom.
Listen out for the famous roar when the tape is lifted at 1.30pm on Tuesday.
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Templegate’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-by-runner guide
ASIAN MASTER
MASTER plan. Clocked a fast time winning at Navan and likes it soft. Lively outsider for his young rider – who’s the tallest jockey in the world.
FAVOUR AND FORTUNE
OUT of Favour. Good second in muddy Grade 1 at Aintree at Christmas but poor last time. Tall order.
FIREFOX
FIRED up. Back over best trip here after good Grade 1 effort at further. Has lots of class and can take a step up. Big chance.
GOLD DANCER
GOLD plater. Struggled in Grade 1 on yard debut last time. Telling that trainer Willie Mullins is running him but has plenty to prove now.
JERIKO DU REPONET
JER we go. Form of Grade 2 win at Donny last time has been franked and this trip suits. Can improve and has solid place claims.
KINGS HILL
LOW Hill. Improved to win minor contest at Thurles but this is a much stiffer assignment.
MISTERGIF
GIF no lemon. French import won nicely at Limerick when travelling well. Good jumper who could sneak into the places.
MYSTICAL POWER
POWER play. Improving with every run and lots in hand winning a Punchestown Grade 2 last time. Trip suits and has much more to offer with soft ground no issue.
SLADE STEEL
SOLID Steel. Good run behind Ballyburn last time when jumping well. Likes it soft and is a strong stayer. More to come and a major player here.
SUPERSUNDAE
SUNDAE not best. Yet to win in two runs in France and tall order on debut even for a Mullins-trained horse.
TELLHERTHENAME
NAME dropper. Bounced back from flop in Aintree mud with easy Huntingdon win last time. Talented but must progress to figure.
TULLYHILL
HILL on high. Impressive Listed win at Punchestown last month when handling soft well. Can make a mistake but huge engine.
Templegate’s tip
MYSTICAL POWER looks magic in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
He can edge out Willie Mullins stablemate Tullyhill in what looks a wide-open Festival opener.
Nicky Henderson fans will be keeping a close eye on Jeriko Du Reponet to assess stable form while Firefox and Slade Steel have plenty of class.
Throw in a lively outsider in Asian Master and it should be a cracker.
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