FINDING the winner of the first race of the Cheltenham Festival is something that will set you up for the week. It would be the perfect start to four perfect days. But the Supreme Novices Hurdle is always a tricky opener because it is so competitive. Take last year: you could have thrown a blanket over the first four home. Pinpointing ante-post value is something of a challenge but I reckon there’s a couple of ridiculously overpriced contenders.

DON COSSACK is the apple of Gordon Elliott’s eye. But after cantering up on his hurdling debut the wheels came off at Navan when he hit the deck behind the impressive Pont Alexandre. Elliott is taking it day by day with the horse, but the 25/1 available with StanJames.com looks extremely generous. If he makes the starting line-up (the Neptune is the alternative) he won’t be anything near that price when the Irish money is down.

Jezki is a lovely animal and a worthy favourite but 4/1 is too short while Oliver Sherwood has hinted that Puffin Billy could go for the Neptune over the longer trip. Melodic Rendezvous and Dodging Bullets set a fair standard after that and both look solid each-way value while River Maigue could be the strongest of the Nicky Henderson challenge.

But further down the market is Charlie Longsdon’s PENDRA. He was narrowly behind Melodic Rendezvous in the Tolworth the other day but I loved the way he jumped. He had to do much of the donkey work and 33/1 represents excellent wach-way value.

Of course we may not have even seen the Supreme Novices winner yet and there are nine weeks to go. But there is value out there.

Ante-post selections:

Don Cossack 25/1 (each-way)
Pendra 33/1 (each-way)

For the latest ante-post market for the Supreme Novices Hurdle and all other races at the Cheltenham Festival with StanJames.com please click here

*Prices correct at the time of writing.

Who do you fancy for the Supreme Novices? Let me know your thoughts by posting a reply below…