
As anticipation builds for the curtain-raiser of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is already attracting serious attention from punters and pundits alike. The opening Grade 1 race has become a melting pot of emerging talent, with several young hurdlers staking their claims in the early ante-post markets. With that in mind, read on as we see who’s being backed for the Supreme when looking at the Cheltenham odds.
Mydaddypaddy
Topping the ante-post betting for the 2026 Supreme, Mydaddypaddy has drawn strong support from punters, with many betting companies offering him as the favourite. The strong market confidence reflects both raw potential and consistency in his early form. While relatively lightly exposed, Mydaddypaddy is viewed as an improving novice with upside, and his price suggests he’s perceived as a genuine lead candidate by the betting public.
Bambino Fever
Not far behind in the market is Bambino Fever, currently available at about 12/1 with the Cheltenham ante-post books. While on some books this places him second favourite, different platforms see a slight variation, indicating a highly competitive market at the top. Bambino Fever has impressed early on in his novice campaign, and while he may not yet have the established profile of more hardened graded runners, his youth and potential for rapid progression make him one of the most exciting long-term bets in the Supreme field.
Love Me Tender
Rounding out the top three is Love Me Tender, priced at 16/1 with many bookies. While not the favourite, Love Me Tender’s presence in the early ante-post lists reflects solid backing from connections, and he is seen as a horse that could thrive in the big-race environment. If he strengthens his form over the coming months — particularly in graded company — he could surprise on Festival day.
Outlook and Analysis
The early market for the 2026 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle suggests a wide-open contest, with no standout runaway favourite. Indeed, recent trends point to the Supreme often being won by a single-figure odds runner, and notably by a horse aged five or six.
Mydaddypaddy’s current market-leading position reflects confidence in his progress, but he will need to confirm that promise in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, Bambino Fever represents a potentially explosive up-and-coming contender, while Love Me Tender brings a mix of class and upside that could make him dangerous if he continues to improve.
As with all ante-post betting, much could change between now and March — form, fitness, and trial races will all play a part. But for now, these three are shaping up as the early protagonists in what promises to be a compelling renewal of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The depth of talent emerging across the novice hurdle division also suggests that new challengers may yet rise rapidly through the ranks, adding further intrigue. With several top yards still unveiling their strongest prospects, the landscape for the Supreme could shift dramatically, ensuring that the race remains one of the most closely watched storylines of the season.
Horse racing brings together speed, strategy, and excitement in a way like no other sport. However, beyond the thrilling spectacle of the race itself lies the fascinating world of betting, a way for fans to engage more deeply with the sport.
Jockey strategy and online casino betting tend to feel like two halves of the same puzzle in modern racing. In practice, most folks blend a sharp read of the rider with a staking plan that actually fits the tools on their phones. TipMeerkat suggests that experienced bettors look at a jockey’s recent win rate, how they click with a specific horse, and what happened last time in a similar setup.