Supreme Novices' Hurdle: Melodic misses Festival opener

All eyes will be on Cheltenham on Tuesday

Leading fancy My Tent Or Yours is one of 12 horses declared for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, with Melodic Rendezvous the most surprising absentee...

Melodic Rendezvous had been fancied by many to put up a bold show, particularly with conditions set to be on the testing side, but trainer Jeremy Scott reported that his charge scoped dirty and would have to miss the Festival.

My Tent Or Yours surged to the head of the ante-post market following an ultra-impressive win in the Betfair Hurdle and, as expected, Tony McCoy takes the ride. Jezki, who is also owned by JP McManus, will be partnered by Robbie Power as he attempts to maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles.

Adding further strength to the Irish challenge is Champagne Fever- the horse Ruby Walsh has elected to ride- and the unexposed Un Atout, who also represents Willie Mullins. Pique Sous, who finished third behind Champagne Fever in last year's Champion Bumper, adds further strength to the Mullins team.

Dodging Bullets is another interesting contender, along with 2011 Bumper winner Cheltenian and the Nicky Henderson-trained River Maigue. As expected, the exciting Puffin Billy has been rerouted to this race in favour of the Neptune, and will be fancied by many to bounce back from a lacklustre effort last time.

Cause of Causes, Fire King and Ostentation complete the field. 

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