Nicky Henderson newcomer bids to emulate Altior in Supreme Trial

Sunday: 3.30 Cheltenham
Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

This first step on the road to the Supreme Novices' Hurdle announced Altior on the big stage in 2015, but the subsequent winners developed into top-class handicappers rather than superstars.

I Like To Move It, For Pleasure, Hang In There, Elixir De Nutz, Slate House and Moon Racer were County Hurdle types rather than Supreme horses, and it will take a special performance to give Facile Vega anything to worry about at the festival in March.

Nonetheless, a special performance can never be ruled out at the home of British jump racing. We have a field stacked with lightly raced novices including Iberico Lord, who represents a top yard.

Four-year-old Iberico Lord debuts for Nicky Henderson after landing a bumper in France but is unable to benefit from a weight-for-age allowance against the older runners.

Springwell Bay looked a nice prospect when giving plenty of weight to a fair rival at Carlisle in October and another who catches the eye is Ukantango for Olly Murphy.

Unbeaten under rules, Ukantango made every yard in a couple of reasonable novices at Aintree and Wetherby could take some catching under Sean Bowen, although he will face competition for the lead from Irish raider She Is Electric.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

'We're throwing him in the deep end'

Nicky Henderson bids to claim this race for the first time in seven years with Iberico Lord looking to join an illustrious roll call.

The trainer's last victory was with Altior, who went on to claim 15 more Graded victories, and other winners including Cue Card and Dodging Bullets show this contest is definitely capable of throwing up future Grade 1 talent.

Altior: won this race in 2015Credit: Alan Crowhurst

While Altior had the benefit of two wins over hurdles prior to his victory, Iberico Lord faces a sterner test as he debuts over obstacles with just a sole bumper success in France to his name.

The decision to send him into Graded company on his first British start indicates Henderson thinks highly of the JP McManus four-year-old, but he admits Iberico Lord faces a tough challenge.

"He's a nice horse who won his only race in France, but he hasn't got any experience over hurdles," he said. "It's a tough place to start him in a race like this, but he's quite professional at home and we've got to start somewhere.

"It's a bit ambitious but we'll see how he gets on. We're throwing him in the deep end a bit, but he's a lovely horse."

What they say

Sam Thomas, trainer of Deere Mark
He's an exciting horse who is not overly big, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed. A strong gallop over two miles will suit him perfectly.

Shark Hanlon, trainer of Fascinating Shadow
He won on his only start over hurdles in May and the runner-up [Igraine] won next time out. We brought him to Dundalk a couple of weeks ago for a run on the Flat and I think that should put him spot on for this. We like him a lot and I think the good ground will be a big help.

John McConnell, trainer of Fennor Cross
It's a big step up from last time but we'll see how he handles it. He seemed to really enjoy this course last month and he's schooled very well during the week, so we're happy to have a crack at it.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Ukantango
He hasn't done a lot wrong but this is obviously a big step up in class. He's in good form though and we'll certainly know where we stand after this, whether we go down the Graded route or go handicapping. He'll have come on but it's a very competitive race.

Norman Lee, trainer of She Is Electric
It's not an easy task but we're hoping for a big run. She gave herself a knock when travelling over for a race at Cheltenham last month and we took no chances when taking her out. She's been perfect since and will like the trip.
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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1.55 Navan: Flooring Porter v Bob Olinger: analysis and insight for a huge Lismullen clash

2.20 Cheltenham: 'We think he's in great shape' - which chaser has his trainer purring?

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