The Importance of Patiently Waiting with Tellherthename

Tellherthename Set for Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

It’s all systems go for Tellherthename as he prepares to tackle the highly anticipated Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The five-year-old, owned by the Megson family, was initially aimed at Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle but had to change plans due to unfavorable ground conditions.

The Cheltenham Festival opener has always been a target for Tellherthename and trainer Ben Pauling. However, they decided to try their luck at Newbury first in order to take advantage of a rating of 135. Unfortunately, heavy rain in the days leading up to the race made the conditions unsuitable. This led them to make a tough decision: skip the contest and focus solely on their main objective at Prestbury Park.

“It’s ironic because we were considering whether or not to participate in such a valuable race like the Betfair Hurdle,” said Pauling. “But ultimately, competing in one of our sport’s blue riband events like the Supreme doesn’t come around very often.”

Pauling further explained that saving Tellherthename from an arduous race prior to Cheltenham was crucial. Although they had initially hoped to go via the Betfair route if everything aligned perfectly, unpredictable weather forced them into altering their plans.

Promising Festival Squad

Ben Pauling heads into this year’s Cheltenham Festival with arguably his strongest squad of novice talent to date. With three previous victories at the prestigious event, Pauling is optimistic about his chances.

One exciting prospect in his stable is Handstands, who impressed with a commanding win in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle last week. This talented horse will now aim to replicate Willoughby Court’s success in the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle.

Fiercely Proud and The Jukebox Man are also standout contenders for Pauling. Both horses have shown promise, with Fiercely Proud recently securing third place in the Challow Hurdle.

Excitement Builds

“We currently have a group of novices that are progressing exceptionally well,” said Pauling. “They possess immense talent and potential.”

The trainer expressed his satisfaction with Handstands’ recent performance and believes there is still more to come from this promising horse: “Before the Sidney Banks race, we hadn’t fully tapped into Handstands’ capabilities according to jockey Ben Jones. His victory was impressive, as he comfortably sealed the win without exerting too much effort.”

Countdown to Supreme

Tellherthename remains in top form at home as he prepares for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Trainer Ben Pauling plans to focus solely on this highly anticipated event after missing out on Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle due to unfavorable ground conditions.