Pauling says proper gallop will suit Bridge in wide-open opener

Ben Pauling believes High Bridge has a serious shot at becoming the 2017 Cheltenham Festival's first winner.

The Newbury winner, owned by John Ferguson and to be ridden by the Godolphin chief executive's son Alex, is being aimed at the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

"He's done nothing wrong and showed a good turn of foot at Newbury on pretty awful ground," said Pauling. "He'll be much more suited by an end-to-end gallop at Cheltenham and he's got his chance.

"It's a wide-open Supreme where any one of eight or ten could win it. I don't think there's one piece of form that's terrifying anyone."

Pauling intends to be represented in the very next race with Racing Post Arkle Chase candidate A Hare Breath.

The trainer said: "My horse loves Cheltenham, loves a strong gallop and stays every yard of the two miles, so will be very suited by a fast race where he can sit off the pace and come there late."

Pauling, who trains just 17 miles from Cheltenham, also runs Willoughby Court, and added: "He's there with a right squeak. If it's on the easy side we'd look at the Neptune and if it was quicker we'd look at the Albert Bartlett, but we're leaning towards the Neptune at the moment."