Appreciate It the new Supreme favourite after bolting up for Mullins and Townend

As is always the case with Willie Mullins, the decision will be left until the last minute conceivably possible, but the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle became the likeliest of long-term targets for Appreciate It after he slammed his rivals in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

It was a performance of real class, one that earned Appreciate It what bookmaker reps like to call a slashing in the market, with his odds changed from 16-1 into a general 7-2 favourite for the Supreme.

Watch Appreciate It impress in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle

It was billed as a match between Appreciate It and Royal Bond Novice Hurdle winner Ballyadam in the betting beforehand, but the writing was on the wall when Paul Townend committed at the bypassed final hurdle and the gap grew exponentially from there.

Ireland's champion jump jockey said afterwards: "It was very straightforward. The race couldn't have worked out any better for him and he was very impressive. I suppose that will open up more doors [with regards to the trip] but he could go further."

Appreciate It runs away from the bypassed final flight and away from his rivalsCredit: Caroline Norris

Appreciate It became Mullins' fifth winner of the race in just six years and he issued a glowing report on the new Supreme favourite after the race.

Mullins said: "To put in a performance like that over two miles on just his second start over hurdles, I thought that was very impressive. I think we will go down the two-mile route with him now. That would appear the obvious thing to do."

'It is getting beyond ridiculous' – Willie Mullins hits out over omitted fences

There were nine lengths between Appreciate It and Irascible, who came through for second, while Ballyadam could only manage fourth.

A well-punted favourite for last season's Champion Bumper when second to stablemate Ferny Hollow, Appreciate It was scoring on just his second start over flights, and Mullins is predicting a bright future for the youngster.

He said: "He's not flashy. Ferny Hollow is a lot more flashy at home and on the racecourse, but this fellow is much more dour. He has a huge cruising speed and covers a lot of ground. He is able to burn horses off, which is what he did today."

Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle betting

Sky Bet: 3 Appreciate It, 11 Dusart, 14 Ballyadam, 18 My Drogo, 20s bar.

Sunday's reports and reaction:

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Members' Club: 'An each-way player at 20-1' – expert views on a wide-open Champion Chase market

Man with a plan: Dan Skelton takes another big step forward with Nube Negra

Nico de Boinville praises 'incredibly quick' Shishkin after Wayward Lad victory

Kim Bailey delighted as 'extraordinary' First Flow makes it five in a row

Mullins-trained Castlebawn West posts 'huge performance' in Paddy Power Chase

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