Future stars: on the lookout for Champion Bumper and Supreme contenders

3.30 Cheltenham
Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m | 4yo+ | RUK/ITV4

Tom George had to settle for second in the Supreme trial with Summerville Boy a year ago, but that defeat was forgotten about when his star performer landed the main event at the festival.

This year the Gloucestershire trainer is represented by Seddon, who finished midfield in the Champion Bumper in March but was an impressive winner on his hurdling debut at Stratford this month.

George said: "Seddon made a nice start over hurdles at Stratford and has come out of the race in good form. He appreciated ground conditions at Stratford and the ground at Cheltenham will suit.

"He finished midfield in the Champion Bumper and that experience seemed to really help him. He learned a lot in that race."

Colin Tizzard scooped this prize with Slate House last year and with a certain Cue Card back in 2010. This year he sends Elixir De Nutz to contest the Grade 2 event.

Cue Card and Joe Tizzard jump the final flight on their way to winning at CheltenhamCredit: Edward Whitaker

The four-year-old, who was with Phillip Hobbs last season, put in a decent effort from the front when second at Cheltenham in October and is seeking a first success on British soil.

Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said: "He ran a lovely race at the first Cheltenham meeting on his first start for us. We're sure he's improved a fraction for that.

"We think he's one of our better novice hurdlers. We might ride him with a little more restraint than last time, when things maybe played into the hands of the horse who came and did him on the run-in."

The Olly Murphy-trained Itchy Feet comes here with the best form in the book, having won three times this year, and he showed a good attitude to secure a Listed event at Kempton last month.

Murphy said: "He has to carry a penalty and this is another step up in grade, but he'll love the good ground and hopefully they'll go a good clip as a fast two miles should really suit him."

The progressive Anytime Will Do is three from three since joining Dan Skelton's operation and was a convincing winner at Bangor last time.

The trainer said: "He deserves his chance after winning his first two [over hurdles]. I wanted to make sure he won two before stepping up in class to give him the experience, and the ground will be perfect for him."

Can McFabulous back up Chepstow success?

The last Paul Nicholls-trained winner of the closing Listed bumper (4.00) was subsequent Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby, which only adds to the excitement surrounding the well-touted McFabulous, who is a top price of 40-1 for the Champion Bumper after winning at Chepstow.

Paul Nicholls: represented by McFabulous in the Listed bumperCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Nicholls said: "He was impressive and still green at Chepstow. This will be a different ball game entirely but he's a nice horse."

Master Debonair, who was beaten narrowly at this venue last month, could be the biggest danger, with connections keeping one eye on the Champion Bumper.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father Colin, said: "He ran very well last time and has sharpened up a bit for it. We're going to see if he can be a Champion Bumper horse, if not we'll go hurdling.

"He's a very well-bred youngster and he has a lot of ability as well."

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