Darlan set Supreme challenge

Ante-post favourite Darlan heads 33 horses confirmed for Tuesday’s William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the opening event of the Cheltenham Festival 2012.

Nicky Henderson’s charge was last seen when crashing out in the rescheduled Betfair Hurdle at Newbury but his departure at the penultimate obstacle has hardly dented punters’ confidence. He is one of four left in the two-mile heat by the Seven Barrows handler, with Ericht, Molotof and Tetlami also standing their ground, though Simonsig has been taken out in preference of the Neptune Investment Novices’ Hurdle on the Wednesday.

Jessica Harrington’s Steps To Freedom also features among the acceptors, along with six from Willie Mullins’ yard, headed by Sous Les Cieux and Midnight Game.

The Tom Taaffe-trained Distant Memories would be another interesting contender for the Irish team.

Paul Nicholls’ Prospect Wells features among the home defence, with the Ditcheat handler also leaving the four-year-old Hinterland in the race.

Other leading hopes include the Dermot Weld-trained Galileo’s Choice, Donald McCain’s Cinders And Ashes and the Alan King-trained Montbazon.