History against McCoy in Novices’ Hurdle bid

This is a precociously-talented horse who would be the Champion Hurdle second favourite if owner JP McManus had decided to take on the likes of Hurricane Fly.

However, history is against McCoy’s mount.

No favourite has won this contest since Brave Inca in 2004 – while Nicky Henderson, who trains My Tent Or Yours, last saddled a winner of the Supreme in 1992 when Flown prevailed under Jamie Osborne.

That said, McCoy was full of confidence about his mount who routed a quality field in Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle last month.

“The ground was pretty testing at Newbury, he coped with it okay, and it’s going to be testing at Cheltenham again,” said McCoy.

“He’s got a rating of 162, I can’t remember many in the Supreme Novices’ with that high a rating. That’s not to say he’s definitely going to win, but it’s a good start.

“I’m happy riding him. The way the ground is riding might give Champagne Fever a bit more of a chance, but I’m not going to say anything negative about My Tent Or Yours.”

Twelve runners go to post after Melodic Rendevous was withdrawn following a dirty scope.

The unknown is Cheltenian who won the Bumper two years ago before suffering a succession of injuries. Second at Doncaster last month on his hurdling debut, he could run a very big race under jockey Richard Johnson and is the forgotten horse of the race.

A formidably strong Irish challenge is headed by the Jessica Harrington-trained Jezki who, like My Tent Or Yours, is owned by McManus.

Furthermore, Ireland’s champion trainer Willie Mullins is represented by Champagne Fever, last year’s Bumper hero, as well as Pique Sous and Un Atout.

While Ruby Walsh rides Champagne Fever, jockey Davy Russell was very bullish about the prospects of Un Atout, who runs in the Gigginstown Stud colours.

“I’ve been excited about him since last year,” said Russell who began his professional career with North Yorkshire trainer Ferdy Murphy.

“I was a little bit worried about his jumping the first day, that he needed to improve to be a contender as a hurdler this year, and he’s done that.

“I’m sure he can handle what ground Cheltenham create on the day. He’ll able to handle it and his jumping will be good and he’s the one to beat. He’s a chaser in the making for sure. He’s a relative of Gold Cup contender Sir Des Champs and he is what Sir Des Champs is, only better.”

High praise indeed.