High Bridge secures Supreme ticket with Newbury success

High Bridge booked his ticket to next month's Cheltenham Festival with an impressive display in the Read Paul Nicholls Exclusively At Betfair Novices' Hurdle at Newbury.Always kept front rank by Alex Ferguson in the extended two-mile prize, the even money shot pulled clear over the final flight to fend off the staying-on Azzerti by two and a quarter lengths to maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles.Following the race, the winner was cut from 20-1 into 14-1 for the Supreme by Paddy Power, while William Hill trimmed him from 25-1 into 20-1 for the same raceWinning trainer Ben Pauling said: "He quickened very nicely off terrible ground, but he has got plenty toe as he is out of a Guineas winner (Ameerat)."I think a true run two miles might suit him very well. You only change plans for a reason and I don't see any need to do so."I think it would be quite brave to go into the unknown over two and a half. I think the Supreme is a bit more open as the Neptune looks quite hot."