Cheltenham Festival: Supreme still ‘most likely’ option for Talk The Talk

A tilt at the Skybet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle remains the “most likely” Cheltenham Festival target for Talk The Talk.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained five-year-old would almost certainly be four from four over obstacles but for a final-flight exit at Leopardstown over Christmas, since when he has struck Grade One gold at the Dublin Racing Festival.

While connections have been keen to leave all options open, the Supreme was identified as the preferred option some time ago, although Talk The Talk has been challenging for favouritism for the longer Turners’ Novices’ Hurdle after market support over the weekend, suggesting a step up in trip could be in the offing.

However, speaking to the Press Association on Monday morning, O’Brien said: “There’s been no change or update on the situation. I think the Supreme is the most likely race for him, we’re going to keep our options open up until the last minute as we have said we would.

“His preparation has gone well and we’re looking forward to Cheltenham with him.”

The Owning Hill handler also provided an update on stable stalwart Banbridge, who was last seen finishing a nose second to The Jukebox Man in his bid for back-to-back victories in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

The 10-year-old has disappointed at the Festival in each of the past two seasons, finishing ninth as a leading fancy for the 2024 Ryanair Chase and seventh in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

O’Brien has previously suggested Banbridge could wait for Aintree this time around, but he could yet be part of his Cheltenham-bound squad.

“He’ll be left in and it does like the forecast is drying up in fairness,” O’Brien added.

“He’ll be left in both races and then we’ll have a discussion with Ronnie (Bartlett, owner) closer to the time.

“I suppose the Ryanair would be more likely than the Gold Cup, but it’s probably wrong to even say that because we’ll have to see what way the forecast is looking and all that sort of stuff as well.

“We’ll leave options open and make our decisions late.”