Elliott’s special Envoi could go for Supreme

Envoi AllEn was made the new 2-1 favourite for the Sky Bet Supreme novices’ Hurdle last night after Gordon Elliott revealed he was thinking of switching him to the opening race at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

The unbeaten gelding was among the entries for Wednesday’s longer Ballymore novices’ Hurdle at yesterday’s declaration stage. That race was always his target but now the prospect of softer ground has prompted a rethink.

Speaking at a Cheltenham preview event, trainer Elliott (right) said: ‘There is every possibility i will switch him to the Supreme novices’. The amount of rain is a worry. i will walk the track on Sunday. The Ballymore is the race i have pinpointed all year but it looks like it will be softer than normal. i will do what is best for the horse.

‘Two miles is not a worry. He was close to being favourite for the Champion Hurdle, so he is not a slow horse. it’s whether he wants a slog over 2m 5f (in the Ballymore).’

Meanwhile, Altior has regained favouritism for Wednesday’s Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase for the first since he was beaten at Ascot in november. The 10-year-old, trained by nicky Henderson, is chasing his fifth Festival win, and was among the 11 runners left in the £400,000 race at the penultimate declaration. Coral have Altior as 15-8 favourite ahead of his two biggest rivals, Defi Du Seuil (2-1) and Chacun Pour Soi (9-4). Spokesman David Stevens said: ‘ The betting momentum is with Altior. He has a fantastic Festival record and a big following. He looks certain to be sent off favourite.’ Tomorrow’s imperial Cup meeting at Sandown is hanging in the balance because of rain. Today’s fixture is off, along with the card at leicester, and there is another inspection at noon today with hopes pinned on a dry Friday and Saturday.