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2013 Champion Hurdle

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  • #31
    I think zarkandar has run best trial of all but will be clearer after next race at Leopardstown

    Comment


    • #32
      Entries tomorrow I think

      Comment


      • #33
        Originally posted by Sefton View Post
        Entries tomorrow I think
        Defending champion Rock On Ruby (10/1 with the sponsor) is one of four previous winners among 34 entries for this year’s Grade One Stan James Champion Hurdle, the feature race on day one of The Festival, Champion Day, Tuesday, March 12. The race is worth a record £400,000. Harry Fry’s stable star scored by three and three quarter lengths in last season’s Stan James Champion Hurdle, when trained by Paul Nicholls, and made an encouraging return for his new handler when chasing home Zarkandar (7/1) and Grandouet (7/1) in the Grade Two StanJames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December.

        Fry said: “Rock On Ruby is still very much on course for the Stan James Champion Hurdle. “He is all set for a prep run at either Sandown on February 2 (Contenders Hurdle) or at Wincanton on February 16 (Kingwell Hurdle), weather permitting, as I’m not sure what the winter is going to bring next. He is not going to run on heavy ground between now and Cheltenham. If the round is decent, he will have a prep run but if not, he will have a racecourse gallop instead. “He is in great form at the moment and his run in the International has brought him on a ton - I am very pleased with him. Noel (Fehily) felt he was on the winner the whole way at Cheltenham. He travelled like the best horse in the race but the lack of a recent run at that level in those conditions counted against him turning in and over the last. “I think he will have had to have improved since last year’s Champion Hurdle to win this year’s
        race but he has improved and is much bigger and stronger. My assistant Ciara O’Connor, who rides Rock On Ruby everyday, has been saying that all season and Noel felt exactly the same after the run in December.”

        Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson has annexed five Stan James Champion Hurdles - the most of any current trainer - and he holds a formidable hand with eight entries consisting of two Stan James Champion Hurdle heroes in 2010 victor Binocular (25/1) and 2009 hero Punjabi (40/1), as well as Grade One scorers Darlan (4/1), Oscar Whisky (16/1), Khyber Kim (100/1), Cash And Go (50/1) and Grandouet, plus General Miller (66/1). Stan James make Henderson a 7/4 chance to train this year’s winner.

        Nicholls, the seven-time champion trainer, is responsible for 2011 JCB Triumph Hurdle victor Zarkandar and lightly-raced five-year-old Pearl Swan (50/1), while Donald McCain’s possible representatives include last year’s runner-up Overturn (66/1), Peddlers Cross (40/1) and 2012 William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle scorer Cinders And Ashes (18/1).

        The 10 potential Irish challengers are led by 13-time Grade One winner Hurricane Fly, trained by Irish champion Willie Mullins, who enjoyed victory over Peddlers Cross in the 2011 Stan James Champion Hurdle but could only finish third when odds-on favourite last year. He is the 7/2 market leader with Stan James following three wins from three starts since.

        Comment


        • #34
          With the past four winners all entered, the 2013 renewal of the Stan James, which has record prize of £400,000, promises to be a cracker with 34 initial entries. Nicky Henderson has won the Smurfit Champion Hurdle on a joint-record five occasions and he is the trainer with the largest number of entries, eight in total. These include the 2009 hero Punjabi and Binocular, victorious in 2010.
          The strong representation from Seven Barrows also includes recent Grade One Christmas Hurdle victor Darlan, Grandouet, successful in the Grade Two StanJames.com International at Cheltenham in 2011, the 2010 Stan James Champion Hurdle runner-up Khyber Kim, the 2011 third Oscar Whisky as well as General Miller and Cash And Go.

          Last year Rock On Ruby provided champion trainer Paul Nicholls with a first Stan James Champion Hurdle success. The eight-year-old is now in the care of Nicholls’ former assistant Harry Fry. Nicholls himself has two possible representatives this year in the shape of
          Zarkandar, the 2011 JCB Triumph Hurdle victor who got the better of Grandouet and Rock On Ruby when taking the Grade Two StanJames.com International at Cheltenham in December and also Pearl Swan, a high-class juvenile last season.

          A typically strong Irish challenge of 10 entries is headed by the 2011 Stan James Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly, one of four possible starters for Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins along with Midnight Game, Thousand Stars and Zaidpour.

          Also among the Irish-trained entries are Cause Of Causes, winner of the competitive Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot in December and Rebel Fitz, star of Michael Winters’ yard and triumphant in the Galway Hurdle last summer. Trifolium, Hisaabaat, Steps To Freedom and King Of Queens complete the Irish-trained entry.

          Donald McCain is triple-handed with three entries including the two latest runners-up in the Stan James Champion Hurdle, Peddlers Cross (second in 2011) and Overturn (second in 2012). Overturn looks more likely to head to the Racing Post Arkle Chase at The Festival this year but Peddlers Cross is set to revert to hurdling after a disappointing campaign over fences last season.
          Last season’s williamhill.com Supreme Novices’ Hurdle scorer Cinders And Ashes completes the McCain trio.

          Another trainer with three entries is Alan King, who is responsible for Balder Succes, Grumeti and Raya Star, who chased home Darlan at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle.

          The last horse to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle and go on to win the Stan James Champion Hurdle the following season was Katchit in 2007 and 2008. Countrywide Flame, the 2012 JCB Triumph winner, could bid to emulate that feat this season. The five-year-old landed the Grade One StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on December 1 but ran a disappointing race last time out behind Darlan at Kempton.

          Completing the entries are Flying Cross, Cotton Mill, Ransom Note, Sadler’s Risk and Tango De Juilley.

          Comment


          • #35
            My take on sporting life review

            BALDER SUCCES (Alan King) - Promising juvenile last season who was twice a wide-margin winner at Ascot before he fell in the Triumph. Tailed off in the Ladbroke last time with the heavy ground not an obvious excuse and plenty to prove at this level.

            Agreed.

            GRUMETI (Alan King) - One of the top juveniles from last season who was third in the Triumph Hurdle before reversing the form with winner Countrywide Flame at Aintree. Improved on the Flat in the summer but not seen over hurdles this campaign.

            Not for me.

            RAYA STAR (Alan King) - Seconds to Oscar Whisky and Darlan in the heavy ground this winter represent career-best form but well beaten in the County Hurdle at last year's Festival and looks just short of top class.

            Agreed.

            TRIFOLIUM (Charles Byrnes) - Just a neck behind Darlan in last year's Supreme Novices' when third but disappointingly well beaten on two starts in heavy ground, that should suit, this campaign.

            Handicapper ?

            HISAABAAT (Dermot Weld) - Runner-up to Countrywide Flame in last year's Triumph when finishing just in front of Grumeti and followed up that performance with Grade One win a Punchestown. Well beaten by novices Jezki and Cause Of Causes this season though.

            Weld cant train for Cheltenham

            FLYING CROSS (David Pipe) - Third in the 2010 Irish St Leger when trained by Aidan O'Brien and twice ran for John Gosden with little success last summer. Intriguing recruit to hurdles but yet to jump one in public and will be interesting to see how he gets on when making his debut for David Pipe

            Neptune horse.

            CINDERS AND ASHES (Donald McCain) - 2012 Supreme Novices' winner but well beaten by Countrywide Flame on reappearance in Fighting Fifth and then by Darlan who reversed Supreme form in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Something to prove now.

            Not written off.


            OVERTURN (Donald McCain) - Last year's runner-up loves whatever task you throw in front of him but that seems to be very much novice chases at the moment and he's likely to be lining up in the Arkle.

            Non runner

            PEDDLERS CROSS (Donald McCain) - Was unbeaten in first eight starts and met with first defeat when runner-up to Hurricane Fly in 2011 Champion Hurdle. Looked good in first couple of novice chases but things went wrong when he was put in his place by Sprinter Sacre at Kempton and then ran no sort of race in the Jewson. Plenty to prove now going back over hurdles but an interesting entry with his seasonal reappearance looming large.

            Gone ?

            CLARET CLOAK (Emma Lavelle) - Won a couple of minor novice hurdles last spring and then put up good performance in Ascot handicap behind Raya Star in November, but has stones to find to be a player here.

            WTF ?

            CAUSE OF CAUSES (Gordon Elliott) - Improving hurdler for Gordon Elliott who won the Ladbroke very easily at Ascot before beating Willie Mullins' well-touted Midnight Game in three-runner contest at Navan recently. Set to run in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and more likely to go for the Supreme than this race.

            Nice horse but year early

            ROCK ON RUBY (Harry Fry) - The reigning champion having dropped in trip last season to maximum effect in running away with Tuesday's Festival highlight by almost four lengths. No match for Oscar Whisky back up to 2m4f at Aintree but better than the bare result on his seasonal reappearance behind Zarkandar and Grandouet in the International. A player again.

            Back to back winners arent uncommon. Value.

            COTTON MILL (John Ferguson) - Probably would've been runner-up to Simonsig had he not unseated Denis O'Regan in the Neptune and stepped up in trip to three miles when third to Lovcen at Aintree. A possible for the Betfair Hurdle which would be a good gauge for his prospects back at two miles.

            Not for me.

            COUNTRYWIDE FLAME (John Quinn) - Last year's Triumph Hurdle winner who was no match for Grumeti the following month at Aintree. Improved on the Flat and was second in the Cesarewitch, that race fitness possibly a factor when he won the Fighting Fifth from Cinders And Ashes. Well beaten by Darlan when sent off favourite for the Christmas Hurdle last time.

            Ditto.

            REBEL FITZ (Michael Winters) - Beat Cause Of Causes to the Galway Hurdle in August and won again that month in minor contest. Seen once since, when beaten by Captain Cee Bee at Tipperary in October.

            Dark Horse and Ew chances.

            STEPS TO FREEDOM (Jessica Harrington) - Well beaten in last season' Supreme Novices' when well fancied and had a busy summer on the level. Not been seen this National Hunt season.

            Nope.

            BINOCULAR (Nicky Henderson) - 2010 champion who hasn't been straightforward to train, missing the 2011 renewal, and hasn't been seen since finishing fourth to Rock On Ruby last year. Set to make his reappearance in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the end of January.

            Too old now but should have won 3

            CASH AND GO (Nicky Henderson) - Good novice in Ireland for Edward O'Grady and was well backed when runner-up to Olofi in Racing Post Hurdle at Cheltenham on his stable debut in November. Fell in the Ladbroke last time and needs to improve plenty to have a say at this level.

            County ?

            DARLAN (Nicky Henderson) Fell when going well in last year's Betfair Hurdle and followed that up with excellent second to Cinders And Ashes in the Supreme. Looked very good at Aintree the following month and confirmed that impression when sprinting away with the Christmas Hurdle in ground that wasn't sure to suit. Huge chance.

            Like him.

            GENERAL MILLER (Nicky Henderson) - Last seen when second to Overturn in the 2011 Scottish Champion Hurdle and has loads to find on the ratings as well as long absence to overcome.



            GRANDOUET (Nicky Henderson) - Easy winner of the 2011 International at Cheltenham from Overturn but off with injury since then until returning in same race when second to Zarkandar last month. That was a hugely encouraging effort considering his lay-off, shaping like the likely winner for much of the contest and arguably the one to take out of the race. Big player.

            Not sure prefer ROR and Zakandar.

            KHYBER KIM (Nicky Henderson) - Back with Nicky Henderson after a largely successful spell at Nigel Twiston-Davies', the highlight his 2010 Aintree Hurdle win that followed on from a fine second to Binocular in the Champion Hurdle. Not seen since heavy defeat to Big Buck's in 2011 Liverpool Hurdle.

            ?

            OSCAR WHISKY (Nicky Henderson) - Extremely talented hurdler with great strike-rate of 13 wins from 17 starts. Two-and-a-half miles is his optimum trip but capable of landing a blow over a strongly-run two and was third in this race behind Hurricane Fly in 2011. The vibes, though, are that he'll be running over three miles in the World Hurdle again this year.

            Soft ground winner.

            PUNJABI (Nicky Henderson) - 2009 winner who has been lightly-raced since. Ninth when trying to retain his title in 2010 and out just twice since then, including when well beaten in the Christmas Hurdle by stablemate Darlan on return from long absence last time.

            145 now - handicap surely ?

            RANSOM NOTE (Nigel Twiston-Davies) - Rated as high as 117 on the Flat but jumped poorly when seventh of nine on hurdles debut at Kempton in November.

            Place chance ?

            PEARL SWAN (Paul Nicholls) - Lost the race in the stewards' room after edging a Triumph Hurdle trial with Grumeti last season and then fell in the main event at the Festival. Not seen since but the subject of good reports from trainer Paul Nicholls recently.

            No.

            ZARKANDAR (Paul Nicholls) Stayed on strongly to take fifth in this race last season and then fell when close up in the Aintree Hurdle next time. Impressive weight-carrying performance at Wincanton on reappearance and followed that up with a win in the International when race fitness proved key in his success over Grandouet and Rock On Ruby.

            Yes.


            SADLER'S RISK (Philip Hobbs) - Sixth in the Triumph and then well-beaten third behind Grumeti at Aintree last campaign. Not seen as yet this season.

            talking horse last year.?

            KING OF QUEENS (Thomas Mullins) - Won handicap hurdle off a mark of 126 at Fairyhouse in December which could be three stone off the required standard.

            laughs

            TANGO DE JUILLEY (Venetia Williams) - 12 lengths off Pearl Swan and Grumeti in Triumph Hurdle trial at Cheltenham in January 2012 and that was the last time we saw him.


            why ?

            HURRICANE FLY (Willie Mullins) - Beat Peddlers Cross to the 2011 Champion Hurdle and met with just one defeat in six starts since then - in last year's race when third behind Rock On Ruby and Overturn. Looked as good as ever on latest start at Leopardstown and deserves to be among the favourites.

            Thy dont win it back.

            MIDNIGHT GAME (Willie Mullins) - Well beaten in 15th in last year's Supreme Novices'. Almost won his third race from three starts this season but was nailed on line by Cause Of Causes at Navan. Plenty to find.

            no.

            THOUSAND STARS (Willie Mullins) - Excelled over three miles in recent times and was a well beaten third to stablemate Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown last time. Fourth in 2011 renewal.

            Wont run ?

            ZAIDPOUR (Willie Mullins) - Well beaten in eighth in last year's renewal and another Mullins hope who has done most of his running over three miles recently. Surprising if he had the pace.

            Agreed.

            Comment


            • #36
              Rebel Fitz 40/1

              Rebel Fitz (40/1) would have been an easier winner of the Galway Hurdle off an Irish mark of 145 but for Davy Russell prematurely easing up and 2nd Cause of Causes has since bolted up in the Ladbroke off 11lb higher. Whilst it was disappointing that he was beaten at 4/6 by veteran Captain Cee Bee in a Grade 2 at Tipperary, he’s been beaten in all 4 races where the ground has had heavy in the description and is 9 from 11 when it hasn’t. He was given a break afterwards and Mick Winters is deciding whether to keep him hurdling for a spring campaign or go chasing. It’s worth keeping an eye out for plans as he’d be an interesting dark horse.

              Comment


              • #37
                Two tips from Timeform

                Champion Hurdle: Zarkandar to Rock Cheltenham

                Never mind the highlight of the opening day, the Champion Hurdle is often the most eagerly anticipated contest of the entire Cheltenham Festival. Timeform's Matt Gardner is on hand to take an ante-post look at the two mile event...

                Champion Hurdle fields often feature a small number of realistic pretenders to the crown, a clutch of horses that you can sort of see running well without winning and then a few that really deserve no place in the line-up. It's almost certain that a few of the latter mentioned scoundrels will take their chance once more but this year, at this stage at least, there are nine or ten that it is not just feasible to see winning but that many will argue their claims until they are blue in the face.*

                With not a great deal to separate them on Timeform master ratings it is probably best to deal with them in market order, so we shall therefore kick off with 2011 hero Hurricane Fly. The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old produced one of the best performances since the days of Istabraq when beating Peddlers Cross that year, his electric turn of foot decisive in a race that wasn't as strongly run as had been anticipated, though the manner of his victory meant that he'd have surely won no matter how the race had been run.*

                A routine victory at Punchestown two months later capped a fine season but Hurricane Fly was not to be seen again until January of 2012, where he put to bed many doubts surrounding his well-being with a fine display, ensuring that he was sent off a warm favourite at the Festival. He could not follow the script there however and it was clear that his fragility had resurfaced as he came under pressure before the penultimate flight, staying at the last but ultimately unable to get on terms. The winning thread was regained at Punchestown but it was no more than a workmanlike performance, unable to put much distance between himself and Zaidpour, and although he has returned with a brace of trademark victories this season his aura of invincibility has been lost and doubts have to remain as to whether he'll even make it to Cheltenham having missed two Festivals in the past.*

                Hurricane Fly currently trades at 4.6 but I'd be much happier taking that price, or slightly shorter, about him on the day in the knowledge that he has arrived at the track safe and sound so, from an ante-post perspective, he will not be the recommendation.*

                The Nicky Henderson-trained Darlan was highlighted in the 2012/13 Jumps Horses to Follow publication as being a good bet for the Champion Hurdle at 14/1 and were that price still available I would stop writing now and tell you all to get on, however he presently trades at 5.3. Why the dramatic cut in price I hear you ask? Well, wind your video recorders back to Boxing Day and have another watch of Kempton's Christmas Hurdle, as the six-year-old was mightily impressive in thrashing his six rivals, taking a strong hold off a steady pace but quickening smartly upon entering the straight and having the race won from that point.*

                Darlan is clearly a leading player for this, given that he remains open to improvement, and he is certainly one to keep on side but, having said that, his current price is probably about right and when looking ante-post we are hoping for a little bit of value so, whilst it is hard to knock his claims, we shall leave him to one side for now.*

                Another who's claims are difficult to ignore, but will not be the selection, is Grandouet again purely from a price perspective. The six-year-old had achieved much more in terms of style than substance until beating Overturn in last season's Bula Hurdle, which represented his first real test outside of his own age group. Things could hardly have gone more smoothly that day, challenging on the bridle before quickening to assert once shaken up by Barry Geraghty, but what did not go quite so smoothly was the remainder of his season with a setback ruling him out entirely.*

                An excellent reappearance at Cheltenham in December, when splitting Zarkandar and Rock On Ruby, put him right back in the mix for top honours this season as he produced a career-best and actually came out marginally best at the weights as he attempted to concede 4 lb to the winner, but what is up for debate is whether he deserves to be a point shorter than Zarkandar and more than two points shorter than Rock On Ruby. Fine margins I know, but they can make a difference and it is for that reason that we now move on.*

                Let us now deal with Zarkandar and Rock On Ruby, starting with the latter who became Paul Nicholls' first Champion Hurdle winner when triumphing last season; of course the eight-year-old was most likely already in the care of current trainer Harry Fry, who set up on his own this term, but P Nicholls goes into the record books nonetheless. That was an above-average renewal of the Champion Hurdle, despite Hurricane Fly failing to meet expectations, with Rock On Ruby's performance being the second best in the last ten years. He can be forgiven a below-par effort in defeat at Aintree, most likely over the top following his exertions, and there was plenty of encouragement to glean from his reappearance, matching the first two for most of the way before simply shaping as if in need of the run.

                Rock On Ruby did enough to suggest that he retains all of his ability and could be worth backing at 11.0 now as, were he to produce a smooth success in his next reported target, the Contenders Hurdle at Sandown, he will not be that sort of price come March.*

                There is an interesting point to note from Zarkandar's two runs this season, which is that connections seem intent upon employing more prominent tactics than before which could just prove to be the making of the six-year-old. His success in last season's Betfair Hurdle was all due to his excellent response to pressure, enabling him to overcome being outpaced, but he could not repeat the feat having being tapped for toe coming down the hill. The suspicion was that he may need further at the very highest level but he travelled like an improved horse on his reappearance at Wincanton, moving smoothly and quickening well, and the differing tactics again suited him well when winning at Cheltenham last time.*

                It has to be said that it was a good opportunity that day, receiving 4 lb from his two main rivals and holding a fitness advantage having already had a run, but there is no doubt that Zarkandar is a live Champion Hurdle contender, not least because after just eight starts over timber he remains with the potential to achieve more.*

                Having dealt with the main candidates it would be unfair were we not to have a quick spin through those that could also feature. Cinders And Ashes and Countrywide Flame are both just setting out upon their hurdling careers really but need to pull out a fair bit more to get amongst the principals, whilst Grumeti has not been seen since winning at Aintree last April and, although trainer Alan King is hopeful of having him ready for the Festival, he cannot be supported at this stage.*

                As if Nicky Henderson didn't have enough strings to his bow already he could also run Binocular, another yet to be seen this season but who could take on Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion Hurdle, and Oscar Whisky, who would make plenty of appeal were he to line up but both trainer and owner seem determined not to run him at two miles ever again. Please Nicky and Dai let him take his chance, he could surprise you.*

                Were all of those mentioned above to turn up at the top of their games this could easily be the race of the entire Festival, with a great deal of talent and as yet untapped potential on offer. Hurricane Fly is still the one to beat but he no longer holds sway over the division like he once did so it is best to look elsewhere, with Grandouet and Darlan also left out from a price standpoint. The two best options at this stage are Zarkandar and Rock On Ruby, one with the potential to do better still and one the defending champion yet both trading at 8/1 or above, prices which go a long way to stirring the interest of the ante-post punter.*

                Recommendations
                Back Zarkandar @ 9.8
                Back Rock On Ruby @ 11.0

                Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.

                Click Here to Open a Betfair Account
                Last edited by Lester; 21 January 2013, 12:02 PM.

                Comment


                • #38
                  Cotton Mill pricewised at 33s

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Originally posted by JohnC View Post
                    Rebel Fitz 40/1

                    Rebel Fitz (40/1) would have been an easier winner of the Galway Hurdle off an Irish mark of 145 but for Davy Russell prematurely easing up and 2nd Cause of Causes has since bolted up in the Ladbroke off 11lb higher. Whilst it was disappointing that he was beaten at 4/6 by veteran Captain Cee Bee in a Grade 2 at Tipperary, he’s been beaten in all 4 races where the ground has had heavy in the description and is 9 from 11 when it hasn’t. He was given a break afterwards and Mick Winters is deciding whether to keep him hurdling for a spring campaign or go chasing. It’s worth keeping an eye out for plans as he’d be an interesting dark horse.
                    Rebel Fitz could run in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran next month before a possible assault at the Stan James Champion Hurdle.
                    Last year's Galway Hurdle winner was defeated as the odds-on favourite in a Grade Two at Tipperary in October, but remains in contention for the Cheltenham Festival.

                    "He is in great form and has been swanning around the place," said trainer Michael Winters.

                    "In a fortnight's time there's the race at Gowran Park and we are thinking of going there.

                    "We'll also probably give him an entry at the next stage (of the Champion Hurdle)."

                    *

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Can't believe the ranting about the binocular ride at Leopardstown. It was better than the one he got in the champion last year FFS.

                      Who will ride him in Champion Hurdle though ...AP on Darlan.

                      Geraghty on Grandouet.

                      Carberry might be available ? Would love to see that tbh ...

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        Originally posted by Rhinestone Cowboy View Post
                        Can't believe the ranting about the binocular ride at Leopardstown. It was better than the one he got in the champion last year FFS.

                        Who will ride him in Champion Hurdle though ...AP on Darlan.

                        Geraghty on Grandouet.

                        Carberry might be available ? Would love to see that tbh ...
                        Don't think Meade has anything ...rode Bellvano for same connections last year so probably the one if Hendersons other two make it there.

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          Skybet now NRNB on this race

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            Boyle Sports also NRNB on the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              My first post on here. Hi All... I hope I don't upset too many when I say I can't be having Darlan for the Champion Hurdle at all.

                              He was very impressive on his reappearance but the race was a long way off what it takes to win a Champion Hurdle.

                              Cinders and Ashes for some reason hasn't raised a gallop this season and did no better at Kempton than he did at Newcastle. He could bounce back and be a danger to all but he wouldn't have won a bad handicap that day. Counytrside Flame absolutely hated the ground and never raised a gallop and the pace was so slow he wouldn't have won anyway.

                              It didn't leave much for Darlan to beat. Raya Star was coming off a defeat by Oscar Whisky who had given him weight and left him 8 lengths in his wake. His trainer stated he thought turning for home he'd be lucky to finish 5th but the rest stopped so quickkly he ended up second. Back in 3rd we have Dodging Bullets a novice. So Darlan beat a handicapper and a novice and gets a 15 lbs hike form the BHA and is made 2nd fav for the Champion Hurdle. Funny thing is OW only went up 2lbs for beating Raya Star further. Could it be those Green and Gold Colours influenced the handicapper and the bookies?

                              The next thing we know is AP saying he's not sure which he'll ride. He never said it to put people away as the price had already gone on Darlan the man seems serious about not making his mind up until nearer the time.

                              We may not need to wait that long as he is due to clash with Rock On Ruby on Monday. Nicky Henderson doesn't seem to be too concerned about whether Darlan might have a hard race or not. He, like AP, wants to know the time of day with the horse as he wasn't expecting him to win like he did at Kempton and must wonder just how good a performance it really was.

                              In the meantime Grandouet is lurking in the shadows waiting for the right opportunity the target being to give him as easy a race as possible. If Zarkandar should turn up at Wincanton I think we'll find he wont and will head of to Scotland for te Morebattle.

                              No doubt in my mind who the real star of the hurdling ranks is and it's not Darlan IMO. He'll have to kick Rock on Ruby into touch before I'll be convinced he worthy of a 4/1 price. My worry with him is he looked good in the Betfair before falling but they went no pace that day. Not as bad as Kempton but not what you would expect in such a competitive handicap. However when he ran at Cheltenham in the Supreme the increase in pace at the top of the hill had him all at sea. He never looked like winning and Cinders and Ashes but for two really bad errors would have beaten him out of sight....he did enough as it was making him look pretty ordinary by championship standards.

                              Any horse can improve past another in a year but I just feel Darlan has an awful lot to prove whereas Grandouet has it all. Grandouet has the highest cruising speed of all the contenders, we know he can get up the hill and he oozes class. At Champion Hurdle pace he might not find as much as he did when hammering Overturn but the fact he's older and considerably stronger I'd expect him to handle that side of things with ease. He was getting weight from Overturn but I doubt it made any difference.

                              Rock on Ruby winning last year had everyone thinking fluke. Hurricane Fly wasn't right Binocular and him got bad rides. He's left PN etc.

                              Well PN apparently never trained him in the first place and he might just be capable of doing it again. I really don't know what to think maybe Monday will enlighten us.

                              Something definitely wasn't right with Hurricane Fly. WM was in a panic before he ran in Ireland saying he felt he wasn't himself and the horse drifted like a barge. He's looked brilliant this season WM says he 's very happy with him but against that he's a year older and this is a far better contest than the race he won 2 seasons' back. I was never convinced that Peddlers Cross would be as good over 2 miles as he was at 2m5f and he lacked the speed to win a Champion Hurdle. I backed the Fly and was delighted he won it but I can't see him winning it again. The bookies have got him at silly odds now after he beat his own stable companion and Binocular who wasn't off a yard.

                              Zarkandar looks to have improved but he lacks mid race pace to win a Champion Hurdle. He made the running in the International for that very reason and Ruby gave him a peach of a ride. If he tries those tactics at Cheltenham again something is sure to take him on plus it won't change the fact that when they quicken at the top of the hill he will struggle. Whoever rides him will have to be on top of him from 3 out and not let them get away if he can do that he can finish with fair rattle and has the stamina but I think it's too good a race to be risking betting him.

                              I'm pretty much sold on Grandouet but wouldn't like to be in front of Rock on Ruby before the last as he is one tough cookie.. Hurricane Fly should get closer than last year but there are some really fast hurdler here who could take the sting out of his tail again. If there's going to be a turn up as much as I like to say it will be Coutryside Flame I think it's more likely to be Cinders and Ashes who was very impressive when winning he Supreme. My old pal Binocular? Surely not!!!

                              Grandouet. Main danger Rock on Ruby
                              Last edited by The Judge; 2 February 2013, 10:25 AM.

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                              • #45
                                Great post ! ^

                                The Fly might win but couldnt have him on my conscience at that price. Binocular should have two if not three champion hurdles at this stage but it was disappointing that he couldnt get past an under par Hurricane Fly last year. His best days are surely behind him.

                                TBH would rather wait to see what ground is like before trying to split the rest of them. There was a lot to like about the way Zarkandar pulled out more in December but others could do him for toe if it is not too testing.

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