I 100% think Mullins, Ruby and the yard are not even in the slightest contemplating the World Hurdle or any other race bar the CH for Faugheen. I also think they will give him plenty of leeway, after all he got beat on the Morgiana in 2015 to then bounce back at Kempton and then record a frankly phenomenal performance in the Irish Champion so a defeat shouldn't lead to any rash decisions.I think if Faugheen gets to Cheltenham he will ONLY go for the Champion Hurdle. If he does get beaten and doesn't have the speed then I suppose it becomes a bit more of a possbility but he'll be being 'aimed' at the festival, so even a defeat on return will be forgiven?
I don't think it will happen (going for the WH) - The Irish challengers looking few and far between and most being in Mullins yard, just getting Faugheen back he may have enough to go through the Irish trails unbeaten, looking like he is back. We very well may not find out until March once the race has run...BUT I could see it happening if his runs don't go as expected.
I'll remain extremely sceptical that all 3 aspects (he returns, ability, speed) come good for the horse, I very much hope i'm proved wrong though.
Saying that, Faugheen was at the Curragh today, and in fairness he does looks in good shape...
Faugheen on his toes as he parades before the crowd at @IrishChampsWknd pic.twitter.com/a9DGtLmSzE
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 10, 2017
Also a brief interview with Ruby on Faugheen (and Douvan)
.@Ruby_Walsh spoke to us earlier and gave a positive update on Douvan and Faugheen who will both be making a comeback this season. pic.twitter.com/ObEHgAxN9s
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) September 9, 2017