• HELP US - Become a Patron - Fat Jockey is a horse racing community focused on all the big races in the UK and Ireland. We don't charge users but if you have found the site useful then any support towards the running costs is appreciated ... a small donation each month would be a huge contribution. Become a Patron!

Champion Hurdle 2018

I wouldn't back Faugheen for the CH until they were on their way down to the start for the Morgiana but, if he wins at Punchestown I think he'll be favourite for Cheltenham by the time he gets back to his stable.
 
Istabraq said:
Does anyone see Jenkins targeting this race ?
Click to expand...

I contacted Nicky Henderson through Twitter the other day to see if he was running at the weekend, or they were holding him back for the Greatwood. He basically said they hadn't decided yet and a lot would depend on the ground. I'm hoping he isn't declared for Saturday so I can back him ante post for the Greatwood.

I couldn't consider him for the Champion Hurdle at this stage though.
 
Strangely, Melon has been put out to 25/1 with PP & Betfair this evening.

Edit: What a doughnut, was looking at the Arkle market :sleeping:
 
ComplyOrDie said:
Strangely, Melon has been put out to 25/1 with PP & Betfair this evening.

Edit: What a doughnut, was looking at the Arkle market :sleeping:
Click to expand...

I did the exact same thing earlier. I even loaded him into the bet slip before I realised.
 
Kevloaf said:
I could see no possible way Faugheen wouldn't be favourite if he turned up on the day.

IF he turns up, he'll have had to have proven a level of ability that means they believed he'd have a fighting chance and even if he shouldn't be fav, the money would just keep coming?

No possible way might be a bit strong.... but that is my line of thinking.

I think BvD was more decisive than they'd anticipated but I think Hendo is just saying they'd have had a crack at Faugheen anyway, and him not running made it easier...?
Click to expand...
I agree I think if the machine makes it to festival it goes off Fav as people will just keep backing as will want to say they were on if wins. Would love to see old sparkle back
 
Scooby91 said:
Someone does as I seen he was blue on the exchange, not sure anyone would admit it though lol.
Click to expand...

Haha this! Sorry, but I was never in the Jenkins camp, I still don't see the appeal if I am being perfectly honest.

'IF' he even placed, let alone wins, in this race I would have to class it as the weakest Champion Hurdle ever!

Handicap horse at best for me.
 
Melon declared to run at Down Royal tomorrow. Presumably an indication that Faugheen is still on track for the Morgiana.
 
archie said:
Melon declared to run at Down Royal tomorrow. Presumably an indication that Faugheen is still on track for the Morgiana.
Click to expand...

Super excited to see both running this season :)
 
A fair test for melon tomorrow if mick jazz is fit enough to do himself justice, i believe hes better than his rating, I fancied him for the county hurdle last year after he beat cilaos emery
 
Scooby91 said:
A fair test for melon tomorrow if mick jazz is fit enough to do himself justice, i believe hes better than his rating, I fancied him for the county hurdle last year after he beat cilaos emery
Click to expand...

Yeah I agree, and Coquin Mans looks fairly good too, also lightly raced, interesting little race it is. Any chance of Melon going over fences should he fail to win tomorrow, thoughts?
 
ComplyOrDie said:
Yeah I agree, and Coquin Mans looks fairly good too, also lightly raced, interesting little race it is. Any chance of Melon going over fences should he fail to win tomorrow, thoughts?
Click to expand...

Just gone back and looked at the Mullins stable tour on ATR.He says stays hurdling but might step up to 2.5 miles.Any thoughts?
 
If we take at face value the comments from Patrick Mullins that Melon needed the run and will come on laods for it, beating a race fit Coquin Mans pretty easily (a horse who was only been beaten once, 4L by Jezki) .... it puts Melon above plenty of the 'also rans' in the CH market?

Certainly a contender.... still 16s with WH which is a bit surprising, but fair.
 
Kevloaf said:
If we take at face value the comments from Patrick Mullins that Melon needed the run and will come on laods for it, beating a race fit Coquin Mans pretty easily (a horse who was only been beaten once, 4L by Jezki) .... it puts Melon above plenty of the 'also rans' in the CH market?

Certainly a contender.... still 16s with WH which is a bit surprising, but fair.
Click to expand...

Mick Jazz would have been there for a day out as Gordon still wants to win a big handicap with him.
 
JackieMoon33 said:
Mick Jazz would have been there for a day out as Gordon still wants to win a big handicap with him.
Click to expand...

No doubt. I don't think this form will be worth anything in time..... I'm not that keen on Coquin Mans but he's at least a yardstick. I just think if Patrick Mullins was right that he'll come on loads for the run, I think he's entitled to be a contender even this far out.

Ruby not given much away about what will happen with Melon next... that next run will be very informative , hopefully
 
Last edited:
Surprised he hasn’t been cut yet, even if you aren’t taken with the performance bookies don’t usually need an excuse.

I’ve got on again at 16/1 e/w. As long as he turns up it will be single digits, and if the machine isn’t there could be low single figures.
 
For me it would be pinning far too much hope on improvement to back Melon for this race. Looking at the bare form of his races so far he would have no chance of living with Buveur D'Air (guaranteed to line up barring injury) and/or Faugheen. There was an improvement there today, but not more than i'd be expecting to see given that we were told he had come on loads and strengthened in the summer.

I could well see the value of taking a chance at 20s/25s each way as the race may cut up a little. But i'd be shocked if he was on for anything other than a place if lining up in March.

I would love to see Sutton Place aimed at this race. I think his form over 2 miles is solid, he certainly seems to have the speed, and i thought he was a great hurdler but not a great jumper. Never going to happen i guess with JP having Buveur and Defi for the race
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom