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Champion Hurdle 2018

It's not Faugheens weakness that seems so robust- it's be strength behind Buveur D'air too that tells you something is up.

If I had to read this I would say Faugheen may have had a setback and would miss Christmas, without being ruled out of Cheltenham (at this point)
 
I agree with you AF. I don't think he's out for the season, but has maybe not worked as well as hoped this week, or BD has just worked the house down.

Its more than just somebody greening up for me.
 
Al Ferof said:
It's not Faugheens weakness that seems so robust- it's be strength behind Buveur D'air too that tells you something is up.

If I had to read this I would say Faugheen may have had a setback and would miss Christmas, without being ruled out of Cheltenham (at this point)
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If you genuinely think that oppose him. he's out in a few days. There would be huge value in the Ryanair hurdle market if he dosent run, easy to work out which ones will and won't run if faugheen diddnt.

Luckily it's only a few days until we see him run.
 
Ryanair Hurdle forfeits and supplementary entries tomorrow.
 
I didn't realise that The New One came out best at the weights in the International Hurdle.... I still think Melon would win in the majority of rematches but certainly not a positive on Melon's part.... unless I am still under-estimating TNO!
 
Kevloaf said:
I didn't realise that The New One came out best at the weights in the International Hurdle.... I still think Melon would win in the majority of rematches but certainly not a positive on Melon's part.... unless I am still under-estimating TNO!
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Forget The New One - he wins the Stayers hurdle:devilish:
 
Scooby91 said:
Dosent stay 3 miles.
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Probably not but he hasn't ran over 3 miles yet. A winner over 2m 4f and he'll be one of the classiest in the field. He may not stay but at the current odds I'm happy to take a chance at big odds.
 
Faugheen_Machine said:
Probably not but he hasn't ran over 3 miles yet. A winner over 2m 4f and he'll be one of the classiest in the field. He may not stay but at the current odds I'm happy to take a chance at big odds.
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Nothing wrong with taking a chance but he struggles to stay the 2m4 at Aintree in the top grade.
 
Scooby91 said:
Nothing wrong with taking a chance but he struggles to stay the 2m4 at Aintree in the top grade.
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That's very different to running against a load of plodders over three miles. His Neptune win gives me hope.
 
Faugheen_Machine said:
That's very different to running against a load of plodders over three miles. His Neptune win gives me hope.
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Fair point and will be interesting to see how he goes of a slower pace. Certainly still retains plenty of ability and enthusiasm.
 
Faugheen one of six left in the Ryanair Hurdle.
 
One horse who impressed Walsh last week was his regular partner Melon, who finished third behind My Tent Or Yours and The New One in a vintage Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham.

"I think Melon was too immature and ran out of David Mullins’ hands. He was against seasoned pros and was trying to give My Tent Or Yours 6lb," he added.

"If we could get him to switch off, then he’ll be better and that will happen with racing. If he could conserve the energy he used early in the race and have that for later in the race, I think that will bring out the improvement left in him.

"Initially, I think you’re always disappointed when you don’t win but if you look at it with the benefit of hindsight and look at the race again, I think his performance was very good.

"The whole race will have done him the world of good. He probably would have benefited with a stronger pace, but you could argue that for the horses that finished in front of him as well, so you can never really use that as an excuse.

"You look back and we were delighted with him. He’ll only improve. I don’t know exactly where he’s going to go next, but it will be onwards and upwards with him.
 
A couple of days later our flagship horse,*Faugheen, is out again in the Grade One Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown. He will seek to continue his racecourse rehabilitation and we’re just keeping everything crossed he stays sound as he looked as good as ever in the Morgiana. He’s come out of that race well and hopefully he can put up another good performance.
 
Could Faugheen "bounce" in his next race? Can remember Well Chief running really well back from injury but nothing there on its 2nd race back?
 
somer1 said:
Could Faugheen "bounce" in his next race? Can remember Well Chief running really well back from injury but nothing there on its 2nd race back?
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Certainly could somer. Saying that even if he was to bounce i'm not sure this field could take advantage though! I imagine this will be Faugheens final race before the festival so all eyes on how he performs after Buveur D'Air on Tuesday, the balls in his court now...

I find it hard to split the pair but I am leaning towards Buveur D'Air again. Barry Geraghty will ensure we do not know how much Buveur D'Air has improved until he lines up in March with the way he is riding him, barely moving a muscle much like it was hard to guage him coming into the CH last season after his Sandown race. We don't know the ceiling of this horse and it's hard to guess on the races we have seen so far. One thing for sure his jumping is such an assest and up against a horse who has had jumping issues in the past this could be where the race is won. I can't remember seeing a better jumper of a hurdle since i've been into racing.

The biggest plus point for me though is the change of attitude of Henderson and Geraghty. Coming into the season I felt slightly underwelmed by their feelings towards the horses chances this season. Altior and Might Bite seemed to be the stars and Buveur D'Air was then added in with the likes of Charli Parcs. Their seemed to be a real fear of Faugheen as well, particularly in and around Faugheen's debut. Since Newcastle though to me at least there has been a markedly increase in confidence with the horse.

Faugheen is a freak and has defied plenty in his time, from being the first point to pointer to win a champion hurdle, first to win without a run that calendar year etc. I had thought that if Faugheen were to somehow be able to match his career high mark after his injury problems there is no way Buveur D'Air could reach that level but now i'm not that sure. He may even need to improve on that once again to win in March. Cannot wait to see what he produces tomorrow!
 
The BHA rating have Faugheen 19 lbs better than Cilaos Emery, who is 2nd fav tomorrow...

Faugheen will make the running, won't need to hurdle well or come off the bridle to beat these horses. I'm so underwhelmed. Might as well be watching a racecourse gallop for all the good it'll do us!

WHile the race is on I might just imagine BVD is there..... I imagine Barry would sit in behind Faugheen, no more than 2L away (like he did against The New One) and I think he'd be able to stay with him because he will be taking 1L out of Faugheen at enough obstacles, while Faugheen bowls along infront, I don't think we'd see Barry panic. Faugheen would kick for home between 2 out and the final flight and for me that is where the race will be won or lost... if BVD doesn't get left behind, I think he'd pick him up with a slicker leap at the last...

I imagine I had more fun imagining that race than I'll have watching tomorrows "race"
 
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