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2015 Champion Hurdle

Can anyone explain to me why Jezki is still avalaible at 6's with ladbrokes compared to The New One at 3's.Surely if anything these prices shud be the other way round.I think Jezki and Faugheen will battle out the finish in champion hurdle and my moneys on Jezki as the slicker jumper to prevail.

Fook knows Iain. Jezki seems to be an unfashionable horse.
 
Can anyone explain to me why Jezki is still avalaible at 6's with ladbrokes compared to The New One at 3's.Surely if anything these prices shud be the other way round.I think Jezki and Faugheen will battle out the finish in champion hurdle and my moneys on Jezki as the slicker jumper to prevail.

You will like this from @racingtrends

Our Champion Hurdle is a no bet race with little between Hurricane Fly and Jezki but it might be time to make a play in the real thing at Cheltenham. Jezki is the obvious each-way bet but also the right one and the non-runner, no-bet concession available on the Sportsbook makes the 5/1 look big. Faugheen is not a horse I'm rushing to take on after he blocked off another chink in his armour by winning well over a speed test at Kempton. He is short enough though having not achieved as much as Jezki, albeit opportunity playing its part there.

The New One, however, is worth opposing, his improvement having flat-lined and a tendency to jump right-handed becoming evident this season; given he doesn't want to be in front too soon, having a moderate hurdling technique is not ideal. Jezki is a spring horse - form figures of 183111 from March through May - and has been trained with Cheltenham in mind. In a race where there is no depth outside the front three, he should be backed.
 
You will like this from @racingtrends

Our Champion Hurdle is a no bet race with little between Hurricane Fly and Jezki but it might be time to make a play in the real thing at Cheltenham. Jezki is the obvious each-way bet but also the right one and the non-runner, no-bet concession available on the Sportsbook makes the 5/1 look big. Faugheen is not a horse I'm rushing to take on after he blocked off another chink in his armour by winning well over a speed test at Kempton. He is short enough though having not achieved as much as Jezki, albeit opportunity playing its part there.

The New One, however, is worth opposing, his improvement having flat-lined and a tendency to jump right-handed becoming evident this season; given he doesn't want to be in front too soon, having a moderate hurdling technique is not ideal. Jezki is a spring horse - form figures of 183111 from March through May - and has been trained with Cheltenham in mind. In a race where there is no depth outside the front three, he should be backed.

Sound analysis, I think a case could be made still for Hurricane Fly though, especially in the ew betting market, the introduction of a powerful front runner, if JP utilises a pacemaker, could play into his hands in the same way that the blinkers and blitz along tactics employed with Rock on Ruby did. He is 11 now so that's clearly not a positive, but he stays very well, and Sea Pigeon won the champ hurdle at the same age, given the 14/1 available, the fact that he's probably the best at the hurdles and the beating twice this season already of Jezki, he's worthy of consideration.
 
Is Figheen going to Red Mills or something in England.

What is longest break of recent winners
 
Jezki can gain revenge and deny 'The Fly' perfect 10
The prospect of drier ground and wider track might give edge to McCoy's mount

@richardforristal


Nearly seven years and 28 runs after making a successful Irish debut at Punchestown, the mighty Hurricane Fly will bid to cement his place among the pantheon of hurdling greats by securing an unprecedented fifth Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Willie Mullins' diminutive star's vulnerability at Cheltenham might have conspired to prevent him from capturing the broader public imagination in the way that Istabraq did, but there can be no denying that he is a rare talent whose ferocious will to win has emerged as his most defining trait.

It was that dogged determination that saw him memorably out-battle Jezki to plunder a 21st Grade One triumph at Christmas, and he will now touch gloves with JP McManus' latest elite two-miler for a seventh time.

The score stands four-two in favour of the 11-year-old, so it is maybe no surprise that he is odds-on to stretch his unbeaten record at the Foxrock venue to a perfect 10 in the €110,000 BHP Insurances-sponsored showpiece.

Few would begrudge Hurricane Fly sole ownership of the Irish Champion Hurdle record that he shares with Istabraq, but the reigning Cotswolds hero pushed him close last time, so this will be no formality for his nemesis.

2.45 Grade One BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle 2m

Hurricane Fly defied his advancing years with another tenacious triumph at Christmas. He is a standing dish here, though deep ground suits him best, maybe especially so at this stage of his career.

There is no doubt that he sets the standard but life won't be getting any easier for him.

Jezki is the chief threat. Plinth will set an honest gallop, and, while there is always a danger that Jezki will find himself towing Hurricane Fly into the race, the switch to the outer track here will help the younger champion, as will the prospect some decent ground.

Arctic Fire is another that would prefer a sounder surface, and he emerged with real credit when beaten less than two lengths at Christmas.

He is going the right way but whether he is getting there quick enough for this is another thing.

While Fiscal Focus looked a smart juvenile when scoring in graded company on his jumping bow last month, it would require another quantum leap forward for him to get involved at this level.

Tiger Roll was a fair novice but he has serious questions to answer now after two sub-par outings.

Verdict - Jezki appeals as nap material to sign off for Cheltenham on a high.
 
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Ground ‘not ideal’ for Fly
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Hurricane FlyHurricane Fly
By Ashley Iveson
Willie Mullins admits conditions at Leopardstown are "probably not ideal" for Hurricane Fly as he goes in search of a record fifth victory in tomorrow’s BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle.

The incredible 11-year-old matched the mighty Istabraq in winning the prestigious Grade One event for the fourth year on the spin 12 months ago and returns to his beloved Leopardstown at the top of his game as he bids to make yet more history.

The champion trainer’s pride and joy is once again opposed by last season’s Champion Hurdle hero Jezki, with the score between the pair standing at four-two in favour of Hurricane Fly, who has come out on top in two meetings this season.

The ground is unlikely to be as testing this weekend, however.

Mullins said: “Our fellow really excels on soft ground, so it’s probably not ideal, but at this stage we have to take what we get.

“I hope it will be a good race on Sunday. Hurricane Fly is a small but very strong horse with a big heart and he doesn’t like to lose, winning is part of his make-up and he’s very determined.

“You wouldn’t think he was an 11-year-old on a morning. Early in his career he missed races through injuries and needed time out every so often as he was so strong and wilful.”

Hurricane Fly will be looking to make it 10 starts unbeaten at the track as he bids to register a remarkable 22nd victory at the top level.

“He’s just good wherever he goes, not just Leopardstown,” said Mullins.

“It will be good for racing (if he can beat Istabraq’s record).”

While most will focus on another clash between Hurricane Fly and Jezki, Mullins warns it would be dangerous to rule out his other runner in the race, Arctic Fire.

Five years younger than his illustrious stable companion, he was not far behind Hurricane Fly and Jezki when third in the Ryanair Hurdle over Christmas.

“Artic Fire is improving all the time and is a young horse, so it’s not just a two-horse race,” Mullins told At The Races.

“It was a huge run the last day. The last two furlongs in Leopardstown are searching and Arctic Fire went the whole way with them to the line.

“There is more scope for improvement there I think.”

The prospect of better ground gives Jessica Harrington hope Jezki can turn the tables on his old adversary.

She said: “He did a nice bit of work on Tuesday and is in good form. It would be great to get nice ground and no rain.

“I see that Willie is looking for rain, so we all want different things! They will have some new ground which is great.

“We got nearer than we’ve ever got to Hurricane Fly (at Leopardstown) over Christmas. We were only half a length behind him.

“We’ll make a race of it and it will be a great spectacle for everybody that comes racing.

“There was never going to be any easy races for him this season. He was always going to be taking on Hurricane Fly and he is a formidable opponent.”

While Harrington is delighted with her stable star’s condition, she believes he will not hit his peak until defending his crown at Cheltenham in March.

“He’s pretty close to 100 per cent but is always a better horse in the spring. He comes to life then, and better ground certainly helps,” said the trainer.

“March is the day that we really want him.”
 
Brillant from The Fly.

Jezki needs Cheltenham and probably Barry.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The only shred of flotsam Fly deniers have to cling to is that he's "only won two Champion Hurdles". The greatest hurdler we've ever seen.</p>— Rory Delargy (@helynsar) <a href="https://twitter.com/helynsar/status/559363826479796225">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hurricane Fly traded almost 9-1 in-running. Has never been matched higher in-running at his beloved Leopardstown. Some day in Ireland.</p>— Andy Stephens (@StevoGG) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevoGG/status/559363904376414208">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hurricane Fly returns to a huge reception here <a href="https://twitter.com/LeopardstownRC">@LeopardstownRC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ruby_Walsh">@Ruby_Walsh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WillieMullinsNH">@WillieMullinsNH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoRacing?src=hash">#GoRacing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash">#Legend</a> <a href="http://t.co/trWEDvYfDQ">pic.twitter.com/trWEDvYfDQ</a></p>— Horse Racing Ireland (@GoRacing) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoRacing/status/559364197411483650">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Breathtaking <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IrishChampionHurdle?src=hash">#IrishChampionHurdle</a>

The Fly in a spot of trouble rounding the bend for home yet still had the better of blundering Jezki</p>— John McCririck (@RealMcCririck) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMcCririck/status/559364030566252546">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Brillant from The Fly.

Jezki needs Cheltenham and probably Barry.

Awesome performance, been like a cash machine over the years for me this horse, I backed him today and have already backed him for the Champion hurdle at fancy prices, but biggest liability is Faugheen. You just can't leave him out of the equation, will be a tough decision for Ruby to ride Faugheen though rather than The Fly, I would think his connection with Ricci and all his horses will push him in the directin of Faugheen but I can just picture his face if he does and has to suffer watching Hurricane Fly out battle him up the hill.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Hetookapull20">@Hetookapull20</a> Get Geraghty back on board. He is the key to that horse.</p>— Ben Aitken (@Narrowthefield) <a href="https://twitter.com/Narrowthefield/status/559362759033622529">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/TonyMacRacing">@TonyMacRacing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Hetookapull20">@Hetookapull20</a> 5 from 5 on the beast, 3 grade 1's. Simple. He is the key.</p>— Ben Aitken (@Narrowthefield) <a href="https://twitter.com/Narrowthefield/status/559365138260963329">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>And I say that as AP McCoy's biggest fan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jezki?src=hash">#Jezki</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/horseracing?src=hash">#horseracing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheltFest?src=hash">#CheltFest</a></p>— Cpt Neville Cazalet (@BBH74) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBH74/status/559363745110306818">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>For me, the major reason why Jezki won't retain his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheltFest?src=hash">#CheltFest</a> crown is not Faugheen but Barry Geraghty won't be in the plate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/horseracing?src=hash">#horseracing</a></p>— Cpt Neville Cazalet (@BBH74) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBH74/status/559363598615855104">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Barry Geraghty (5-5)
AP McCoy (3-6)

Surely for the horses best chance at Cheltenham, Barry has to ride?</p>— On Harbour Watch (@OnHarbourWatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnHarbourWatch/status/559365242011271168">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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and inevitablly

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Who will Ruby ride?</p>— John McCririck (@RealMcCririck) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMcCririck/status/559364109142355968">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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but

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ruby: "I'll make my Champion Hurdle decision three days before the race."</p>— The Irish Field (@TheIrishField) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheIrishField/status/559364741060390912">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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The fly unbeatable at leopardstown,what a horse a true great, jezki running him close again until last flight mistake, mccoy had him travelling nicely and I think with better ground and being primed to peak for the big one jezki will give his supporters one hell of a run in the champion hurdle.
 
The fly unbeatable at leopardstown,what a horse a true great, jezki running him close again until last flight mistake, mccoy had him travelling nicely and I think with better ground and being primed to peak for the big one jezki will give his supporters one hell of a run in the champion hurdle.

I think you might be right Iain, it could be that they'll use a better pacemaker at Cheltenham, perhaps Kitten Rock, but if they do it will help others in the race, in particular Hurricane Fly and Faugheen. The best performance I saw from the Fly was the 2013 champion hurdle when blinkers were put on Rock on Ruby, he went off hell for leather and down the back the Fly was run off his feet and looked to be struggling but he put his head down, battled and came home in front. Jezki also has to become one of very few horses to win back to back champion hurdles, it's extremely difficult for trainers to repeat the feat of having their horses primed to perfection 2 years running. Of course it's just as difficult to regain a championship at the festival, that's what makes Hurricane Fly a great horse and Willie Mullins a great trainer, again this is building up to a great race.
 
Artic Fire ran a fine race. Mullins could train the first 3.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Who will Ruby ride in the Champion Hurdle? 1-10 Faugheen, 5 Hurricane Fly <a href="https://twitter.com/RacingPost">@RacingPost</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Racing_UK">@Racing_UK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_Stables">@PA_Stables</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/irishracing">@irishracing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IrishRacing365">@IrishRacing365</a></p>— Paddy Power Racing (@pphorseracing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pphorseracing/status/559373971867856896">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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After today my first reaction was that AP shouldn't ride Jezki at the fest, but after thinking about it it would be a tad unfair to jock him off, I just think Jezki needs a few runs to get going and also he needs that quicker ground I think ( hopefully get it a chelt) AP knew he was beat going to the last even before he fluffed it he said, so I would take the positives that AP has learned a bit more about the horse, the ground will hopefully be in his favour and that a quicker pace will help him.
Well done to the Fly though on another victory in his illustrious career &#55357;&#56836;
 
After today my first reaction was that AP shouldn't ride Jezki at the fest, but after thinking about it it would be a tad unfair to jock him off, I just think Jezki needs a few runs to get going and also he needs that quicker ground I think ( hopefully get it a chelt) AP knew he was beat going to the last even before he fluffed it he said, so I would take the positives that AP has learned a bit more about the horse, the ground will hopefully be in his favour and that a quicker pace will help him.
Well done to the Fly though on another victory in his illustrious career ��

It is a pity MTOY got injured ..AP will ride whichever of JPs horses he wants for as long as he wants.
 
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I think it will a closer call for Ruby than the betting indicates. His toughest call since Denman - Kauto.

Faugheen is the future but he has stuck by his champions in the past. Townend has won 6/7 riding The Fly and rides him work so wont be a huge disadvantage for HF fans if he deserts him. Artic Fire will be a nice ride for someone.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Champion Hurdle <a href="https://twitter.com/Timeform1948">@Timeform1948</a> ratings. <a href="http://t.co/sityBSl1XJ">pic.twitter.com/sityBSl1XJ</a></p>— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtTheRaces/status/559687551477243904">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Is Figheen going to Red Mills or something in England.

What is longest break of recent winners

Willie tells RP hasn't decided whether to run Faugheen again or not.

Rock on Ruby 78 days only winner to have break of more than 51 in last 12 years.

5 + 31 + 28 + 10 = 74 days since Kempton :eek:
 
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Willie tells RP hasn't decided whether to run Faugheen again or not.

Rock on Ruby 78 days only winner to have break of more than 51 in last 12 years.

5 + 31 + 28 + 10 = 74 days since Kempton :eek:

I'd be surprised if he doesn't ho to the Redmills. Wouldn't be keen on him going there without a race.