2026 County Hurdle

[Eggs]

“We would be leaning towards the County at the minute with Celtic Dino. He was beaten 11 lengths by Sir Gino off level weights on a speed track and quick ground in the Christmas Hurdle, so that form should hopefully put him in the picture of running a good race.

“He should have a nice racing weight should Willie (Mullins) declare one of his higher-rated horses in the race, so I think he’s got a really good chance.

“We’re extremely lucky. We’re well aware of how hard it is at Cheltenham, but I wouldn’t swap our three for many that’s for sure.”

 

[Benjy23]

"I wouldn’t swap our three for many" is a lovely honest variation on the usual quote.

 

[Jrow]

Ruby seemed to fancy Karbau over Murcia again last night. Interesting that he's stuck to his guns even though Murcia is fav

 

[darlojim]

Ruby seemed to fancy Karbau over Murcia again last night. Interesting that he's stuck to his guns even though Murcia is fav

Was only last season he kept banging the drum about Bunting being the best hcapped horse in the yard.

 

[Lobos]

Ruby seemed to fancy Karbau over Murcia again last night. Interesting that he's stuck to his guns even though Murcia is fav

Based on what he's done on the course Karbau looks very high in the weights on 150 ?! Hadn't even considered him and I'll easily pass on him now.

 

[ComplyOrDie]

Based on what he's done on the course Karbau looks very high in the weights on 150 ?! Hadn't even considered him and I'll easily pass on him now.

I agree, I was also hoping they would up him in trip!

 

[Quevega]

Based on what he's done on the course Karbau looks very high in the weights on 150 ?! Hadn't even considered him and I'll easily pass on him now.

I had him at 20s NRNb
But cashed after weights confirmed
Might live to regret it but he don’t look well treated to me

 

[Eggs]

….apparently Khrisma NOT declared for Imperial Cup.

 

[Run4Home]

Ruby seemed to fancy Karbau over Murcia again last night. Interesting that he's stuck to his guns even though Murcia is fav

Not definite but it sounds like Karbau PT atm

 

[NeptuneByANose]

Is Joyeuse not still a cracking price at 25/1 in this? With Khrisma very unlikely to get in, and the only other JP entry being Puturhandstogether (who I'm struggling to make a case for off 146), then Joyeuse will surely shorten right up if she runs.

I agreed with the case made for the Cup race at big prices, but I think it's equally compelling here. Hendo's record in the race is the main turn off, but First Street would've won a few years ago if not for the absolute handicap blot that was State Man.

I just keep going back to her Cheltenham handicap form behind Wodhooh where plenty criticised the jockey that day. And boy was she impressive in the 'William Hill'. I think the handicapper is giving her a chance back down at 135.

 

[Kauto’s star]

Is Joyeuse not still a cracking price at 25/1 in this? With Khrisma very unlikely to get in, and the only other JP entry being Puturhandstogether (who I'm struggling to make a case for off 146), then Joyeuse will surely shorten right up if she runs.

I agreed with the case made for the Cup race at big prices, but I think it's equally compelling here. Hendo's record in the race is the main turn off, but First Street would've won a few years ago if not for the absolute handicap blot that was State Man.

I just keep going back to her Cheltenham handicap form behind Wodhooh where plenty criticised the jockey that day. And boy was she impressive in the 'William Hill'. I think the handicapper is giving her a chance back down at 135.

I think so and have played her at the prices. The main put off here is that Skelton and Mullins farm this race big time. I had backed her for the coral cup and still gutted she’s coming here. One I am also becoming tempted on is sixandahalf, not beaten far by wodhooh last time, back down to 2m, with a proper ride could go close….again not the ideal trainer, and Cromwell has been horrific this year (barring thyestes day I think it was).

 

[NeptuneByANose]

I think so and have played her at the prices. The main put off here is that Skelton and Mullins farm this race big time. I had backed her for the coral cup and still gutted she’s coming here. One I am also becoming tempted on is sixandahalf, not beaten far by wodhooh last time, back down to 2m, with a proper ride could go close….again not the ideal trainer, and Cromwell has been horrific this year (barring thyestes day I think it was).

For sure, but with Live Conti out, I've struggled to really get behind one of the Skelton/Mullins runners. Granted I didn't see it with Jimmy Du Seuil in the Cup last year, but I just can't see the case for Karbau off 150. Murcia has been backed, but I'd prefer Hello Neighbour over her (he'll technically be 1lb better off for beating her twice last year, including at Punchestown). He's double the price, too.

I've tried making a case for Zillow but can't convince myself. Absurde will surely find a few too good off that mark.

Perhaps Sinnatra is hiding in plain sight a little? The 'not today' hurdles debut behind Captain Hugo looks alright on reflection now.

 

[Kauto’s star]

For sure, but with Live Conti out, I've struggled to really get behind one of the Skelton/Mullins runners. Granted I didn't see it with Jimmy Du Seuil in the Cup last year, but I just can't see the case for Karbau off 150. Murcia has been backed, but I'd prefer Hello Neighbour over her (he'll technically be 1lb better off for beating her twice last year, including at Punchestown). He's double the price, too.

I've tried making a case for Zillow but can't convince myself. Absurde will surely find a few too good off that mark.

Perhaps Sinnatra is hiding in plain sight a little? The 'not today' hurdles debut behind Captain Hugo looks alright on reflection now.

Yeah I’ve also covered karbau and Sinatra at bigger prices just due to connections, but not convinced. As you say, the others from Skelton and Mullins don’t scream winner to me either. Tough puzzle is this!!

 

[Eggs]

….Sa Fureur seems popular.