- This topic has 210 replies, 51 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 10 months ago by
.
- Posts
- Total Posts 764
What a race this should be, can’t wait to be there in the flesh!
THM is it for definite that Annie Power will be sent here? Thought she looked like she’d relish a bit further the other day and the World Hurdle could suit her. Was a superb performance from her and well done for backing her early! I like The New One in this but if Annie Power does line up I’ll have to have a cheeky bit each/way on her.
What a race this should be, can’t wait to be there in the flesh!
THM is it for definite that Annie Power will be sent here? Thought she looked like she’d relish a bit further the other day and the World Hurdle could suit her. Was a superb performance from her and well done for backing her early! I like The New One in this but if Annie Power does line up I’ll have to have a cheeky bit each/way on her.
Thanks, only have a fiver each way on her but can’t complain
I wouldn’t say it’s definite, is anything definite with Willie Mullins?
However, from what was said by both Ruby Walsh and Rich Ricci after the race, the Champion Hurdle seems to be the long term plan. Although she appeared to outstay Zarkandar I don’t think she’s an out and out slogger, while I doubt Ricci will want to go for the mares’ race. That’s what I’m hoping anyway!Although it took her a while to get on top of Zarkandar, I don’t think she’s slow. A I said above, it was her first time off the bridle and she could have been a bit green. When Ruby really got after her and gave her a few reminders she pulled away impressively. Although they were neck and neck for a while, she always looked to be getting the better of things which is impressive against such a battler as him. I think it’s fair to say Zarkandar wouldn’t be the ideal horse to come against in a battle, never mind her first one. Speaks volumes about her ability I think.
This was also her first time racing in England; her first time out of novice company; her first time against geldings and her first time on ground better than soft. A lot of first for her to overcome yet she did so with five lengths to spare over the Aintree Hurdle winner. She was receiving 4 lbs more than she’ll get in the Champion Hurdle but nonetheless I’d say the Ricci’s are dreaming of big things with her and rightfully so.
I see Jezki is an intended runner in the Hattons Grace. Very strange that they’re going there instead of the Morgiana but I think the forecast is reasonably good so maybe the ground won’t be too bad. A 2m 4f slog on heavy ground doesn’t strike me as what he needs, but past Champion Hurdle winners Hurricane Fly, Brave Inca and Istabraq all ran in the race before winning at Cheltenham, so it’s not necessarily a negative. He faces tough opposition in Diakali and Rule The World so he’ll need to be on his A-Game.
Nice write-up THM
Thanks Steeple, looks an exceptional race currently, hopefully most of them will make it and then we’ll have an exceptional race in March.
Looks like Annie Power could be aimed at the World Hurdle if Mullins’ comments today are to be believed. Said that she might go for the three mile Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown, the wrong Christmas Hurdle Willie
Looks like Annie Power could be aimed at the World Hurdle if Mullins’ comments today are to be believed. Said that she might go for the three mile Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown, the wrong Christmas Hurdle Willie
Today he’s said Glens Melody could go for that race at Leopardstown and Boston Bob is another who is likely to go the staying hurdle route. Hope not lost with Annie Power then, but will no doubt be in for another case of ‘Willie Won’tie’ this season with her and a number of others!
I have to say having watched Danny Mullins in Ireland he never sees a stride at the obstacles, I was in the our Conor camp but not with this jockey I’m afraid.
I’m leaning towards my tent or yours again now.
Martin
- Total Posts 17716
The New One is a very classy individual with a high cruising speed, provided all goes well in the International vs Zarkandar he’d be my long term fancy for the Champion.
Don’t think we learned a whole lot over the weekend, other than that The New One is in fine fettle and is able take care of Zarkandar pretty easily over two miles. I wouldn’t be getting carried away with the form given the proximity of Jumps Road and the way Zarkandar was hindered, but there was a lot to like about the way The New One went clear of that rival after the last.
Zarkandar has now faced two Champion Hurdle contenders and been beaten a similar margin by both. The New One was more impressive but I don’t think he’s done enough to warrant being one quarter the price of Annie Power.
Whatever way I look at this Champion Hurdle I can’t seem to rule anything in or out. The New One, Our Conor, My Tent Or Yours, Annie Power, Un De Sceaux and even Jezki could all be potential stars, while Hurricane Fly sets a very high standard as it is.
If you back any of them you’re backing them to beat a number of other potential top notchers and I think there’s more value to be had in other races. For example Felix Yonger is 8/1 for the Jewson, or 13/2 NRFB. At the moment it’s hard to see too many to beat him, Wonderful Charm is one, Taquin De Seuil and maybe Don Cossack. Therefore I’d much rather take that sort of price on Felix than back any of the market principles in the Champion. If they all make it to the race, four of the top five in the Champion Hurdle betting will probably be the same price on the day or bigger anyway.
I concede that it’s more likely for horses to come out of the woodwork in the novice races, I suppose Un De Sceaux is the potential dark one for the Champion.
Just my tuppence worth, I know some feel strongly about one or other horse in this but I wouldn’t say I’m alone in thinking any one of seven could win the way things stand now.
- Total Posts 17716
GO ON THE NEW ONE!!!!!, GET IN MY SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, The New One will race with a pacemaker in The Champion.
I wonder who will do the duties. It is hard to think of too many horses in the Twiston-Davies stable who are good enough to lead a Champion Hurdle at a fast pace for two-thirds of the race.
Mad Moose?
So, do you go for a handicapper, a horse that couldn’t beat a handicapper, a five-year-old, an Irish Hype Horse or a true champion? The choice is yours.
BlueSky @pghenn.bsky.social
So don't run, just like the others always do
Despite my Champion Hurdle selection getting beaten it was great to see Hurricane Fly win yet again, I’ve never been a great fan but 11/8 was massive price today and have played up half the winnings for the big one EW at 5s with Billy’s
The Fly keeps on winning; rising ten, never runs to his best at C’ham, 5 substantial rivals, but he will come out on top yet again
Looked like he had a tougher race today than the winning margin would suggest
Not straying from my opinion that The New One will win in March. Rooster Booster started favourite as a 10 year old but was beaten on the day by a talented Hardy Eustance with a turn of foot and the ability to stay further.
Thru Zarkander, who seems a reliable yardstick, very little between The New One and Annie Power. If anything, the mare was slightly more impressive. I hop Willie lets her take her chance in the big one rather than the world hurdle.
However, from what was said by both Ruby Walsh and Rich Ricci after the race, the Champion Hurdle seems to be the long term plan. Although she appeared to outstay Zarkandar I don’t think she’s an out and out slogger, while I doubt Ricci will want to go for the mares’ race. That’s what I’m hoping anyway!
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.