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Interesting thoughts, Imperial.
I know there has to come a point where one says "enough is enough" backing beasts which become disappointing, but I’m willing to go to the well once more with SE.
The Champion should be run to suit him. Hmm, is he a bridle horse? I really don’t know, but I agree he is the only other one, along with Katchit who has the raw ability to win this race.
I backed Osana last year but feel he’s had his chance.
Zip
Classic Champion hurdle indeed!
Not only have we got the brilliant Binocular but we have Sizing Europe, Crack Away Jack, Osana, Ashkabar,Punjabi, Jered, Harchibald and Celestial Halo all capable of winning, but to top it off we have now got 4 Champion Hurdle winners in Hardy Eustace, Brave Inca, Sublimity and Katchit also going to post.
I’m not sure if there has ever been a Champion Hurdle quite like it.
Whenever that happens you tend to get a ‘shock’ result of some kind! I’m really looking forward to it; we started going on the Tuesday years ago when Gold Cup day just got too busy, and wouldn’t change it now for anything.
Bin worked out well yesterday and is "exactly where I want him "according to Henderson. AP knows well how to ride him now to get the hill. Finest hurdler in the country and will gain lengths at every hurdle. Good thing in my view.
Interesting also that Zaynar worked without cheekpieces at same time and was markedly sharper than last Wednesday
I really think that Harchibald is the forgotten horse of this race.
With the expected good ground, and how well he travels in his races, its hard not to see him being bang there at the finish. excellent e/w valueTo be honest, i think there are so many horses in this race that you could give ‘EW claims’ to.
Celestial Halo
Punjabi
Osana
Katchit
Sublimity
Snap Tie
etc…Fascinating race, and one i am looking forward to.
Last year it appeared like Harchibald couldn’t go the pace but he had been on the go for some time by the time the CH came up.
This year he had a quiet run on the all weather before going to Kempton and will go to Cheltenham a much fresher horse.
I would imagine the years will be taking their toll somewhat and this is no ordinary Champion Hurdle, but he is no ordinary horse for that matter.
I could see him running a very good race and coming on the scene late on but I can’t see him having enough toe to cope with the younger brigade.
If he did win and it is possible, he would bring the house down and get the biggest cheers of the week.
I always bet ew as I only have tiny bets [the only exception to this being Character Building who I backed, out of character ,win only a couple of years ago], and I’ve been thinking that if someone said I could only have one win only bet in this race I keep coming back to Celestial Halo. But then in case no one has noticed I don’t study the form much.
Finest hurdler in the country and will gain lengths at every hurdle. Good thing in my view.
You may well be right, but Harchibald is no slouch at his hurdles, and when he feels like it, travels beautifully. I can see him ranging alongside the leader between the last two, looking at the crowd……..
I have backed Katchit ew, perhaps more in hope than expectation that he’ll run to his best, although the vibes are a bit more positive. Bin looks very much like he could be the real deal, of course.
The ground was too soft for Harchibald last years CH – i’m not saying he would have won, but the ground was certainly not good enough for him to have even the slightest chance in a champion.
Only once is this racers history has 5yo won this race back to back ,i fancy the fav ,but its a terrible stat !
There are quite a few 5 year olds in the race, but I’m not sure how that compares to previous years; if you rule out the 5 year olds and look at the other statistics it only leaves a few horses with a chance….however, the times they are a changing and maybe 5 year olds will be winning from now on…makes for fascinating stuff, though.
There are quite a few 5 year olds in the race, but I’m not sure how that compares to previous years; if you rule out the 5 year olds and look at the other statistics it only leaves a few horses with a chance….however, the times they are a changing and maybe 5 year olds will be winning from now on…makes for fascinating stuff, though.
I totaly agree ,maybe it is changing times ,but you got to be worried about the stat ,,i see very few other winners of the race ,osana maybe if the fav dont come up the hill ,?
To be honest, i think there are so many horses in this race that you could give ‘EW claims’ to.
Celestial Halo
Punjabi
Osana
Katchit
Sublimity
Snap Tie
etc…Fascinating race, and one i am looking forward to.
Halo – cant win
Pun – cant win
osana – possible
katchit – cant win
sublimty – cant win
snap tie – cant winEW chances ? save your money friend
Last year it appeared like Harchibald couldn’t go the pace but he had been on the go for some time by the time the CH came up.
This year he had a quiet run on the all weather before going to Kempton and will go to Cheltenham a much fresher horse.
I would imagine the years will be taking their toll somewhat and this is no ordinary Champion Hurdle, but he is no ordinary horse for that matter.
I could see him running a very good race and coming on the scene late on but I can’t see him having enough toe to cope with the younger brigade.
If he did win and it is possible, he would bring the house down and get the biggest cheers of the week.
I cant imagine toe would be a problem for Harchibald. Id say at his best he go stay on the bit with any horse. However, I dont think he is as good as he used to be and I dont think he will find enough up the hill.
That said, I hope he runs his race as I think he is entertainment on a stick and he really adds to any race when he is the mood.
I think Binoculars biggest problem from Ireland could come in the form of Jered but there is plenty of divided opinon over here as to who is our best challenger for this. Theres a lot of horses in here with question marks of some type over them. If I was looking for safety, Id back Punjabi or Sublimity.
SHL
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