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Basically a 3 horse race this, but 3 horses of considerable quality nonetheless. Saturdays’ winner will surely leap to the head of the Champion Hurdle market.
Zarkandar A personal favourite of mine and quite rightly in my opinion favourite for this. His winning of the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton earlier this season when giving all that weight to Prospect Wells and Balder Succes amongst others was extremely impressive. He won the Triumph over course and distance in 2011 and may be forgiven for a poor showing in March when the Nicholls yard had problem and consequently a relatively poor festival. In receipt of 4lbs off the 2 other big hitters on Saturday which alongside his race fitness gives a clear edge.
Rock On Ruby The reigning Champion Hurdler is having his first official run under Harry Fry in this, despite being in his care all of last season. He was clearly underrated by many in the lead up to Marchs’ festival win where he steamed up the hill under an excellent ride from Noel Fehily. Missed his intended return date in the Fighting Fifth due to the ground being soft but the trainer has had him geared at this since. Big test Saturday to see if he can follow up on his Cheltenham win, but must go close.
Grandouet Won this race last year in scintillating fashion, leading many to consider him as their idea of the Champion Hurdle winner. Was injured in the lead up to the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in February and unfortunately hasn’t been seen since. Ring rust could definitely be a problem for him in this against such top class opposition first time out, but if he can return on a similar level he possesses plenty enough class to win. I’ve read reports that Henderson has been buzzing about his work at home which can only mean good things from the in-form yard.
Personally when I look at this race I can’t help but be immediately drawn to the two younger horses. I was very impressed with Rock On Ruby’s Champion Hurdle win but I can’t help but feel that the horse may have been flattered on the day. He and Zarkandar may be under the most pressure, the latter being in receipt of 4lbs of the other two with the run under his belt, consequently needing the win to look like a proper Champion Hurdle horse. Grandouet could take this if Henderson has him trained to the minute. He’s a class horse through and through and with Nicky Henderson pulling the strings in the last couple of weekends’ big races, I can see another big race double come Saturday with both he and Nadiya De La Vega.
I think the entries for this are pathetic. Even Henderson could have another horse in here.
In a Champion i’d pick Grandouet, but conceding 4lbs first time out, even for a yard which excels at having horses ready FTO…not sure.
Agree their is some dead wood in the race, but if the big 3 stand their ground it should be a good race.
I can’t help but think Zarkandar wants and perhaps needs further, looking at last years champion where he flew up the hill and based on his hard fought victory over Prospect Wells last time out. Fitness and weight are in his favour but think that may not quite be enough.
I’m a big fan of Grandouet and think come March he could be the one to beat, he had some decent horses behind him in this last year, my main worry with him would be he hasn’t run since and think he could possibly need this which is why i’ve gone for
Rock on Ruby
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Harry Fry looked after the horse last year and clearly knows how to get the best out of him, it was hard not to be impressed with him in the Champion and a positive front running ride from Fehily here could see the other two struggling to pick him up.
tricky race this. gone for a tentative bet on rock on ruby. can’t have zarkandar at the price, don’t see how the bookies can make him nearly evs when he’s got two rivals of more or less equal ability, one the champion hurdler.
ok he gets 4 pounds from the other two, but it still seems like too short a price to me. grandouet hasn’t run for a year and it’s surely a tough ask to come out and win this first time up.
tricky race this. gone for a tentative bet on rock on ruby. can’t have zarkandar at the price, don’t see how the bookies can make him nearly evs when he’s got two rivals of more or less equal ability, one the champion hurdler.
ok he gets 4 pounds from the other two, but it still seems like too short a price to me. grandouet hasn’t run for a year and it’s surely a tough ask to come out and win this first time up.
I won over £1000 on Zarkandar, YESSSSS GETT INN!!!! Idiot.
nope got that wrong, as no doubt the nasty one has already pointed out. thought zarkandar was too short but a winners a winner. a tough horse.
Obviously, today was Zarkandar’s day. He had fitness and conditions in his favour over Grandouet, plus a 4lb weight advantage. Even so, I think the horse to take away from this is
Grandouet
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In spite of being off the track for a long time and having his suspect finishing effort tested to the max by Zarkandar and heavy ground, he stuck on surprisingly well for second. If he has a steady campaign with no setbacks, I could see his superior speed turning this result around on better ground in March. It was very encouraging from Grandouet in many respects.
Agree with that The Young Fella and even accounting for the heavy ground had Grandouet had a run under his belt could have won today, very encouraging for March.
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Yes must agree, I expect grandouet to reverse that at cheltenham but sticking with hurricaine fly,might even say slightly more confident having seen that.
Hugely impressed with the winner. It could be argued that at level weights and with a race-fit Grandouet the placings would be reversed but Zarkandar is all heart and you can tell he loves a scrap. He was being ridden and going worst of the three coming down the hill but something told me his staying power and fighting spirit might see him home under Ruby. I personally think it’ll take a very good horse to beat this one.
I think the entries for this are pathetic. Even Henderson could have another horse in here.
What did you expect Mark? With both 2m and a 2m4f grade 2’s at the same meeting it’s bound to happen.
Do you still want a Ryanair Hurdle?
Value Is EverythingAs far as the Champion Hurdle is concerned: Zarkander may now have the best British form, but this seemed a truly run race on heavy ground and being pushed along from some way out – may struggle for a turn of foot on good ground. I don’t say he won’t win the Champion (may just find enough when pushed along) but Zarkander’s price looks short to me.
I backed Grandouet as my first ante-post bet in last year’s Champion.
Although hadn’t had a race in ages before yesterday, I think he’s the sort who goes well fresh (enthusiastic, strong traveller). Has a change of pace so good ground would be in his favour. Could be the best of these in March. I say "could be", but considering may be fragile wouldn’t take the current price.Rock On Ruby was another of my 2012 ante-post Champion bets. His finishing position yesterday wasn’t great, but travelled really well for a long way and possibly a little free at times. Seemed as though had Zark beaten on the turn. Could’ve needed the race more than connections believed. No doubt he travelled a lot better at home than any other horse in the yard, which might have given them a false reading. We know how good he is and although probably has the worst chance of these three if all get there; it’s Rock On Ruby’s current price that appeals most.
Value Is EverythingVery happy that Zarkandar won, he’s a game little horse. I’d like to see him over fences in time. Or perhaps he will take over from Big Bucks in the staying Hurdle division.
Let’s face it Rock on Ruby was a surprise winner of last year’s Champion Hurdle and all his other form suggests a horse just short of top class. I would not be surprised if he has already reached his zenith.
Mr Henderson now has the dream team in Grandouet and Darlan IMO despite me being on Zarkandar and Darlan!
What a selection headache for Ruby, surely he cannot desert Hurricane Fly but IF he does what a massive compliment for Zarkandar
Although hadn’t had a race in ages before yesterday, I think he’s the sort who goes well fresh (enthusiastic, strong traveller). Has a change of pace so good ground would be in his favour. Could be the best of these in March. I say "could be", but considering may be fragile wouldn’t take the current price.
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