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This time last year I backed Voy Por Ustedes at 11/2 for the Ryanair, following his impressive Ascot win (which I think took the edge of him) he was odds on and narrowly beaten in the Ryanair despite a serious jumping error.
At 8/1 this is an each way steal.I have to say that this is the most difficult champion hurdle i have ever seen, however my thoughts on the leading contenders are:
Binocular: has run twice at Cheltenham and beaten both times, given that he is not performing at the same level as last year I would not back him at any price.
Solwhit: Take out his one defeat in a false run fighting fifth and he would be the 7/2 favourite, he will be there with every chance and impossible to rule him out of the equation.
Celestial Halo: I backed this horse for last years champion hurdle when Binocular beat him easily at Kempton. This horse is made for Cheltenham, he has run below par for the past 2 seasons prior to Cheltenham but Paul Nichols will have him spot on for the day as he did for the Triumph and Champion Hurdle. At 10/1 this is an each way steal and cannot have him out of the frame.
Punjabi: Thought he was fortunate to win last seasons champion hurdle….everything went right for him. He will remain in double figures even if he wins Welsh Champion hurdle because Barry Geraghty will be riding Zaynar. Cannot see him finishing better than 4th.
Zaynar: This is a horse of immense potential, has thrown in the odd sloppy jump but if he is within a length of the leaders at the last he will be very difficult to beat. When Nicky Henderson said "I’m convinced he is a champion hurdle horse" that was enough for me. When he wins his trial over 2 miles he will be down to 3/1 fav.
Go Native: Despite winning 2 trials in good style he is still not favourite, I think his price will drift out to around 10/1 on the day and he will find it dificult to confirm the fighting fifth form.
Starluck: no chance on last years triumph form, back him for next years Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, he would have won the last one but for a bad jump mid race.
Khyber Kim: Was impressive in beating Celestial Halo, however he has looked impressive in the past only to throw in a bad performance. Only if he can show some consistency and win a trial in good style could he be considered for the CH and even then I wouldn’t back him.
Sentry Duty: Same as with Khyber Kim.
Voler la Vedette & Quevega: These 2 should fight out the finish of the mares hurdle.
Summary: 1st Zaynar, 2nd Solwhit, 3rd Celestial Halo
