Cheltenham Guide - Champion Hurdle Preview

Cheltenham is almost upon us and the excitement is building as each day passes.

The highlight of the Festival for many racegoers is the Feature Race on Day One, The Stan James Champion Hurdle, and as ever we will see a top class field line up.

The complection of the race has changed completely in recent days as the first two finishers in last year’s contest, Faugheen and Arctic Fire, have been ruled out through in injury.

Faugheen had looked better than ever this season and was a ‘banker ‘ in most punters eyes to win back-to-back Champion Hurdles. Fortunately his injury is not career-threatening and he will hopefully return to Prestbury Park in twelve months in top form.

Both Faugheen and Arctic Fire are trained by Irish Champion trainer Willie Mullins and while their absence is a serious setback to his assault on the coveted Hurdle prize he has plenty more ammunition to direct at the race.

Top Mare Annie Power (2/1) is now heading the market but as she is not currently entered for the race Mullins and owner Rich Ricci will need to supplement her. That looks increasingly likely and her seven pounds mare’s allowance certainly makes her a strong contender but her current price doesn’t tempt me.

it is yet another Mullins trained runner that I see as the most likely winner, Nichols Canyon (5/1). He is a multiple Grade 1 winner and beat Faugheen earlier in the season at Punchestown. Very heavy ground took its toll on him when he tried to make a race of it with Faugheen in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

With the absence of the reigning Champion I can see Nichols Canyon dominate from the front and his proven stamina will be a major asset on the stiff climb to the finish at Cheltenham.

The Henry De Bromhead trained Identity Thief (5/1) is a progressive sort and put up a decent performance to win the Fighting Fifth Hurdle. He was subsequently beaten two lengths by Nichols Canyon at Leopardstown over Christmas and he certainly comes into the equation again.

The plan has always been to give him a rest until Cheltenham and he is another strong contender.

My Tent Or Yours (8/1) hasn’t been seen for two years and looks poor value off such a long layoff. He was a top class performer but it is a huge ask to expect him to reproduce his best form after such an absence.

The New One (6/1) has been supported since the defection of Faugheen and while he is likely to place there is little value in his current odds.

Nichols Canyon is certainly the bet at this stage!

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