Simon Claisse was on the tv earlier. Reckoned given the forecasts that it will definitely be soft on Tuesday but should improve to good to soft soft in places by the end of the week.
I’m leaning towards Silver Streak to reverse Kempton placings with Epatante. Mainly because of the price. Though there are other factors, mainly to do with the course, festival form, and the uphill finish, that suggest said reversal may be on the cards.
Prediction for Tuesday is soft going with the rain that's hitting the course Monday night in to Tuesday morning...
Looking at those ratings, Pentland Hills, with his course experience, looks the value bet; but it does look very open with some muddling form in there
Interesting comment by Timeform on the winner Epatante (161p from 155p) "The bare form of Epatante’s winning performance, when you factor in that she was receiving a 7 lb mares’ allowance, means that she has earned a rating as low as any Champion Hurdle winner this century, but she did score in smooth style so could be capable of achieving a higher figure under the right circumstances" … and the Ballymore winner. "There was also significant market confidence in Envoi Allen (160p) in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, and he extended his unbeaten record in style, bolting up by four and a half lengths in a good time. His form looked rock-solid after Abacadbras and Darver Star – the pair he cosily beat in the Royal Bond – finished runner-up in the Supreme and third in the Champion Hurdle respectively, and he proved head and shoulders above his rivals in the Ballymore," "The ease, and speed, with which he closed down the leading pair in the straight underlined he Is a top-class talent, and he will remain very hard to beat, regardless of whether he goes chasing or is aimed at the Champion Hurdle." Any quotes for next year?
