Just read it on the Racing Post website Oddy. Very disappointing but he's only a youngster so has time on his side. Champion Hurdle 2015 then or maybe World Hurdle.
As we all seem to be loving the novice hurdlers coming though I thought I'd take a few moments to highlight a few thoughts I have on them. Our Conor 5/1 Literally streets ahead of his peers last season, he has relatively little experience and as such, it's highly probable he will improve as the season goes on. However the horses behind him in the Triumph could well be a pretty sorry bunch and the fact Alan Kings L'Unique beat a few of the better ones at Aintree suggest this may well be the case. I struggle to pick a juvenile from the Triumph that I confidently would say is a decent yardstick to measure Our Conor's Champion Hurdle credentials and for that reason I think he may just be exposed when facing the cream of the crop. My Tent or Yours 6/1 Has a huge cruising speed and seemingly travels comfortably regardless of the fractions. Perhaps travels a bit too keenly and that may be a reason why he couldn't pick off Champagne Fever (under a masterful Ruby Walsh ride) in the Supreme? No doubt Nicky can teach him to settle better which should see him develop further. Slight concerns that he can miss the odd hurdle and even jumped slightly sketchily at Aintree when winning, a Champion Hurdle will expose any chinks in his armoury in that department. I like his form much better than Our Conors and whilst some point out two Cheltenham defeats as a negative against him, I'd still give him the benefit of the doubt about the track. Could be the main danger. The New One 7/1 No doubt this young horse seems custom built for the track, his impressive Neptune win testament to that. Was very progressive last season and ended up going down on his sword against his elders at Aintree. The Neptune has long been a good trial for next year's Champion (Istabraq, Hardy Eustace went this path to good effect!) so he ticks a lot of boxes. What dampens my enthusiasm most though is that gutsy Aintree defeat at the hands of Zarkander. Despite being a novice it was a heck of an effort but the fact remains Hurricane Fly gets criticised for 'only' beating Thousand Stars by on average 6, 7 lengths each time yet the New Ones one length beating of the same horse herald's him as hurdling's next big hope?? He certainly won't disgrace himself in the race, he's far too good a horse but to me he fits the Oscar Whisky mould. Just lacks that electric turn of foot of a Champion Hurdler, and therefore he may have to settle for minor honours. Jezki 8/1 Form ties in with the best of last years novices but I am just convinced that Cheltenham isn't really his place despite his third in last years superhot Supreme. He'll be a real danger to Hurricane Fly in Ireland and I'd expect them to have a few great battles over the winter but his big day may well turn out to be the Punchestown Festival. To summarise I see My Tent or Yours as being the main danger to Hurricane Fly but my sentimental side, as well as a fair degree of logic, suggests to me that Hurricane Fly won't be relinquishing his crown in March as easy as some seem to be suggesting. There may well be chinks in his armour but as I've highlighted above there are just as big, if not bigger, question marks over all of the young pretenders. BRING IT ON!!
100% agree Beef- put him in a double with Quevega and put a bit on every week booom! some nice interest on your money come march!
Has to be THE NEW ONE for me. Has the speed for 2m and the stamina for 2.5m perfect comination for the CH along the same lines of Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace. As has been stated earlier in the thread he was still very novice last year and will massively improve this season. I would love THE FLY to pull it off again. However, i think age/competition will catch up with him. Can't be having MTOY at all, typical Henderson Hurdling horse, flashy, bridle horses that hate it when they get entrench into a battle, as was proven with MTOY in the Supreme last year. I can see MTOY hacking up in the Xmas Hurdle @ Kempton, typical flat track bully and wouldn't be a surprise if it goes off Fav for the CH, which will be ridiculous and the bookies will have a field day!
After lumping top weight to a convincing victory in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, Jeremy Scott's Melodic Rendezvous has entered the equation. Bet 365 as low as 14/1 although 25s is still available with Totesport / Betfred. Travelled well throughout the race and picked off Far West very nicely up the home straight. Looks to be plenty more to come from him.
It's a decent enough price reebs at this stage - that was a nice performance at the weekend and I think Cheltenham will suit him - always thought he looked a very well-balanced horse.
Hurricane Fly came out and won a poor renewal on the Morgiana in slightly laboured fashion but clearly carrying plenty of condition and nowhere near fully fit. Nevertheless most firms lengthened him half a point and 6/1 is now freely available.
If you had 6/1 about the Fly on the day you will be a very happy man as i can see him going off half that price.
Not quite sure what to think of The Fly at this stage, Mullins seemed pretty bullish prior to the race, saying the The Fly was as good/strong as ever. However, a labouring victory doesn't seem to convince me at this stage. But who am i to argue with a 2 x Champion Hurdler.
Interesting that AP looks to have chosen to go to Newcastle on Hennessy day to ride MYTOY rather than AFC
Tell me that is a mis-type Woolly - AP on The New One? I can't believe it? It's the Twisters horse and Sam belongs on board. Where have you got AP's name from in this?
What convincing does the horse need to do? 17 time grade one winner. Two time Champion Hurdler. Reigning Champ. He came out and won the Morgiana quite easily even with lots of condition. He'll sharpen up and be a force come March. People seriously can't think the run on Sunday has any substantial impact on the outcome of the Champion Hurdle.
I think The New One is going to Cheltenham for the Bula (International) in December at the Paddy Power Meeting so that would free up STD to ride Tidal Bay this weekend
At Fishers Cross isn't entered anywhere....confused! All very quiet on that front though isn't it, anyone have any news about his knock?
