The International Hurdle is run over 2 miles 1 furlongs on the New Course at Cheltenham. Established in 1963 as the Cheltenham Trial Hurdle, it was renamed the Bula Hurdle in 1977 (after Bula took the Champion Hurdle for the 2nd time) and retained that name until 2010 when the race was renamed the Stan James International Hurdle. The roll of honour for the race reads like a who's who of hurdling greats - Bula, Comedy Of Errors, Birds Nest, Relkeel and in more recent times Rooster Booster (the last horse to win the race and go on to Cheltenham glory), Harchibald and Binocular. This year's race has received an initial entry of just 7 runners and it will surely develop into a straight match between The New One and his Aintree conqueror Zarkandar. Race sponsors Stan James have priced the race as follows: The New One 4/7 Zarkandar 15/8 Court Minstrel 10/1 25/1 bar In order to cement his position at the head of the market for the Champion Hurdle, The New One must win this race convincingly. After being outpointed at Ascot by Annie Power, Zarkandar will not be suited by the drop back in trip and has looked just short of Champion Hurdle class in the last 2 renewals. It will be a major shock if he were to win this. For all that it should be a formality for The New One, it will be interesting to gauge how convincingly he can beat Zarkandar in trying to measure him against Hurricane Fly. The Fly beat Zarkandar 6 3/4 lengths in the Champion Hurdle so The New One's supporters will be looking for an equally convincing display from their hero here.
Correct me if Im wrong but the New Course doesnt play to Zarkandars strengths does it? Or have I got that wrong? Old course is better for this boy... so thats a factor in favour of the New One in addition to what we've seen. The New One on the New Course - only 1 outcome for me ' Newtastic!! Will the binoculars be going back on Zarkandar? Nicholls in scorching hot form though .. cant see it being a walk in the park though for the New One but I take him to edge this. 2 miles 4 furlongs and Zarkandar would have a better chance. I dunno if Im dreaming this but Im sure I read somewhere they may try Zarkandar at 3 miles?? I can see after his run in this thats what Nicholls and co will be talking about - 2 miles 4 - 3 miles for rest of season!
Other way round Pops- new course (Triumph hurdle) suits Zarkandar but he struggles on the tighter old course (Champion Hurdle). He is far better on galloping tracks wit long run ins. He gets caught for a bit of speed on the old course as they swing in for home.
Two thoughts on this. 1. The New One wins by a cricket pitch and shortens as Champion Hurdle favourite. 2. We won't see Zarkander over 2 miles again.
As a long time supporter of Zarkandar, it pains me to say that I think, that over this trip, TNO will prevail. That said, if Zarkandar DID win, where does that put Annie Power in the freat scheme of things!
