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Having done an earlier preview of the Chasing prospects for this season, I thought I’d try my hand at reviewing the prospects for top Hurdling honours this year.
Personally, I find the picture very confusing, and I shall be interested to hear all other members’ views on the subject.
I shall list the potential main contenders for next March’s Champion Hurdle, although I accept that one or two listed may still go the ‘chasing route.’
Hurricane Fly.
On top form, few would dispute that he is the best hurdler in training. Overall this relatively small horse has a fantastic win ratio, characterised by a high cruising speed and a devastating turn of foot.
However, his disappointing run in last season’s Champion Hurdle was perplexing, to say the least, especially since he seemed to have dispelled all doubts when winning in 2011.
This autumn will see his fifth year of hurdling since being brought from France, and therefore one questions how long can he maintain his form at the top level, and ‘which Hurricane Fly’ will turn up at Cheltenham?
Rock On Ruby.
Prior to the 2012 Champion Hurdle, his form looked as good as anything on this side of the water, having been unluckily beaten by Binocular at Kempton after impressively winning a good handicap under top weight.
Possibly many people doubted his credentials for the two mile trip- having been campaigned at around 20 furlongs as a novice.
However, he chased Overturn all the way and stayed on strongly to win with some authority.
Subsequently, he ran poorly against Oscar Whisky at Aintree, but possibly the fast track was as much against him as his exertions at Cheltenham. Nonetheless, still disappointing - given his light campaign.
It may also be that a strongly run two miles at Cheltenham really suits him, rather than the longer trip elsewhere.
Cinders And Ashes.
He maintained his form throughout the year and stayed on strongly to beat Darlan in the Supreme Novices.
On a form line through Darlan’s effort in the Tote Gold Trophy- where he fell when challenging- there is little between him, Zarkandar, and Get Me Out Of Here. The latter was certainly the unlucky horse of the race, and it is open to question whether Darlan would have beaten Zarkandar- getting 5 lbs.
Either way, is this really top Grade One form? I have my doubts.
Zarkandar.
Last Saturday’s win at Wincanton confirmed that Zarkandar goes particularly well when fresh and, in fairness, any serious Champion Hurdle contender just had to win that race, despite giving weight away.
The puzzling aspect of this horse is that his novice wins at Kempton and Cheltenham (Triumph Hurdle) were marked by a high cruising speed and a fine turn of foot.
In both this year’s Champion Hurdle and Tote Gold Trophy, he seemed badly outpaced for long periods, and only stayed on strongly late on in the race- despite winning at Newbury.
Darlan.
Apart from falling at Newbury, his only defeat in a seven race career was when second behind Cinders And Ashes.
Since he’s only 5 years old, improvement can be expected, and he wouldn’t need too much to be a serious challenger.
Grandouet.
After his third behind Zarkandar in the 2011 Triumph, Grandouet seemed to flourish as a hurdler, and his defeat of Overturn at Cheltenham last December was decisive, albeit a Grade Two contest.
Barry Greraghty feels that this is a live contender this year, even though any period ‘out through injury’ must be a concern.
Oscar Whisky.
Given Hurricane Fly’s demise in this year’s Champion Hurdle- and Peddler’s Cross’ defection to larger obstacles- Nicky Henderson must have regretted taking on Big Bucks in the World Hurdle.
On all known form, he must have been involved in the finish, despite his preference for 2.5 miles.
I notice that his ante-post price has shrunk somewhat lately- as low as 14/1. That makes the 48/1 on Betfair (11/1 a place) quite attractive. He could still go chasing, but I doubt that; likewise the folly of taking on Big Bucks again.
Simonsig.
A very impressive stamp of a horse, he is as low as 7/1 in ante-post lists.
However, surely he’ll be targeted at the Arkle chase- having chaser written all over him.
Binocular.
He ran quite a good race against Rock On Ruby in March, despite never really getting to grips with the leaders.
He’ll be nine years old in March, and it’s hard to see him contending again.
Peddler’s Cross.
I have no idea what his plans are for this season. His chasing exploits left much to be desired, so will Donald McCain return him to hurdles- to take in the Champion or possibly challenge Big Bucks.
If returning to two mile hurdles, he must have a chance against the best- providing he’s not been soured by his efforts chasing.
Rite Of Passage.
Despite his high class efforts on the Flat, he couldn’t cope with Peddler’s Cross in the 2010 Neptune Hurdle at the festival.
He would certainly be an interesting contender, but his hurdling would need to have improved.
Overturn.
This wonderfully consistent horse gave his all last March, but found Rock On Ruby too good.
I’ve always felt he’s a top Grade Two horse, but I feel that about most of the others anyway.
Summary.
Probably as open a Champion Hurdle as you could imagine- almost all the above horses have some sort of chance.
Personally, I feel it looks more like a top Grade two contest, but that shouldn’t spoil its competitiveness and interest.
The big question mark is Hurricane Fly. With him out of the way, take your pick!
What do other members think?
My conclusion is ( confusedly)....
Best horse in the race.......Hurricane Fly.
Horse to beat...................Darlan.
Horse to watch out for.......Grandouet.
Dark Horse.......................Rite Of Passage.
Best Ante-Post..................Oscar Whisky (48/1 Win, 11/1 Place, Betfair)
Having done an earlier preview of the Chasing prospects for this season, I thought I’d try my hand at reviewing the prospects for top Hurdling honours this year.
Personally, I find the picture very confusing, and I shall be interested to hear all other members’ views on the subject.
I shall list the potential main contenders for next March’s Champion Hurdle, although I accept that one or two listed may still go the ‘chasing route.’
Hurricane Fly.
On top form, few would dispute that he is the best hurdler in training. Overall this relatively small horse has a fantastic win ratio, characterised by a high cruising speed and a devastating turn of foot.
However, his disappointing run in last season’s Champion Hurdle was perplexing, to say the least, especially since he seemed to have dispelled all doubts when winning in 2011.
This autumn will see his fifth year of hurdling since being brought from France, and therefore one questions how long can he maintain his form at the top level, and ‘which Hurricane Fly’ will turn up at Cheltenham?
Rock On Ruby.
Prior to the 2012 Champion Hurdle, his form looked as good as anything on this side of the water, having been unluckily beaten by Binocular at Kempton after impressively winning a good handicap under top weight.
Possibly many people doubted his credentials for the two mile trip- having been campaigned at around 20 furlongs as a novice.
However, he chased Overturn all the way and stayed on strongly to win with some authority.
Subsequently, he ran poorly against Oscar Whisky at Aintree, but possibly the fast track was as much against him as his exertions at Cheltenham. Nonetheless, still disappointing - given his light campaign.
It may also be that a strongly run two miles at Cheltenham really suits him, rather than the longer trip elsewhere.
Cinders And Ashes.
He maintained his form throughout the year and stayed on strongly to beat Darlan in the Supreme Novices.
On a form line through Darlan’s effort in the Tote Gold Trophy- where he fell when challenging- there is little between him, Zarkandar, and Get Me Out Of Here. The latter was certainly the unlucky horse of the race, and it is open to question whether Darlan would have beaten Zarkandar- getting 5 lbs.
Either way, is this really top Grade One form? I have my doubts.
Zarkandar.
Last Saturday’s win at Wincanton confirmed that Zarkandar goes particularly well when fresh and, in fairness, any serious Champion Hurdle contender just had to win that race, despite giving weight away.
The puzzling aspect of this horse is that his novice wins at Kempton and Cheltenham (Triumph Hurdle) were marked by a high cruising speed and a fine turn of foot.
In both this year’s Champion Hurdle and Tote Gold Trophy, he seemed badly outpaced for long periods, and only stayed on strongly late on in the race- despite winning at Newbury.
Darlan.
Apart from falling at Newbury, his only defeat in a seven race career was when second behind Cinders And Ashes.
Since he’s only 5 years old, improvement can be expected, and he wouldn’t need too much to be a serious challenger.
Grandouet.
After his third behind Zarkandar in the 2011 Triumph, Grandouet seemed to flourish as a hurdler, and his defeat of Overturn at Cheltenham last December was decisive, albeit a Grade Two contest.
Barry Greraghty feels that this is a live contender this year, even though any period ‘out through injury’ must be a concern.
Oscar Whisky.
Given Hurricane Fly’s demise in this year’s Champion Hurdle- and Peddler’s Cross’ defection to larger obstacles- Nicky Henderson must have regretted taking on Big Bucks in the World Hurdle.
On all known form, he must have been involved in the finish, despite his preference for 2.5 miles.
I notice that his ante-post price has shrunk somewhat lately- as low as 14/1. That makes the 48/1 on Betfair (11/1 a place) quite attractive. He could still go chasing, but I doubt that; likewise the folly of taking on Big Bucks again.
Simonsig.
A very impressive stamp of a horse, he is as low as 7/1 in ante-post lists.
However, surely he’ll be targeted at the Arkle chase- having chaser written all over him.
Binocular.
He ran quite a good race against Rock On Ruby in March, despite never really getting to grips with the leaders.
He’ll be nine years old in March, and it’s hard to see him contending again.
Peddler’s Cross.
I have no idea what his plans are for this season. His chasing exploits left much to be desired, so will Donald McCain return him to hurdles- to take in the Champion or possibly challenge Big Bucks.
If returning to two mile hurdles, he must have a chance against the best- providing he’s not been soured by his efforts chasing.
Rite Of Passage.
Despite his high class efforts on the Flat, he couldn’t cope with Peddler’s Cross in the 2010 Neptune Hurdle at the festival.
He would certainly be an interesting contender, but his hurdling would need to have improved.
Overturn.
This wonderfully consistent horse gave his all last March, but found Rock On Ruby too good.
I’ve always felt he’s a top Grade Two horse, but I feel that about most of the others anyway.
Summary.
Probably as open a Champion Hurdle as you could imagine- almost all the above horses have some sort of chance.
Personally, I feel it looks more like a top Grade two contest, but that shouldn’t spoil its competitiveness and interest.
The big question mark is Hurricane Fly. With him out of the way, take your pick!
What do other members think?
My conclusion is ( confusedly)....
Best horse in the race.......Hurricane Fly.
Horse to beat...................Darlan.
Horse to watch out for.......Grandouet.
Dark Horse.......................Rite Of Passage.
Best Ante-Post..................Oscar Whisky (48/1 Win, 11/1 Place, Betfair)
