To be fair, Faugheen would have still won off a stronger pace. That's why he's so good, he has great tactical speed plus hes proven he stays 3 miles.
Agreed Bob but the clock does not lie. What it did show was that, on that ground, Douvan got from A to B quicker than any Champion Hurdle winner since 1987 (haven't seen times before then) has achieved on the same going or even on good going. However we look at it, that was some achievement for a 5yo
Not just confident, im certain Ron, look at the way Faigheen powered up the hill in the Neptune last year. He's a very strong stayer, and would have beat any of his rivals on Tuesday over any trip and with any pace. Faugheen is just far classier than the rest. The only other class horse was HF and he's to old, and has never been his best at Cheltenham
I don't doubt that Shergs. Giving his staying power one would have thought a stronger pace would have suited him more than the others. His time in the Neptune was pretty decent too
I backed Douvan on Monday for the Arkle at 10s and also doubled with UDS for the Champion Chase at 5s! There's no doubt he's going chasing. Here's an interesting one. Anyone think that Arctic Fire could also go chasing? He isn't likely to beat Faugheen. He could be an Arkle horse. But then again maybe they'll keep him hurdling and aim to mop up the English G1 hurdle races like Faugheen done. He wouldn't have much trouble winning those. That would mean they could keep Faugheen in Ireland next season and retire Fly after Punchestown? Who knows. So many options in that yard.
Mmmmm...Makes sense. Bags of pace and the same owners sent Simeon out to perform well in the big flat races. Interesting
