Champion Hurdle Tips

Champion Hurdle Preview

During the 6-day declaration phase, I considered the possibility of Nicky Henderson's duo, Iberico Lord and Luccia, proving themselves in the'market without Champion Hurdle favorite State Man', but after reviewing the final 8 runners and anticipating probable short, intense rain on Tuesday morning, I've pivoted to another pick in this specific market.

I'm steering clear of challenging State Man outright, but considering the present offerings by numerous firms in the market, it's a prime opportunity for my suggestion – which revolves around an‘without favourite State Man’option, although mildly frustrating, the 8-runner final field implies only 7 horses competing without the favorite. This scenario makes an each-way bet for 2 places in a 7-runner race one of the least favorable each-way wagers you could make.Nemean Lionat ageneral 10/1(and{-{i}-}11/1{-{/i}-}in a place if available to you).

It is awin onlyIrish Point's presence seems to primarily give the owner representation in the race, contending with the knowledge that they possess the Stayers Hurdle favorite Teahupoo. Irish Point's form at 2m does not quite match the level required for even a modest Champion Hurdle. Although improvement as he matures is possible, I remain skeptical.

I've cooled off on Iberico Lord and Luccia, due to prevailing chatter about potential issues in Nicky Henderson's yard that suggest underlying problems.

triumphed over Colonel Mustard decisively in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, leaving only Zarak The Brave to contend with in this market, where I'd anticipate Zarak The Brave thriving better on firmer ground.

So, with the fact thatNemean LionThe Greatwood Hurdle serves as an engaging form analysis, as

needs to overcome a deficit of 9½ lengths with Iberico Lord and 2½ lengths with Luccia to clinch this wager. Several plausible factors suggest this outcome, one of which questions the possibility of the Henderson pairing replicating that form.Nemean Lionconceded substantial weight to both competitors, adopting a more conservative riding strategy and necessitating a wider track during the event, indicate potential for a much closer competition, with the likelihood of reverting the form favorably, particularly if the conditions are soft or heavy, which favor

But also, thatNemean Lionand hopefully receiving a similar proactive ride as in the Kingwell encounter.Nemean LionEpatante and Goshen have won over many bettors for next year’s Champion Hurdle, and justifiably so. Nonetheless, at 12/1, Abacadabras presents a remarkable value bet.

At10/1 generally,Nemean Liongives us a decent value bet in theChampion Hurdle, if only in the market‘without favourite State Man.’But a 10/1 winner is a 10/1 winner after all…

In the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last week, both Shishkin and Abacadabras pulled significantly ahead from rivals, despite adverse occurrences during the competition. Shishkin is likely to take the chasing route and emerge as a formidable prospect for the Arkle, paving the way for Gordon Elliott to finally secure the Champion Hurdle he has long desired.

The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle clocked a time 1.17 seconds slower than Epatante's in the Champion Hurdle. Hypothetically, if both events unfolded parallelly, Shishkin and Abacadabras would have been right on Epatante’s tail as they ascended the hill, opening up unpredictable possibilities.

Epatante, through an astute effort by Barry Geraghty, enjoyed an ideal journey in the Champion Hurdle – starkly different from the Supreme, where Abacadabras had to start from an undesired position further back due to the standing start. Plus, the chaos caused by Asterion Forlonge at two and three obstacles out, interrupted Abacadabras’ momentum at critical points – along with Elixir D’Ainay's fall, leaving Abacadabras prematurely in front, sooner than Russell hoped.

Abacadabras had secured an entry in the recently concluded Champion Hurdle, and had he participated, a placement was a strong possibility. A year on with greater fortitude, potentially improved conditions, and a more favorable race journey, Abacadabras can undoubtedly clinch the 2021 Champion Hurdle.

With the initial set of confirmed Cheltenham Festival entries announced this week, it’s prudent to undertake an early analysis of the headline event for day one – the Champion Hurdle.

Describing the situation as murky would be putting it mildly, with Epatante extracting herself from the confusion to stand as a 7/2 favorite, following two outstanding performances.

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Our Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle tips feature insights from esteemed horse racing aficionados David Young and Will Smith. Scheduled as the marquee event on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, it kicks off at 16:00 on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025.

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Champion Hurdle Highlights – Cheltenham Festival 2025

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