Champion Hurdle thoughts?

[Fella]

One day to go before one of the best 4 NH races of the season. And I reckon this year's renewal is fantastic.

Betting-wise of course, it's an utter minefield. If Binocular is as good as some people think then he'll stroll away with it but it's hard to get exited about those kind of odds with this size of field. I would love to see McCoy get another Champion anyway, so I don't feel the need to bet this - I'd be pleased if it wins regardless of whether I bet it.

Some of my fave hurdlers of the past few years are there; tough-as-nails Hardy Eustace (a 2-time winner available at 100.0+) & Harchibald. Both have done me favours at long odds in the past.

There are tons of others you can make a case for too. Celestial Halo could still be a superstar. Last year's winner Katchit goes again & comes right this time of year. Last year's second Osana is here again too. And let's not forget last year's fav Sizing Europe! There are loads of others with a case to make too.

Probably the one that most interests me at the moment though, is Sentry Duty. He seems to be a transformed horse this season & most importantly he can win in huge fields (his 4 wins have been in fields of 20, 15, 15 & 21 respectively) - a major plus in a Champion Hurdle with a field this big - some horses will not enjoy the hurly-burly at all. He's trained by a Cheltenham specialist too. The one (potentially) big drawback is the weather - he would like it good so the less rain the better. (Forecast unsettled right now).

Anyway, these are just my thoughts & I've had a nibble on Sentry Duty with & without Binocular.

One final thought - I'm expecting to see money for 2006 winner Brave Inca ESPCIALLY if it does rain. Hill's 33/1 probably won't last much longer. If it chucks it down I could see this one starting at close to single figures.



Final final thought! This is all just my opinion & Cheltenham, although it's (IMO) by far the best week's racing for watching or for MB-ing, is also probably just about the hardest to actually win a mug punt on. Everything I've written above may turn out to be 100 miles off target so I certainly wouldn't recommend following me - just thought it'd be nice to kick off some chat about such a mouthwatering race.

cheers
Fella

[AmeliesDad]

With the ground still softening and possibility of more rain I think Whiteoak looks good each way from 16/1. I was just about to say that he's also entered in the 4.40 but it appears to have been withdrawn. Indicator that they think he'll run well in the Champion Hurdle?

[Andy]

Great analysis Fella, i dont have anything like enough knowledge of it to make an informed guess. I am terrible at just following other people really, but i always like to read the arguments for and against.

On the day i think i will be trading them all as much as possible, small stakes but they should all fluctuate enough with enough visability to make something.

[Fella]

O well....

Gutted actually, that Binocular & McCoy didn't make it.