TUESDAY LINE-UP
1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
2.10 Arkle Trophy Chase
2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase
3.30 Champion Hurdle
4.10 Mares’ Hurdle
4.50 Northern Trust Novices’ Handicap Chase
5.30 NH Challenge Cup
Champion Hurdle
The Champion Hurdle revolves around a horse which isn’t even entered.
BENIE DES DIEUX looks set to be supplemented and would bid to replicate what her former stablemate, Annie Power, did by winning the Champion Hurdle a year after falling at the last in the Mares’ Hurdle.
She is all class and the fact Mullins has even compared her to the great Annie Power let alone suggest she might be better than her says all that needs to be said. If she goes, she wins. The drop to two miles shouldn’t inconvenience her too much and given this is one of the weakest Champion Hurdles of recent times, she looks to have an outstanding chance of securing a Grade 1 victory.
Epatante would have her nose pushed out somewhat if BDD was to be supplemented as she has secured her spot at the top of the market with two impressive wins this season. However, in a normal year I do wonder whether she would be favourite for a Champion Hurdle given the fact she hasn’t beat a great deal. She has still looked good, however, and must be respected as an improving horse.
I did think Envoi Allen might make an appearance here but Gordon Elliott sounds pretty adamant he will be heading to the Ballymore and I can understand that but it would be a fascinating contest if he were in this instead.
Given it is such an open year, I would be daft not to chuck in a few outsiders. I have said all winter that Supasundae is a silly price having been around the 25/1 mark for most of the winter. Since Jessie Harrington has stated he will run in the two-mile contest he has been snipped into 16s.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MAESTROS OF THE MIDLANDS
Hot on the heels of Cheltenham, it's a trip to Uttoxeter for the Midlands National
RUBY'S ON SIDE
Festival legend shares his thoughts on the hot prospects this year
VENETIA CAN BRING HOMME THE GOLD
Andy Ayres has been out and about to scour the courses for the up and coming in-form stars
CHANT PUT ME IN TUNE AT FESTIVAL
Paul Jacobs shares his ante-post thoughts on the Festival I always come into Cheltenham Festival month with a mix of interpretation and excitement.
MULLIN IT OVER ON WILLIE'S GLORY TRAIL
Rolf Johnson ponders the brilliance of jump racing's legendary star trainer
SHREWD SHARK EYES STRIKE WITH HEWICK
Ben Cox believes John Hanlon's bargain buy is fit and ready to join the Cheltenham Gold rush
WILLIE'S ALL SET FOR A BURN-UP
Paul Ferguson says Mullins’ star can reign Supreme
BEN HAS ENGINEERED A WINNING OPERATION
Nick Townsend talks to trainer Ben Pauling who traded his spanner for a lunging rein and another way to succeed
TOP TRIO GO FLAT OUT FOR ALL-WEATHER SUCCESS
Five from five Bonito Cavalo can hit 'em for six on Finals Day
FLAT RANKS OUT ON THE MARCH
Dave Youngman wakes up to the joys of spring at HQ