2015 Champion Hurdle

[Old Vic]

Must try and get a look at Kitten Rock

Brian Oconnor

The ammunition Edward O'Grady has had available to fire at big races has been limited in recent years, caught up in the economic downturn along with so many others, yet he remains a famously shrewd and knowledgeable trainer and when he talks about Kitten Rock as a contender for the Champion Hurdle it's impossible not to sit up and take notice.

There will be widespread surprise if Kitten Rock actually goes and wins the thing. But if the forensic O'Grady is thinking in such elite terms then this is a horse to reckon with.

[MrMcGoldrick]

I saw the race with Kitten Rock at the weekend, he only got the better of Glens Melody due to that one making a mistake at the last, could still have won but would have been very close. Glens Melody gave Que Vega a bit of a scare at the festival last year but I think mainly because Ruby started his run a bit late and Glens Melody got a bit of a break on her. You have to respect the professional views coming out of the stable but it's difficult to see Kitten Rock troubling the principals in the champion hurdle, perhaps they think he will improve a lot for better ground but it would need to be a huge improvement, probably 20-25lbs I would think.

[Morning Glory]

Morning MrMcG. Agree with that but I think they will probably runhim though - strange name for a gelding !

Also a chance he could be used to keep pace on for Jezki ?

[MrMcGoldrick]

Morning MrMcG. Agree with that but I think they will probably runhim though - strange name for a gelding !

Also a chance he could be used to keep pace on for Jezki ?

You could be right there MG, if they use a pacemaker and they go at a strong pace I think that could give The Fly a bigger shout, though it could also mean Faugheen will do it all on the bridle rather than having to work for his supper.

[iainmcf]

Can anyone explain to me why Jezki is still avalaible at 6's with ladbrokes compared to The New One at 3's.Surely if anything these prices shud be the other way round.I think Jezki and Faugheen will battle out the finish in champion hurdle and my moneys on Jezki as the slicker jumper to prevail.

[mayo]

Can anyone explain to me why Jezki is still avalaible at 6's with ladbrokes compared to The New One at 3's.Surely if anything these prices shud be the other way round.I think Jezki and Faugheen will battle out the finish in champion hurdle and my moneys on Jezki as the slicker jumper to prevail.

Fook knows Iain. Jezki seems to be an unfashionable horse.

[Old Vic]

Can anyone explain to me why Jezki is still avalaible at 6's with ladbrokes compared to The New One at 3's.Surely if anything these prices shud be the other way round.I think Jezki and Faugheen will battle out the finish in champion hurdle and my moneys on Jezki as the slicker jumper to prevail.

You will like this from @racingtrends

Our Champion Hurdle is a no bet race with little between Hurricane Fly and Jezki but it might be time to make a play in the real thing at Cheltenham. Jezki is the obvious each-way bet but also the right one and the non-runner, no-bet concession available on the Sportsbook makes the 5/1 look big. Faugheen is not a horse I'm rushing to take on after he blocked off another chink in his armour by winning well over a speed test at Kempton. He is short enough though having not achieved as much as Jezki, albeit opportunity playing its part there.

The New One, however, is worth opposing, his improvement having flat-lined and a tendency to jump right-handed becoming evident this season; given he doesn't want to be in front too soon, having a moderate hurdling technique is not ideal. Jezki is a spring horse - form figures of 183111 from March through May - and has been trained with Cheltenham in mind. In a race where there is no depth outside the front three, he should be backed.

[MrMcGoldrick]

You will like this from @racingtrends

Our Champion Hurdle is a no bet race with little between Hurricane Fly and Jezki but it might be time to make a play in the real thing at Cheltenham. Jezki is the obvious each-way bet but also the right one and the non-runner, no-bet concession available on the Sportsbook makes the 5/1 look big. Faugheen is not a horse I'm rushing to take on after he blocked off another chink in his armour by winning well over a speed test at Kempton. He is short enough though having not achieved as much as Jezki, albeit opportunity playing its part there.

The New One, however, is worth opposing, his improvement having flat-lined and a tendency to jump right-handed becoming evident this season; given he doesn't want to be in front too soon, having a moderate hurdling technique is not ideal. Jezki is a spring horse - form figures of 183111 from March through May - and has been trained with Cheltenham in mind. In a race where there is no depth outside the front three, he should be backed.

Sound analysis, I think a case could be made still for Hurricane Fly though, especially in the ew betting market, the introduction of a powerful front runner, if JP utilises a pacemaker, could play into his hands in the same way that the blinkers and blitz along tactics employed with Rock on Ruby did. He is 11 now so that's clearly not a positive, but he stays very well, and Sea Pigeon won the champ hurdle at the same age, given the 14/1 available, the fact that he's probably the best at the hurdles and the beating twice this season already of Jezki, he's worthy of consideration.

[mayo]

Is Figheen going to Red Mills or something in England.

What is longest break of recent winners

[mayo]

Jezki can gain revenge and deny 'The Fly' perfect 10
The prospect of drier ground and wider track might give edge to McCoy's mount

@richardforristal


Nearly seven years and 28 runs after making a successful Irish debut at Punchestown, the mighty Hurricane Fly will bid to cement his place among the pantheon of hurdling greats by securing an unprecedented fifth Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Willie Mullins' diminutive star's vulnerability at Cheltenham might have conspired to prevent him from capturing the broader public imagination in the way that Istabraq did, but there can be no denying that he is a rare talent whose ferocious will to win has emerged as his most defining trait.

It was that dogged determination that saw him memorably out-battle Jezki to plunder a 21st Grade One triumph at Christmas, and he will now touch gloves with JP McManus' latest elite two-miler for a seventh time.

The score stands four-two in favour of the 11-year-old, so it is maybe no surprise that he is odds-on to stretch his unbeaten record at the Foxrock venue to a perfect 10 in the €110,000 BHP Insurances-sponsored showpiece.

Few would begrudge Hurricane Fly sole ownership of the Irish Champion Hurdle record that he shares with Istabraq, but the reigning Cotswolds hero pushed him close last time, so this will be no formality for his nemesis.

2.45 Grade One BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle 2m

Hurricane Fly defied his advancing years with another tenacious triumph at Christmas. He is a standing dish here, though deep ground suits him best, maybe especially so at this stage of his career.

There is no doubt that he sets the standard but life won't be getting any easier for him.

Jezki is the chief threat. Plinth will set an honest gallop, and, while there is always a danger that Jezki will find himself towing Hurricane Fly into the race, the switch to the outer track here will help the younger champion, as will the prospect some decent ground.

Arctic Fire is another that would prefer a sounder surface, and he emerged with real credit when beaten less than two lengths at Christmas.

He is going the right way but whether he is getting there quick enough for this is another thing.

While Fiscal Focus looked a smart juvenile when scoring in graded company on his jumping bow last month, it would require another quantum leap forward for him to get involved at this level.

Tiger Roll was a fair novice but he has serious questions to answer now after two sub-par outings.

Verdict - Jezki appeals as nap material to sign off for Cheltenham on a high.

[mayo]

Ground ‘not ideal’ for Fly
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Hurricane FlyHurricane Fly
By Ashley Iveson
Willie Mullins admits conditions at Leopardstown are "probably not ideal" for Hurricane Fly as he goes in search of a record fifth victory in tomorrow’s BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle.

The incredible 11-year-old matched the mighty Istabraq in winning the prestigious Grade One event for the fourth year on the spin 12 months ago and returns to his beloved Leopardstown at the top of his game as he bids to make yet more history.

The champion trainer’s pride and joy is once again opposed by last season’s Champion Hurdle hero Jezki, with the score between the pair standing at four-two in favour of Hurricane Fly, who has come out on top in two meetings this season.

The ground is unlikely to be as testing this weekend, however.

Mullins said: “Our fellow really excels on soft ground, so it’s probably not ideal, but at this stage we have to take what we get.

“I hope it will be a good race on Sunday. Hurricane Fly is a small but very strong horse with a big heart and he doesn’t like to lose, winning is part of his make-up and he’s very determined.

“You wouldn’t think he was an 11-year-old on a morning. Early in his career he missed races through injuries and needed time out every so often as he was so strong and wilful.”

Hurricane Fly will be looking to make it 10 starts unbeaten at the track as he bids to register a remarkable 22nd victory at the top level.

“He’s just good wherever he goes, not just Leopardstown,” said Mullins.

“It will be good for racing (if he can beat Istabraq’s record).”

While most will focus on another clash between Hurricane Fly and Jezki, Mullins warns it would be dangerous to rule out his other runner in the race, Arctic Fire.

Five years younger than his illustrious stable companion, he was not far behind Hurricane Fly and Jezki when third in the Ryanair Hurdle over Christmas.

“Artic Fire is improving all the time and is a young horse, so it’s not just a two-horse race,” Mullins told At The Races.

“It was a huge run the last day. The last two furlongs in Leopardstown are searching and Arctic Fire went the whole way with them to the line.

“There is more scope for improvement there I think.”

The prospect of better ground gives Jessica Harrington hope Jezki can turn the tables on his old adversary.

She said: “He did a nice bit of work on Tuesday and is in good form. It would be great to get nice ground and no rain.

“I see that Willie is looking for rain, so we all want different things! They will have some new ground which is great.

“We got nearer than we’ve ever got to Hurricane Fly (at Leopardstown) over Christmas. We were only half a length behind him.

“We’ll make a race of it and it will be a great spectacle for everybody that comes racing.

“There was never going to be any easy races for him this season. He was always going to be taking on Hurricane Fly and he is a formidable opponent.”

While Harrington is delighted with her stable star’s condition, she believes he will not hit his peak until defending his crown at Cheltenham in March.

“He’s pretty close to 100 per cent but is always a better horse in the spring. He comes to life then, and better ground certainly helps,” said the trainer.

“March is the day that we really want him.”

[Old Vic]

Brillant from The Fly.

Jezki needs Cheltenham and probably Barry.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The only shred of flotsam Fly deniers have to cling to is that he's &quot;only won two Champion Hurdles&quot;. The greatest hurdler we've ever seen.</p>&mdash; Rory Delargy (@helynsar) <a href="https://twitter.com/helynsar/status/559363826479796225">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hurricane Fly traded almost 9-1 in-running. Has never been matched higher in-running at his beloved Leopardstown. Some day in Ireland.</p>&mdash; Andy Stephens (@StevoGG) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevoGG/status/559363904376414208">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Hurricane Fly returns to a huge reception here <a href="https://twitter.com/LeopardstownRC">@LeopardstownRC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ruby_Walsh">@Ruby_Walsh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WillieMullinsNH">@WillieMullinsNH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoRacing?src=hash">#GoRacing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash">#Legend</a> <a href="http://t.co/trWEDvYfDQ">pic.twitter.com/trWEDvYfDQ</a></p>&mdash; Horse Racing Ireland (@GoRacing) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoRacing/status/559364197411483650">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Breathtaking <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IrishChampionHurdle?src=hash">#IrishChampionHurdle </a>

The Fly in a spot of trouble rounding the bend for home yet still had the better of blundering Jezki</p>&mdash; John McCririck (@RealMcCririck) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMcCririck/status/559364030566252546">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[MrMcGoldrick]

Brillant from The Fly.

Jezki needs Cheltenham and probably Barry.

Awesome performance, been like a cash machine over the years for me this horse, I backed him today and have already backed him for the Champion hurdle at fancy prices, but biggest liability is Faugheen. You just can't leave him out of the equation, will be a tough decision for Ruby to ride Faugheen though rather than The Fly, I would think his connection with Ricci and all his horses will push him in the directin of Faugheen but I can just picture his face if he does and has to suffer watching Hurricane Fly out battle him up the hill.

[Old Vic]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Hetookapull20">@Hetookapull20</a> Get Geraghty back on board. He is the key to that horse.</p>&mdash; Ben Aitken (@Narrowthefield) <a href="https://twitter.com/Narrowthefield/status/559362759033622529">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/TonyMacRacing">@TonyMacRacing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Hetookapull20">@Hetookapull20</a> 5 from 5 on the beast, 3 grade 1's. Simple. He is the key.</p>&mdash; Ben Aitken (@Narrowthefield) <a href="https://twitter.com/Narrowthefield/status/559365138260963329">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>And I say that as AP McCoy's biggest fan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jezki?src=hash">#Jezki</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/horseracing?src=hash">#horseracing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheltFest?src=hash">#CheltFest</a></p>&mdash; Cpt Neville Cazalet (@BBH74) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBH74/status/559363745110306818">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>For me, the major reason why Jezki won't retain his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheltFest?src=hash">#CheltFest</a> crown is not Faugheen but Barry Geraghty won't be in the plate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/horseracing?src=hash">#horseracing</a></p>&mdash; Cpt Neville Cazalet (@BBH74) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBH74/status/559363598615855104">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Barry Geraghty (5-5)
AP McCoy (3-6)

Surely for the horses best chance at Cheltenham, Barry has to ride?</p>&mdash; On Harbour Watch (@OnHarbourWatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnHarbourWatch/status/559365242011271168">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[Old Vic]

and inevitablly

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Who will Ruby ride?</p>&mdash; John McCririck (@RealMcCririck) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMcCririck/status/559364109142355968">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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but

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ruby: &quot;I&#39;ll make my Champion Hurdle decision three days before the race.&quot;</p>&mdash; The Irish Field (@TheIrishField) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheIrishField/status/559364741060390912">January 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
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