2016 Champion Hurdle

[MrMcGoldrick]

I remember John Francome saying a few years ago that if you see a horse twist as it jumps it can be a sign of a back problem and I did notice a little of that at a couple of hurdles from Faugheen, but there are other causes too of course, he's never been the best jumper. I'm just happily taking advantage of the odds being offered on him at the moment for March, I didn't think I'd be backing him at this stage of the season at odds against.

[mayo]

Old guard wins again. Peace &co pulled very hard but talk of a wind problem too.

[TheRowebot]

And Faugheen shortened across the board..

[mayo]

agree with Bitchys tip on the other thread

[gjt7756]

Mullins quoted today saying he is sure Faugheen will be spot on for his run at Kempton and will be back to his best, he also stated "It ended up that the two of them probably cooked their own goose. Ruby [Walsh] probably thought he would get a lead from Nichols Canyon and we never dreamt that Faugheen would be flat. He appeared fine on the day but perhaps he was flat after the piece or work. He hung because he was tired."

[Old Vic]

well done to all those who took prices on faugheen ...

[Faugheen_Machine]

Doubt we'll see him odds against for this seasons Champion Hurdle again.

[TheRowebot]

No chance, might get an even money enhancement but that will be it now.
You could see it in Riccis eyes on Channel 4, especially when he said he was 15kg lighter than the Morgiana!

[Old Vic]

WPM

"Faugheen, Nichols Canyon and Arctic Fire are all likely to run next in the BHP Irish Champion Hurdle."

[MrMcGoldrick]

Just wondering if Peace & co could be a forgotten horse in this race now, if they can get him to settle he has a hell of a finishing kick, and the Champion hurdle won't be a dawdle so settling him should be easier. I think Faugheen is going to be very difficult to beat, and I've backed him accordingly, but when looking for a few to stick in ew accas P & C looks to offer some very good value

[mayo]

Just wondering if Peace & co could be a forgotten horse in this race now, if they can get him to settle he has a hell of a finishing kick, and the Champion hurdle won't be a dawdle so settling him should be easier. I think Faugheen is going to be very difficult to beat, and I've backed him accordingly, but when looking for a few to stick in ew accas P & C looks to offer some very good value

I agree MMG. Got to forgive him one run. Would prefer Barry G on him but not likely.

[Istabraq]

I've got a strong view that Triumph horses can't win this race - the emphasis is very much on stamina (run over the stiffer New course) in the Triumph especially as 4yo, a year down the line they're unlikely to get any quicker but they should have even greater stamina, so to win a Triumph you must have significant stamina and in later career you get further.
The drop back to 2m over the quicker and less stamina demanding Old course doesn't suit Triumph horses in my opinion.
It is this that explains the desperate record of 5yo in this race, but I'm not convinced it's an age trend it's the fact that every 4yo goes for the Triumph rather than the Supreme.

Katchit won a desperate champion renewal and Celestial Halo went close in the renewal won by Punjabi, I stand to be corrected but I don't think either Katchit or Punjabi won a race after their champion hurdle success highlighting how poor their renewals were.
I don't recall in my racing memory (30 years) any other Triumph horse going close in a Champion hurdle.

Most other Triumph winners went on to contest the world hurdle rather than champion hurdle.

Just my view but Peace and Co showed extreme grit in winning the Triumph last year in a war of attrition from 2 out, but he's far more likely to win the 2017 World hurdle than this years Champion....

[mayo]

Peace & Co wont get 2 miles until he learns to settle again...

[MrMcGoldrick]

Interesting thoughts Isty but I'm just thinking of the ew possibilities, I don't see anything beating Faugheen, if you say double P & C up with Special Tiara £20 ew pays £360, if you find another at 12/1 you're looking at around £1440 if they are all placed, given the first 2 at 14/1 and 12/1 for their races

[Istabraq]

From a place angle I agree Mr M.
I guess it comes down to whether you think this is a strong renewal or not, personally I think it lacks depth so there is some mileage in your place combo bets, beyond the Mullins 3 (Faugheen, Arctic Fire and Nichols Canyon) there's not alot else though NTD still thinks the New One is better than he's shown.
I do love these combo bets and know it's one of the most exciting ways to prepare for the event, I just have a view on Triumph horses and often think they're better being held over (as 5yo) to the Aintree hurdle (2m 4f) where 5yo have gone close in recent years (The New One, Diakali)