Champion Hurdle 2021

[Saxon Warrior]

It's unlikely to happen though so I don't see the point of repeated discussion on it.

In most instances trainers opt for the race they think they can win vs the mouth watering clash we all hope for.

She'd be far more likely to win the mares race again, which we know her connections favour.

I don't think they'll overcomplicate it, and to me she looks far better suited to 2m4f than 2m.

This follows the well-trodden path of those backing horses wanting everyone to follow them in.

I think when everyone else prefers a certain race for a horse - while I see the merit of another race - after I make one mention of my favoured route/race, if no-one wants to follow, I would leave it alone.

If I am happy with my decision on something like this I don't need any followers, if they prefer a different option

[Lobos]

This follows the well-trodden path of those backing horses wanting everyone to follow them in.

I think when everyone else prefer a certain race for a horse - while I see the merit of another race - after I make one mention of my favoured route/race, if no-one wants to follow, I would leave it alone.

If I am happy with my decision on something like this I don't need any followers, if they prefer a different option

Absolutely right Saxon. I've put across all my reasons now why she will be going to the Champion Hurdle and why the 16/1 with cashout should not be missed as an alternative to Epatante. Hopefully there will be a few takers out there. I'll move onto my next project now !

[charlie]

That's just it, her owner went for the Mares Hurdle last season as he was desperate to get a first Fez win. He's got that now. He also said that he will never own another horse like her capable of running in the Champion Hurdle so he can now tick that box this coming season. He doesn't need to send her to the Mares again. She's already been there and done it and beaten the best Mare Mullins has ever had . If she wins her two prep races then his dream will come true.

So basically, it's what you hope will happen

Visually she looks better over 2m4f and as Peter Molony (racing manager to Alexander) said pre-Cheltenham:

"I think everyone knew we were always going to leave it until late. In our opinion she's a two-and-a-half-mile mare - that's her optimum trip".

They made the decision and were proven right. She starts off over 2m4f in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle - that is her optimum trip (plus I think Annie Power holds the title of best Mare Mullins has ever had no?).

Whilst I understand the merit of the 'nothing to lose' argument, IMO the CH will have to look like complete and utter dog shit for them to even entertain reverting back to a trip they have publicly stated is not her optimum trip.

[JackieMoon33]

So basically, it's what you hope will happen

Visually she looks better over 2m4f and as Peter Molony (racing manager to Alexander) said pre-Cheltenham:

"I think everyone knew we were always going to leave it until late. In our opinion she's a two-and-a-half-mile mare - that's her optimum trip".

They made the decision and were proven right. She starts off over 2m4f in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle - that is her optimum trip (plus I think Annie Power holds the title of best Mare Mullins has ever had no?).

Whilst I understand the merit of the 'nothing to lose' argument, IMO the CH will have to look like complete and utter dog shit for them to even entertain reverting back to a trip they have publicly stated is not her optimum trip.

Very well put and the CH is likely to be stronger this year as the novices coming through are of a higher standard than last.

[Quevega]

message for both - Lobos and Charlie.

Quevega

Don't let it happen again.

And you'd have had more emoji's if there wasn't a random limit of 9 allowed (insert emoji here for WTF)

[Quevega]

Very well put and the CH is likely to be stronger this year as the novices coming through are of a higher standard than last.

Not sure about them being a higher standard than last year. Doubt that's true (as we speak). Although they could prove to be for sure.

A second season novice did end up winning last year.
Klassical Dream was close to/or second favourite for a while. The wanky 5 year olds weren't far behind either.
Some think they might be better this year, but they could end up being shite.

[charlie]

Not sure about them being a higher standard than last year. Doubt that's true (as we speak). Although they could prove to be for sure.

A second season novice did end up winning last year.
Klassical Dream was close to/or second favourite for a while. The wanky 5 year olds weren't far behind either.
Some think they might be better this year, but they could end up being shite.

I'd be surprised if the CH isn't a stronger renewal next year -obviously anything can happen but this year's was trash IMO.

[JackieMoon33]

Not sure about them being a higher standard than last year. Doubt that's true (as we speak). Although they could prove to be for sure.

A second season novice did end up winning last year.
Klassical Dream was close to/or second favourite for a while. The wanky 5 year olds weren't far behind either.
Some think they might be better this year, but they could end up being shite.

I think Abacadbras and Saint Roi will prove better than the novices that went that route this year.

Epatante was a second season hurdler, not a second season novice.

[Quevega]

I think Abacadbras and Saint Roi will prove better than the novices that went that route this year.

Epatante was a second season hurdler, not a second season novice.

that's what i meant.

We'll see how good they are soon enough.
The optimist in all of us in seeing new stars emerge and compete would like to think so.
And some - like yourself believe they may prove more worthy challengers.

The point was.
They've definitely not got stronger credentials than the previous seasons lot.
We've had no rubber stamping (at aintree or Punchestown) of cheltenham form due to the suspension of racing.
So a runner up in the supreme and a mid 130's handicap winner is all we've got. And a five year old who fell.

[JackieMoon33]

that's what i meant.

We'll see how good they are soon enough.
The optimist in all of us in seeing new stars emerge and compete would like to think so.
And some - like yourself believe they may prove more worthy challengers.

The point was.
They've definitely not got stronger credentials than the previous seasons lot.
We've had no rubber stamping (at aintree or Punchestown) of cheltenham form due to the suspension of racing.
So a runner up in the supreme and a mid 130's handicap winner is all we've got. And a five year old who fell.

Whatever way you spin it, if Abacadabras and Saint Roi are fit and healthy come March, it will be a better race than the 2020 renewal.

[Quevega]

Whatever way you spin it, if Abacadabras and Saint Roi are fit and healthy come March, it will be a better race than the 2020 renewal.

You talking about the County Hurdle ?

No spin involved - Fact is - they're not better - YET.
At this stage, in comparison to last year, they're inferior.

Just some people think they may prove better.
We'll see.

[Hardy Eustace]

You talking about the County Hurdle ?

No spin involved - Fact is - they're not better - YET.
At this stage, in comparison to last year, they're inferior.

Just some people think they may prove better.
We'll see.

Absolutely right. Time will tell but Aba and Saint Roi have to prove they are champion hurdle class. They may do that and they are entitled to improve but they haven't proved it yet and there is every chance they won't.

[Lobos]

Absolutely right. Time will tell but Aba and Saint Roi have to prove they are champion hurdle class. They may do that and they are entitled to improve but they haven't proved it yet and there is every chance they won't.

If Aba and Saint Roi get beat by Honey in the Irish Champion Hurdle will they swerve the English version ?

[Hardy Eustace]

If Aba and Saint Roi get beat by Honey in the Irish Champion Hurdle will they swerve the English version ?

Watch them both end up in the county!
Personally, i think they will both have too much pace for Honey at two miles but I have been wrong many times before! And am a little nervous to stick my neck out against a lobos good thing!!

[Lobos]

Watch them both end up in the county!
Personally, i think they will both have too much pace for Honey at two miles but I have been wrong many times before! And am a little nervous to stick my neck out against a lobos good thing!!

I doubt either of them will be able to give her 7lbs. What would that make their rating ? Still think Epatante would do her for pace though.