2025 Champion Hurdle

[Lobos]

With Constitution Hill and his problems, State Man getting turned over yesterday, punters gambling on a 4yo to step into Open Company and two Mares trying their luck, the CH does look very open this season with no real stand out horse.

[opatcho]

With Constitution Hill and his problems, State Man getting turned over yesterday, punters gambling on a 4yo to step into Open Company and two Mares trying their luck, the CH does look very open this season with no real stand out horse.

Yeah, may be worth looking wider afield at some of the outsiders

[Lobos]

Yeah, may be worth looking wider afield at some of the outsiders

Not sure there are any ? Will be a small field again imo.

[jrjr]

I'd say 70/30 Mares at this stage. The whole post-race vibe seemed quite subdued. I think GE knows they'll likely find at least one that is too good for her in the Champion Hurdle.

[Kevloaf]

I wonder if Brighterdaysahead didn't get beaten easily in the Mares Novice Hurdle I'd be a lot more willing to accept she's even in the conversation to win a Champion Hurdle in March

'Spring' ground I'd see her beaten for starters .... absolutely nowhere near wanting to back her for that at the current price. Don't like her price for the Mares Hurdle even if that was NRNB either


Just not a horse I'm willing to forgive yet. At the prices, easy enough to pass her over for now anyway IMO

[Lobos]

I'd say 70/30 Mares at this stage. The whole post-race vibe seemed quite subdued. I think GE knows they'll likely find at least one that is too good for her in the Champion Hurdle.

They sent Irish Point there last season and he did fantastic to finish 2nd and he's a stayer. Shed have a bigger chance than him . There's only one Champion Hurdle.

[opatcho]

Mystical Power, a horse that I have never really got on with last season, although I respect what he did last season. Still dont know how Slade Steel got passed, maybe a tougher horse at the time. Wasnt the cleanest of runs from Mark Walsh, but still had the chance to win and just got done on the day

With the CH up in the air, I do think the Fighting Fifth could be a telling and could move markets.
Sir Gino is the horse to beat, he's extremely exciting.... but do we do need to take a step back. Sir Gino wasnt the best over hurdles last year, he cant be dragging and bunny hopping over hurdles in a open grade 1 in March. Schooling him over fences isnt the most effective way to get him to be a click hurdler

I think they should be closer in the market in the clash at Newcastle.

Will be a exciting race... one where I will be looking to back Mystical Power TWAF

[Birds Nest]

Yeah, may be worth looking wider afield at some of the outsiders

Listening to henry talk about slade steel on racing tv, im sure he said something like perhaps chasing might not be for him in the end. Could be tempted to a more open churdle instead, not likely imo but not a bad left field idea.

[Lobos]

Golden Ace going back to 2m next time in the Xmas Hurdle. Could she be another Mare to put her hat into the CH ring ?

[Exar Essay]

Listening to henry talk about slade steel on racing tv, im sure he said something like perhaps chasing might not be for him in the end. Could be tempted to a more open churdle instead, not likely imo but not a bad left field idea.

He did say it may not end up being for him. But he certainly seemed to imply he’d get a good go at it. He’s going for another beginners at Naas. I’d be surprised if he didn’t stay over fences this year.

[Lobos]

He did say it may not end up being for him. But he certainly seemed to imply he’d get a good go at it. He’s going for another beginners at Naas. I’d be surprised if he didn’t stay over fences this year.

Very odd thing to say though after just the 1 chase run. Doesn't give you a lot of confidence in him does it ...........ummmmmmm

[Wayward Lad]

Golden Ace going back to 2m next time in the Xmas Hurdle. Could she be another Mare to put her hat into the CH ring ?

Does seem strange why she would be pitched at such a high level over 2m

Maybe there aren’t some nice easier mares races to get her race fit?……trust in Jeremy methinks

66/1 for the CH and would need to find around 23lbs to trouble State Man on official and RPR ratings……can’t see it myself

Got to be the bet @ 10/1 for the MH at the moment with chaos around the CH and as a result Lossie probably certainly going for the CH now, Brighterdaysahead a maybe and Willie not decided around JDG hurdling or chasing this year.

[Eggs]

Golden Ace going back to 2m next time in the Xmas Hurdle. Could she be another Mare to put her hat into the CH ring ?

…..I think that’s certainly worthy of consideration.

In his pre-race interview at the weekend Scott said something that stuck in my mind, I’m sure he suggested going back to 2m could be ‘very exciting’. Wondered what he meant at the time but perhaps you’ve nailed it.

Maybe the CH was very much on his mind and he certainly won’t have been discouraged by BDA’s victory.

[TigerRolllllll]

I think State Man beats BDA over 2m in any races further into the season

Being fit and primed for a target race is different from being race fit IMO

BDA ran a great race against a CH winner over what maybe is short of her best trip, but her race fitness counted on the run in order for her to prevail

BDA will run in the Mares hurdle unless there is carnage in the 2m hurdle division as the season progresses IMO

Im not sure State Man would beat BDA in the CH.....his runs at Chelt have been his lowest rated and that hill will really suit BDA

Lots can change, but wouldn't be shocked if this is between BDA and Lossie and poss Sir Gino

[ComplyOrDie]

Im not sure State Man would beat BDA in the CH.....his runs at Chelt have been his lowest rated and that hill will really suit BDA

Lots can change, but wouldn't be shocked if this is between BDA and Lossie and poss Sir Gino

I tend to agree with this.

Brighterdaysahead may be beat by others, but I am a believer that State Man most certainly doesn't run his best races at Cheltenham.