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2026 Champion Hurdle

EnvoiAlien said:
I imagine they'll all be as fit as possible without having ran, of the 3 trainers I'd have Mullins at being the best of them at getting them pin sharp for first time out, but on form the horse has plenty to find, also is coming back from an injury so I wouldn't be backing it myself.
A race to savour, just hope they all get round and we have an informative race going forward.
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This 10000%
 
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archie said:
I can see no justification for why The New Lion should be any less well prepared than either Constitution Hill or Anzadam.

Dineen likes to make a splash and I tend to disregard most of his stuff for that very reason.
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That’s where I would be with it too. Coupled with the other reasons I mentioned, Skeltons form on the big days this season etc.
 
That's the bit I'd disagree with you on though. All of his others you're refering to have been primed for their big target. This is their one potential star.

Still not buying he'll be any less ready than the others in the Fighting Fifth mind
 
Benjy23 said:
That's the bit I'd disagree with you on though. All of his others you're refering to have been primed for their big target. This is their one potential star.

Still not buying he'll be any less ready than the others in the Fighting Fifth mind
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Primed for their first big target, given his ammunition and graded ammunition at that, Skelton will 100% have more targets for these horses through the year.

Agree he’ll be as fit as the others as why wouldn’t he? What would be the point going here over a trip he’s never ran over obstacles for something of a public school. He needs to know his horse is up to the grade at this trip. Another reason I can see him being ready as his others have been.
 
All in the FF currently except Constitution Hill. That said, Nicky hasn't done any of his yet looking at it.
 
Craigy14 said:
I know we are still 3 days away from race day but how do we see The New Lion performing here? Also, will he be tuned for the day?

Reason I ask is Jonny Dineen made a point about him possibly not being tuned up for the day and working back from the Champion Hurdle etc. This season so far though, in the vast majority of big race days, Dan Skleton has had his horses tuned to the max, resulting in him winning most of the big Saturday races thus far. Why would he change that for The New Lion? He will want to also win as many big pots as he can prior to springtime when WPM starts making his charge for the UK trainers championship. It’s 4/5 months from Cheltenham, he can have a hard enough race at the weekend, lay off him and bring him back for a prep prior to festival (international in Jan).
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I would say TNL would be more 'primed' than CH as TNL next race will likely be the International with Kempton at Xmas all but ruled out by Skelton, so this is their first big pot for him with time to rest after. CH is set to follow up at Kempton plus you would imagine Nico would be mindful about getting CH enjoying his racing again. After the way last season ended for him I would be surprised if he is throwing him into his hurdles and asking for the big one. Get him round, get him hurdling and get him competitive. As to Anzadam, obviously I am a backer at much bigger prices than he is now so want to see him do well. However, this is his first start against genuine grade 1 horses and returning from an injury. Again, I would just be glad to see him competitive without looking out of place in this company.

I wouldn't rule Golden Ace out of the race either. With TNL having his first start at 2m over hurdles then there are still doubts about all three at the head of the betting. Golden Ace has to bounce back after scoping dirty last time but at least she comes here with a run, gets the mares allowance, the extra furlong plays to her strengths and she has yet to finish outside the first 2 in six starts at around 2m (More through lack of opposition admittedly last time). I think she is worth betting as a small win and to finish 2nd.
 
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Very interesting race is the F5, was a great occasion seeing Sir Gino romp in last year. We get so few top NH horses coming here, and we really enjoy the few times they do. Would love to see CH win well tomorrow, but everything apart from my heart says no. Hope I’m wrong.
 
Magpie said:
Very interesting race is the F5, was a great occasion seeing Sir Gino romp in last year. We get so few top NH horses coming here, and we really enjoy the few times they do. Would love to see CH win well tomorrow, but everything apart from my heart says no. Hope I’m wrong.
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Don't be turning up tomorrow, it's not till Saturday 🤣
 
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Anyone fancy anzadam for fighting 5th ? Reasons why ? Seems foolish to be writing off an unbeaten Mullins horse
 
Getting carried away DE, just wanting my working week to end I think.🤣
 
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BigL said:
Anyone fancy anzadam for fighting 5th ? Reasons why ? Seems foolish to be writing off an unbeaten Mullins horse
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He could well turn out top notch being in the right hands but he's beaten nothing easily, is clearly fragile and coming here instead of going the State Man route must be viewed as a negative imo.
 
Lobos said:
He could well turn out top notch being in the right hands but he's beaten nothing easily, is clearly fragile and coming here instead of going the State Man route must be viewed as a negative imo.
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I agree with this. I had a speculative nibble for the CH in hope a while back, but to have him 5/1 now is a joke. Loads to prove, but let’s hope he at least throws his hat in the ring on sat.
 
Not far off Co-favs now !
 
New lion out to 3.2 on exchange, is this a negative ?
 
There's fuck all traded on it as well. Give it until this time tomorrow then the market might give some clue... Every chance they'll still be wrong mind.
 
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Definitely a watching race tomorrow. Impossible to be confident about any of the 3 winning. Great race though !
 
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