Champion Hurdle 2013 Preview

Stan James Champion Hurdle - Grandouet

The Champion Hurdle this year has some odd factors to it, yet promises to be the best race of the festival potentially. The first odd factor is Cotton Mill's gamble after being made Pricewise today, he is now best price 25/1. Personally 100/1 wouldnt interest me but opinions are there to be made wrong.

The other main factor is that Darlan is 7/2. Im not disrespecting his chance but after his Christmas hurdle romp he shortened significantly. Obviously to the eye he was very impressive that day, however re-watch the race and they went an absolute crawl throughout, ending in a sprint finish. Now take a look at the horses he beat, Cinders and Ashes, Raya Star, Dodging Bullets, countrywide flame and the returning Punjabi. Now, all of them will get further without a doubt, maybe with the exception of Punjabi who is back from injury. But on that day it was just a case of, who is the fastest horse? Without a doubt that is Darlan. Rock on Ruby probably isnt a 2 miler round Kempton, he was second in that race last season. He then won the Champion, mainly because 2 miles round Cheltenham takes more stamina than speed, especially late on. That brings the others well into the mix.

Hurricane Fly is also 7/2 after his 2 wins in Ireland, one of which he was left all alone at the last when the late Go Native fell when challenging. Last time out however was the Hurricane Fly we know and love, yet again though, how many Champion Hurdle class horses did he beat? The answer is a resounding, none. Not taking anything from the style of his win, he will probably need more come Cheltenham time, and could easily take the race like in 2011.

The strongest form of the race comes from the International hurdle, Zarkandar was getting 4 pounds from Rock on Ruby and Grandouet. The former being the returning reigning Champion Hurdler, and the latter making his long awaited reappearance. Even though the result went Zarkandars way, the other two looked to need it badly. Grandouet came out of the race well after a fantastic effort going down by two lengths. Obviously in the Champion they will both be 4 pounds better off and Nicky Henderson's inmate should reverse the placings.

Grandouet is the Ante Post Selection, i'm praying he stays fit this year after last year picking up an annoying niggle just before Cheltenham. That meant he couldnt take part in the race, it could well be a blessing in disguise however meaning he is fresh and had another year to mature. That last point could be vital as he was a very slow maturing horse that only really came into himself last year. (7/1)

2012 National Hunt Season Profiles - Captain Conan

Nicky Henderson's French inmate out of Lavandou made a fantastic start to life in England by winning the Tolworth hurdle, albeit beating a below par Prospect Wells and a hanging Colour Squadron. It seemed that he would be the novice to come through and challenge at the top. However Henderson kept him on the quiet side with the plan of chasing this year on the agenda.

He disappointed majorly at Leopardstown in a race won by Benefficient (50/1) before again putting in a below par effort at Kelso. It appeared that the Tolworth victory was just a fluke, until he dropped back to two miles at Aintree. Looking like the winner for much of the straight he eventually gave way and settled for second behind Darlan (2nd in the supreme). That day was probably his best run to date and reinstalled the faith of his followers.

In truth Chasing always was going to be his game and his stature suggests that. He is an absolute mountain of a horse towering well above the others in the field and should take to fences nicely. The main danger in the early market for the Arkle is stablemate Simonsig who is sure to be the mount of Barry Geraghty. The presence of him could just mean Captain Conan goes a little under the radar. Another possibility is a crack at 2 and a half miles, he looks like a horse that will get further in time, however last year he barely got over two miles.

This season should bring a new lease of life to Captain Conan and i'd be surprised if at the end of the year he weren't one of the top novices. Available right now at around 14/1 for the Arkle and 16/1 for The Jewson in March, im not sure as of yet what route they are taking with him, or where his first run shall be.

Thanks guys, happy punting.

P.S Agent Archie looks a steal at Stratford tomorrow in the 1:35, 2/1 is available. If fit he should win after being a very useful novice last year.