Vauban is big hurdle for rivals

TRUST Vauban to confirm his ranking as this season’s top juvenile hurdler by justifying favouritism in the Grade 1 Ballymore Champion Four-year-old Hurdle on the final day of Punchestown.

A French import (won twice, from four runs on the flat, including a listed race in Vichy), he was beaten by Pied Piper on his Irish debut over this course and distance on New Years Day.

But his two subsequent Grade 1 wins have been impressive. And he is confidently expected to confirm his superiority over today’s opponents, notably Gordon Elliott’s Fil Dor – who has chased him home twice.

Vauban produced an eye-catching turn of foot to see off Fil Dor and Il Etait Temps in Leopardstown’s Spring Juvenile Hurdle in February.

And he displayed similar qualities in the Triumph at Cheltenham last time, beating a bunch of compatriots readily – Fil Dor, Pied Piper, Icare Allen and Il Etait Temps.

He is rated 6lb above his chief rival Fil Dor, himself a three-time winner over flights (including a Grade 2 at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting) before his two battles with the selection.

Punchestown’s undulations on good ground should play to Vauban’s strengths. And it’s difficult to see him being denied a Grade 1 hat-trick.

In the handicap action, I like the Philip Hobbstrained Camprond in the valuable Tote Always SP Or Better Handicap Hurdle.

He contested the

Coral Cup on the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival but his chance wasn’t helped by the softening ground. But he still ran a cracker to finish fourth behind Commander Of Fleet.

And, on more suitable ground, he should have a huge chance here.