HOT D’AIR

There’s no stopping an encore by the champ

BUVEUR D’AIR bids to become the first English-trained runner since See You Then in 1987 to win two Champion Hurdles.

It is no coincidence that Nicky Henderson has trained them both. He is a past master at preparing horses for the big occasion.

BUVEUR D’AIR (3.30) is hard to oppose – he has won his last nine races and has yet to lose when ridden by Barry Geraghty.

He beat My Tent Or Yours in last year’s race, the third occasion that his stablemate has finished runner-up.

Elgin would be among the best options for the forecast. He is young, has a progressive profile and beat Ch’Tibello last time out at ® Wincanton. He has not raced on heavy ground before, though, so is a risky bet in that respect.

Willie Mullins runs four, with his stable jockey Ruby Walsh opting for Faugheen, who won the 2015 Champion Hurdle.

As the 10-year-old has been inconsistent since returning from injury, it would come as no surprise if he finished behind two of Mullins’ other three – Melon and Wicklow Brave. The pair always give 100 per cent and are contenders for places.

Mullins’ other runner, Yorkhill, has been tailed off over fences this season and has not raced over hurdles for two years.