Champion Hurdle Horse-byhorse guide
1. Ballyandy Loves give in ground and goes well here; no match for Epatante at Kempton and hard to see him beating her. 18/1
2. Call Me Lord
Relatively unexposed; likes a stiff track such as this and deep ground; probably needs to improve. 20/1
3. Cilaos Emery Progressive over fences before being switched back to hurdles and recording easy victory in moderate event; more to do here. 6/1
4. Coeur Supreme Runner-up, beaten three lengths by Pentland Hills in last year’s Triumph Hurdle; not really built on that. 16/1
5. Cornerstone Lad
Much improved this year, including when winning Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. More will be needed. 25/1 6. Darasso
Holds his form well but has yet to compete at this level and has come up short in lesser company. 40/1
7. Darver Star
Progressive and made the smart Honeysuckle work last time; could hit the frame for the trainer who sprung a surprise a year ago. 12/1
8. Fusil Raffles
Not at best when pulled up in race won by Epatante at Christmas; lightly raced and capable of running well. 6/1
9. Gumball
Fair performer but does not look up to this on what we have seen. 100/1
10. Le Patriote
Has run well here on both previous visits but that was in a far lower grade. 100/1
11. Not So Sleepy
Tough front-runner, who probably lost chance when hampered at start last time; plenty to find. 25/1
12. Pentland Hills Surprise winner of Triumph Hurdle a year ago but
10 disappointing since; has had a wind operation and been given intensive schooling over hurdles; place claims. 5/1
13 Petit Mouchoir Exposed; third in 2017; consistent but hard to believe we have not seen the best of him. 25/1
14. Sharjah
Inconsistent but capable; was a 20-1 chance when brought down early in this a year ago; has claims on best form. 12/1
15. Silver Streak
Finished a distant third last year and has done little since to suggest he is a better horse now. 20/1
16. Supasundae
Plenty of miles on the clock and while he retains ability and enthusiasm, he has a bit to find. 10/1
17. Epatante
One of the few strong improvers and also has the best form; ran poorly here at the Festival a year ago but there were valid excuses; a strong player. 100/30
Le Patriote
C Hammond