Back Shishkin to justify lofty reputation with Arkle exhibition Champion Hurdle
Horse-byhorse guide
Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 2m½f
With just eight runners declared, this is far and away the smallest field assembled for the Festival curtain-raiser this decade, and perhaps more open than the market would suggest. Appreciate It has the beating of no fewer than three of his seven rivals from his victory in the Grade One Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown and commands plenty of respect as the winner of all three of his starts over hurdles for Willie Mullins. However, Soaring Glory came through the influential Betfair Hurdle in good style, and looks set to run a big race in first-time cheekpieces. Metier has looked more than useful in his three winning starts over hurdles and completes the shortlist.
1.55
Sporting Life Arkle, 2m A race that has been a haven for short-priced favourites in recent years.
Odds-on shots are six from six in the Arkle since 2000, and that trend looks set to continue with 2020 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Shishkin, who has quickly established himself as one of the brightest chasing prospects with three wildly impressive performances over fences. With Allmankind sure to set a true gallop from the front, expect Shishkin to travel strongly through the race and take all the beating. Franco De Port remains unexposed over fences and is taken to chase the selection home.
2.30 Ultima Handicap Chase, 3m1f
Typically open and competitive renewal. Happygolucky is a consistent sort who has taken well to chasing, and he looks sure to give a good account of himself once again. Ok Corral and Pym
make up a good hand for trainer Nicky Henderson, with the latter taken to go very well here under Nico de Boinville. A winner three times over fences, Pym has taken in just two races this season and comes here fresh. Milan Native is the subject of a positive jockey switch, with Jack Kennedy taking over in the saddle; this is the eight-year-old’s first start since wind surgery and he is fancied to give the selection most to think about. 3.05 Unibet Champion Hurdle, 2m½f
See facing page.
3.40 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, 2m4f
A race that Mullins has farmed and he holds a strong hand once again, with his chances headed by Concertista, who rates something of a banker on day one. She brings strong Festival form to the table and arrives following two easy victories this season. With plenty in her favour here, she can take all the beating. Black Tears was runner-up to Dame De Compagnie in the Coral Cup last year, but has a sizeable pull at the weights and can run best of the rest.
4.15 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 2m½f
Open race with many chances. Rivier D’etel has made a good start to her hurdling career and is a tentative selection on her first start in handicap company; a mark of 134 looks more than workable and she can go close. Druid’s Altar is respected from the Joseph O’brien stable; he has improved with every start and comes here on an upward curve, with Hugh Morgan taking a handy 5lb off. Sage Advice has a bit to prove, but has useful Flat form and could still be on a lenient mark; he completes the shortlist.
4.50 Sam Vestey NH Novices’ Chase, 3m6f
Cracking renewal of this race, even with the defection of Gold Cup-bound Royale Pagaille. Next Destination missed two seasons of racing following his Grade One novice hurdle win at Punchestown in 2018, but has resumed in great order this season, winning both of his races over fences in good style. The step up to three miles six furlongs should hold few fears, and he can give a very good account of himself. Galvin has proved most consistent of late, winning his last four starts over fences, and comes here a fresh horse; he can go well. The similarly in-form Remastered rounds off the leading chances.
Narrowly denied by Shishkin in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Can go well, but his best form still leaves him short of what is likely to be required. Odds 10-1
Aspire Tower
Last year’s Triumph Hurdle runner-up took the step up to open company at Down Royal and Leopardstown in his stride. Goes best fresh and looks to have been kept back for this; dangerous candidate to dismiss. Odds 14-1
Goshen
Redeemed himself on most recent start in last month’s Kingwell Hurdle, having proved disappointing in his three prior starts. Still on the comeback trail and has it to prove. Odds 7-2
James Du Berlais
Hard to gauge on his first start for Willie Mullins, having yet to step foot on a racecourse outside France. Respected to a degree.
Odds 20-1
Not So Sleepy
Good winner of a handicap hurdle at Ascot back in December that was run in a useful time. However, this is much tougher and he is best watched in this company. Odds 50-1
Saldier
Low mileage in recent years, and has disappointed twice this season at Grade One level, being well beaten on both occasions. Will be a major surprise if he were to bounce back here.
Odds 40-1
Sharjah
Last year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up, but this looks a deeper renewal and, while he is of a useful level, his best form is still likely to leave him short.
Odds 14-1
Silver Streak
Better than ever when lowering the colours of Epatante in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day. Will do well to confirm that form, however, and looks a place chance at best. Odds 12-1
Epatante
Winner of six of her eight starts over hurdles, including last year’s Champion Hurdle. Defeated at 1-5 in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, but taken to bounce back and can go very close. Odds 11-4
Honeysuckle
Winner of all 10 of her starts, including in last year’s mares’ hurdle. This is her toughest task to date, but she has little to prove and commands a lot of respect. Odds 2-1
Verdict
An open, competitive renewal of the Champion Hurdle, with the mares Honeysuckle and Epatante heading the market. Epatante was defeated at a very skinny price in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, but can bounce right back and will take plenty of beating. However, Aspire Tower looks underrated in this context, having stepped out of the juvenile ranks in assuring style in two starts in open company this season. He remains unexposed over hurdles and rates a lively outsider for trainer Henry de Bromhead.