I’m pitching my hopes on Tent to see off trio
TODAY’S Champion Hurdle looks one for the purists with a number of strong hurdling pretenders tackling one of the greats of the game in Hurricane Fly. Last year’s hero strives to become the sixth threetime winner of hurdling’s blue riband and on doing so will register an astonishing 20th Grade One victory if successful for Willie Mullins this afternoon. However, the 10-year-old will arguably have to be better than last year to achieve those milestones with the likes of Our Conor, The New One and
MY TENT OR YOURS
(Cheltenham, 4.00) all eager to dethrone the champion. The trio all have irresistible claims, too, but slight preference is for the latter who has emerged seemingly unscathed from an 11th-- hour injury scare to take his place in the field. Runner-up in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, My Tent Or Yours has progressed with each run this term, winning the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdles snugly before warming up for today’s test with an impressive romp on the all weather at Kempton. That performance again illustrated the seven- year-old’s abundant natural pace, an attribute which should come in handy on drying ground at Prestbury Park. The New One, narrowly touched off by the selection in the Christmas Hurdle after an error at the last, is impossible to criticise as he boasts tons of track form and class. A similar comment applies to last season’s impressive Triumph Hurdle winner Our Conor who has progressed steadily all season, but I just wonder if his form matches that of My Tent Or Yours or The New One, both of who should relish conditions.
TODAY’S TIPS
1.30 The Liquidator 2.05 Trifolium 2.40 Holywell 3.20 My Tent Or Yours (NB) 4.00 Quevega 4.40 Shutthefrontdoor (NAP) 5.15 Ohio Gold