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Impressive today of course but wat a stinkin price for a race 12 months away 
5/4 with VC
5/4 with VC
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hear rather, just there has always been the old chesnut of Montjeus beyond three on the flat, I don't know really, maybe it just applies to full horses, Hurricane Run is a good example, I've heard it said that they sulk. The Fly seems one of the most willing horses I have seen though, I myself would be more worried about wear on tear for a flat bred horse who has been racing since he was 2.
absolutely cv, yeah, diff of opinion. unless somethin improves very much, oscar whiskey, general miller etc, hurricane fly should breeze it again, barring injury obv...
Owner even said they will go world hurdle our chafing with oscar whiskey next season so drop don't back him for champion.
As for Hurricane Fly, NH is very different to the flat. Once gelded temperament changes, fly will improve in how he runs his races. Firstly he got worked up at cheltenham by the occasion and was running far too freely that he had expended too much energy early. He was more relaxed at punchestown and the strong pace set by binocular helped.
So he will improve on this seasons champion hurdle performance, a stronger race pace too will help. He doesn't need to improve in the adopted department, he's already the fastest I've seen jump a hurdle.
As for Hurricane Fly, NH is very different to the flat. Once gelded temperament changes, fly will improve in how he runs his races. Firstly he got worked up at cheltenham by the occasion and was running far too freely that he had expended too much energy early. He was more relaxed at punchestown and the strong pace set by binocular helped.
So he will improve on this seasons champion hurdle performance, a stronger race pace too will help. He doesn't need to improve in the adopted department, he's already the fastest I've seen jump a hurdle.
All kinds of stupid phone mistakes there.
*World hurdle or chasing for oscar.
*Fly doesn't need to improve physically.
*World hurdle or chasing for oscar.
*Fly doesn't need to improve physically.
Hurricane Fly should retain it all being well. He's the best we have seen for a while. Spirit Son the ONLY danger.
I love Hurricane Fly, but I don't want the Champion Hurdle to become like the World Hurdle where everyone tries to duck one horse, or isn't up to putting up a serious challenge.
What Cheltenham races need are strength in depth, and the brilliance of the Fly will scare off some trainers, and could take the excitement out of the Champion Hurdle. Some brilliant debates on here before this years Champion; some really strong arguments for and against the Fly, Peddlers, Menorah, Binocular, Dunguib etc; whereas (like the World Hurlde and Mares Hurdle) next years Champion already looks very predictable.
I really hope that something emerges that will be capable of putting up a proper challenge and make the race exciting, rather than the Fly starting massive odds on. Whether it's Spirit Son, Zarkandar, Oscars Well or Grandouet; I don't know.
As for the original title of the thread - I wouldn't be taking sub 2/1 about the Fly now. Comparing VC's 5/4 on the Fly and Hills' 5/4 on Big Bucks I'd take the Big Bucks bet.
What Cheltenham races need are strength in depth, and the brilliance of the Fly will scare off some trainers, and could take the excitement out of the Champion Hurdle. Some brilliant debates on here before this years Champion; some really strong arguments for and against the Fly, Peddlers, Menorah, Binocular, Dunguib etc; whereas (like the World Hurlde and Mares Hurdle) next years Champion already looks very predictable.
I really hope that something emerges that will be capable of putting up a proper challenge and make the race exciting, rather than the Fly starting massive odds on. Whether it's Spirit Son, Zarkandar, Oscars Well or Grandouet; I don't know.
As for the original title of the thread - I wouldn't be taking sub 2/1 about the Fly now. Comparing VC's 5/4 on the Fly and Hills' 5/4 on Big Bucks I'd take the Big Bucks bet.
Does anyone know how Hendersons Prince of Pirates is getting on? Exciting hurdling prospect but has had big injury troubles
Hurricane Fly isn't nearly as overwhelmingly strong as Big Bucks - I genuinely do think BB is relatively unbeatable and the only thing that will keep him from retiring unbeaten may be that Paul Nicholls carries on running him until he's 40 if he's still enjoying it.
I think the Fly can be taken on though - maybe not immediately mind, but I think it's possible the likes of Spirit Son, Sprinter Sacre (if they decide he's too babyish to stick to chasing this year) or Zarkandar could mount a decent challenge next year. And Peddlers Cross didn't do too badly this year, it has to be said...
And anyway, chances are he won't even make it due to injury anyway.
I think the Fly can be taken on though - maybe not immediately mind, but I think it's possible the likes of Spirit Son, Sprinter Sacre (if they decide he's too babyish to stick to chasing this year) or Zarkandar could mount a decent challenge next year. And Peddlers Cross didn't do too badly this year, it has to be said...
And anyway, chances are he won't even make it due to injury anyway.
Hurricane Fly has had some quality opposition to race against Big Bucks hasn't, the staying hurdle division is never properly competitive due to it being the least prestigeous of the 4 divisions.
Peddlers Cross gave him a race in the Champion Hurdle because Fly ran a poor race, never settled as they went too slow and was sweating up before the race. He clearly learnt from that and ran a career best at Punchestown.
Also pretty stupid to say "he'll be injured anyway". The reason he got injured twice was because he gives 100% at home in his work and injures himself. So Mullins has made sure he only does slow work at home so he won't get injured. It worked a treat this season.
Peddlers Cross gave him a race in the Champion Hurdle because Fly ran a poor race, never settled as they went too slow and was sweating up before the race. He clearly learnt from that and ran a career best at Punchestown.
Also pretty stupid to say "he'll be injured anyway". The reason he got injured twice was because he gives 100% at home in his work and injures himself. So Mullins has made sure he only does slow work at home so he won't get injured. It worked a treat this season.
Sorry, I didn't literally mean I think he'll be injured, I was just making the point that it is very short given his injury history, and that given that the odds aren't going to change until the start of the NH season I intend to at least wait until then to look at it.
I agree about the competition - when I said overwhelmingly strong, I was thinking relative to the competition - not very well phrased I admit.
Similarly though, if Hurricane Fly ran a bad race this year whats to say he wouldn't do so again another year?
I agree he's the best in his division by some way right now, and he may well be by next march (in fact, probably will be) but I think it's too close to competitive to be taking 2-1 10 months in advance.
I agree about the competition - when I said overwhelmingly strong, I was thinking relative to the competition - not very well phrased I admit.
Similarly though, if Hurricane Fly ran a bad race this year whats to say he wouldn't do so again another year?
I agree he's the best in his division by some way right now, and he may well be by next march (in fact, probably will be) but I think it's too close to competitive to be taking 2-1 10 months in advance.
Yeh,too short at 2-1,and Big Bucks is too short as well,especially with Oscar Whiskey taking him on.
well of course he has to prove he stays 3m,but his form over 2 and half suggests he has the class to compete with him.His connections certainly think he can after speaking with them.
BB is as we well know nigh on unbeatable, but Oscar Whisky will undoubtedly prove to be Big Buck's biggest challenge imv. Think he's the type who can give him a race. (2m pace, decent turn of foot, every chance of staying 3m) They deliver him on the line before BB can respond he has a chance. A slim one, but he's certainly a better horse than Time For Rupert, Grands Crus and Punchestowns
yep,without doubt he is a better class of hurdler than those,and if he does stay 3m and connections certainly think he does,than it stands to reason that he is a big threat to BB.
Given the level of stake required to make a decent return at 2/1 you'd have to be nuts going in at that price., Hopefully lads will do the nrnb in december again to allow for some ap bets. But best morning price might be the way to go. Especially as he won't face the likes of spirit son or zarkander until the day.
I would rate 2/1 as one of the best ante post bets I have seen. You are betting 2/1 that he turns up.
As he is one of the best ante post bets you have seen,i presume you are smashing into him and tying up a load of dosh for 9 months or so.
Only 9 months of hoping he stays sound,and no other horse emerges as a big threat,plus he is as good next March.
Good luck!!
Only 9 months of hoping he stays sound,and no other horse emerges as a big threat,plus he is as good next March.
Good luck!!
What other horse is going too emerge as a threat? In my eyes if you keep piling in at 2/1 you will be in a lovely hedging position by Christmas when he goes odds on. Game of opinions but interesting that despite all the waffle on this thread no one appears to want to lay 2s on here
There will no doubt be a drift some time between January and March when there are rumours about him being injured again
http://www.theracingforum.co.uk/horse-racing-forum/horse-racing/hurricane-fly-drift-t85127.html?sid= (Can't find the Betfair Forum thread on it)
I had 14/1 Antepost on the Fly and stupidly layed some of it off in January because of these rumours. However, this was mainly because I'd just lost my AP voucher on Flat Out (who I still think would have won the Arkle) and didn't want to lose two bets in 5 days.
If you think 2/1 is a good price then that's fine, but it'll be squeeky bum time in the couple of months running up to the festival for you
http://www.theracingforum.co.uk/horse-racing-forum/horse-racing/hurricane-fly-drift-t85127.html?sid= (Can't find the Betfair Forum thread on it)
I had 14/1 Antepost on the Fly and stupidly layed some of it off in January because of these rumours. However, this was mainly because I'd just lost my AP voucher on Flat Out (who I still think would have won the Arkle) and didn't want to lose two bets in 5 days.
If you think 2/1 is a good price then that's fine, but it'll be squeeky bum time in the couple of months running up to the festival for you
Personally i am not a layer of horses,i would rather look at potential value elsewhere.I see Oscars Well,Spirit Son and possibly Zarkander as 3 that could improve to be anything this season,and would rather look at backing those types then taking 2's on one horse over 9 months before the race.
Personal choice of course.
Personal choice of course.
A better tactic would be to back him before he runs his first race of the season and then lay out after when he shortenes, repeat this until you get stuck in nrnb. He won't be beat next march if he holds his form from this season.
A better tactic would be to back him before he runs his first race of the season and then lay out after when he shortenes, repeat this until you get stuck in nrnb. He won't be beat next march if he holds his form from this season.
People said the same when Binocular won the champion.
'' He's the best since Istabraq. '' Only injury can stop him'' etc.
Lets just wait and see if what the likes of Zarkander and Spirit son are like.
'' He's the best since Istabraq. '' Only injury can stop him'' etc.
Lets just wait and see if what the likes of Zarkander and Spirit son are like.
Binocular won one race, having lost the other 2 grade 1's he raced in that season and the Champion Hurdle the previous season. Binocular is nothing like fly, one performance is one performance.
Fly has served up fantastic performance after fantastic performance. He's completely different to Binocular. 6 consecutive grade 1 wins is incredibly rare and very special.
Fly has served up fantastic performance after fantastic performance. He's completely different to Binocular. 6 consecutive grade 1 wins is incredibly rare and very special.
CV, you seem to know an awful lot about Hurricane Fly. What does his c ock taste like? 
personally think had Bino been running in ireland he may well have won more grade 1's.Not taking anything away from the fly,but eboue is right,a lot were saying bino was the best since istabraq.
Beating Solwhit and Thousand Stars does not warrant comparisms to Istabraq imo,but of course if he were to win another CH or 2,then thats different.
We need to see what the up and coming horses bring to the table,one of them could turn out better,just never know.
Beating Solwhit and Thousand Stars does not warrant comparisms to Istabraq imo,but of course if he were to win another CH or 2,then thats different.
We need to see what the up and coming horses bring to the table,one of them could turn out better,just never know.
2.68 on here and best price now 7/4 , id suggest those taking the 2s were not the muppets made out by some certain forumites.
I have to say that I have been completely won over by this horse since his Cheltenham performance and was against him with Peddlers cross. His injury record suggests that 2/1 isn't a spectacular price as he has missed more cheltenham's than made them and even if he is being trained differently you have to factor in some chance of injury. Agree with CV that Laddies might push the boat out with a NRNB before the new year and I will be pilling in if that happens. His cruising speed was such I don't see what else is out there coming through which will challenge, the supreme didn't bring forward an outstanding contender and the Champion Hurdle has a good record of repeat winners. Hopefully someone might do 6/4 or 7/4 something like that with a run which would be perfect.
Though it might be even money with a run if the price keeps moving in the next few months
Watch out for Pittoni next season if he goes hurdling again, He is way ahead of his mark from what I hear, might do a Khyber Kim on it.
Had a good look through this last night - actually there really is no opposition is there
Peddlars Cross - Goin chasin
Binocular - not good enough now is he?
Oscars Well,Spirit Son,Zarkander - potential but all have to improve massively still
Al Ferof - Chasin?
Menorah - Chasin?
Oscar Whiskey - 3m
Thousand Stars 3m
Topolski,Unaccompanied,So Young,Cue Card,Kyber Kim, Mille Chief - not good enough
Dunguib/Go Native?? Both injured and would need to return better than ever to win
Still think we'll get odds against NRNB - but maybe im bein to hopeful
HF will win the Irish G1s as he did this year presumably in an impressive manner - bar Oscars Wekk maybe there is no decent Irish hurdler so most of them could be walkovers
Can see Spirit Son/Zarkander winnin a few of the Eng CH trials and bein hyped up and holdin up the HF price
All good in theory
The Fly
Peddlars Cross - Goin chasin
Binocular - not good enough now is he?
Oscars Well,Spirit Son,Zarkander - potential but all have to improve massively still
Al Ferof - Chasin?
Menorah - Chasin?
Oscar Whiskey - 3m
Thousand Stars 3m
Topolski,Unaccompanied,So Young,Cue Card,Kyber Kim, Mille Chief - not good enough
Dunguib/Go Native?? Both injured and would need to return better than ever to win
Still think we'll get odds against NRNB - but maybe im bein to hopeful
HF will win the Irish G1s as he did this year presumably in an impressive manner - bar Oscars Wekk maybe there is no decent Irish hurdler so most of them could be walkovers
Can see Spirit Son/Zarkander winnin a few of the Eng CH trials and bein hyped up and holdin up the HF price
All good in theory
The Fly
Misses the Morgiana at the weekend, better only be a minor problem 
Mullins to release a statement later
Mullins to release a statement later
Not the news I wanted wake up to. A statement later today doesn't sound good
He is very injury prone - he's only made 1 festival of 3 in his career so far.
the world awaits mullins statement. my money is that we'll be more confused than we were to start with
JOCI Club Date 20 Nov 11 14:21
Impressive stuff from Thousand Stars - could it be Hurricane Fly was withdrawn because this fella was galloping all over him at home?
Impressive stuff from Thousand Stars - could it be Hurricane Fly was withdrawn because this fella was galloping all over him at home?
Istabraq Festival Hurdle 8/11 Hurricane Fly, 7/2 Thousand Stars, 7 Unaccompanied, 10 Voler La Vedette, 12 bar 20 bar
BJG - I was fortunate enough to be at the festival last year and H FLy was mighty impressive . From your previous post about competition for the C Hurdle what are your thoughts about Grandouet ? I backed Grandouet las time out and he looks impressive but I missed the 15s on offer - do you think H FLy will be way too strong for it if turning up fully fit ?
I do want to stat backing H FLy for the C Hurdle but do worry about it not turning up !
I do want to stat backing H FLy for the C Hurdle but do worry about it not turning up !
If H Fly turns up in the same form as last year - he will win easily to my mind
But it has to be a big if with him seein he has only made it to 1 of the last 3 festivals
Grandouet sets the standard of the challengers on what i have seen so far
Thousand Stars and Oscar Whisky likely to be stepped up in trip???
Spirit Son and Zarkander could still be anything but need to show they are up to this level, same could be said of ROR
HF rock solid if he gets there 100%
But it has to be a big if with him seein he has only made it to 1 of the last 3 festivals
Grandouet sets the standard of the challengers on what i have seen so far
Thousand Stars and Oscar Whisky likely to be stepped up in trip???
Spirit Son and Zarkander could still be anything but need to show they are up to this level, same could be said of ROR
HF rock solid if he gets there 100%
IF he even gets there............he must be very injury prone
Drifted to evens.. Suggests he probably isn't running?
This time last year I had Hurricane Fly at a massive price for Cheltenham, and my @rse went every time I heard his name because of his injury record.
This year I've not got a penny on him so I can relax now. Would be great to see him back fit and well though. He runs particularly well fresh (not that he's a slouch normally!), so I think he'd probably only need one run before Cheltenham anyway, and be campaigned for a spring season.
This year I've not got a penny on him so I can relax now. Would be great to see him back fit and well though. He runs particularly well fresh (not that he's a slouch normally!), so I think he'd probably only need one run before Cheltenham anyway, and be campaigned for a spring season.
pphorseracing Paddy Power Racing
Istabraq festival hurdle market now suspended
Surely the FLy aint out again, stil some up on here to back him so must be ok??!
Istabraq festival hurdle market now suspended
Surely the FLy aint out again, stil some up on here to back him so must be ok??!
pphorseracing Paddy Power Racing
Paddy sd: “weve now seen a lot of money for 1000 stars & until Willie Mullins can give people a bit more info, we're just too in the dark."
Paddy sd: “weve now seen a lot of money for 1000 stars & until Willie Mullins can give people a bit more info, we're just too in the dark."
imo willie mullins is a disgrace - never a word fr4om him and when there is its not to be believed
In a world of ante post markets couldnt he give punters a chance.
In a world of ante post markets couldnt he give punters a chance.
Agree totally Howdi - i know he doesnt have to say anything but u can be assured he 100% knows wat is runnin in the race at this stage!
wellchief 21 Dec 11 16:53
This time last year I had Hurricane Fly at a massive price for Cheltenham, and my @rse went every time I heard his name because of his injury record.
This year I've not got a penny on him so I can relax now. Would be great to see him back fit and well though. He runs particularly well fresh (not that he's a slouch normally!), so I think he'd probably only need one run before Cheltenham anyway, and be campaigned for a spring season.
Howdi 21 Dec 11 17:16
dont think it was MASSIVE tbf ^^^^^
Howdi, I had the Fly at 14/1 for last years Champion Hurdle; thats MASSEEEEV!
(PS This isn't aftertiming, I can find threads from before last years CH if you don't believe me
)
This time last year I had Hurricane Fly at a massive price for Cheltenham, and my @rse went every time I heard his name because of his injury record.
This year I've not got a penny on him so I can relax now. Would be great to see him back fit and well though. He runs particularly well fresh (not that he's a slouch normally!), so I think he'd probably only need one run before Cheltenham anyway, and be campaigned for a spring season.
Howdi 21 Dec 11 17:16
dont think it was MASSIVE tbf ^^^^^
Howdi, I had the Fly at 14/1 for last years Champion Hurdle; thats MASSEEEEV!
(PS This isn't aftertiming, I can find threads from before last years CH if you don't believe me
)
Not sure why Racing Post employ him for his sunday column, as Fly not mentioned for weeks makes you wonder?
yes chief find 'em by 9am tomorrow or you are going on the afterimers thread
good point stevo bit like been Elvis's manager and writing a monthly column about your other acts who play infront of 40 people on a friday.
Please don't put me on the aftertimers Howdi!! 
Here's the evidence from Jan 2011
http://community.betfair.com/cheltenham2011/go/thread/view/113609/26630245/ante-post-bets---so-far
The other stand out ones were First Leiutenent at 130/1 and Long Run £55 @ 30/1!!
Looking back now, I think nearly everyone had Cue Card one way or another!!
Here's the evidence from Jan 2011
http://community.betfair.com/cheltenham2011/go/thread/view/113609/26630245/ante-post-bets---so-far
The other stand out ones were First Leiutenent at 130/1 and Long Run £55 @ 30/1!!
Looking back now, I think nearly everyone had Cue Card one way or another!!
its going to committee chief
we will let you know sir
merry xmas
we will let you know sir
merry xmas
And the trainer reiterated his position on Wednesday. He said: "As I said yesterday, I'm not saying anything until I am ready to run him. Paddy Power can do what they like. I won't talk about him until then."
Had injury setback good few months back,allegedly going novice chasing last time i read anything from trainer.
If Hurricane doesnt make the Irish Champion Hurdle I can see Solwhit staying hurdling. If they can get him back in time for the Irish Champion.
Peddlers should go Champion hurdle route, looking easier than the Arkle :-)
I do not get this, if the horse has an injury and may miss the race why not come out and just admit this instead of stringing everyone along! Is Mullins merely after a backable price for connections from them there bookies i wonder? All the speculation about him participating in a race that is still 2.5 months away is quite ridiculous if you ask me.
However, i am going to back the next 3 e/way at best prices, Grandouet @ 6/1 hills, Zarkander 10/1 lads (nrnb), Spirit Son 10/1 koral, and Rock on Ruby @ 12s.
I am sure should the fly not make the race those prices will look very nice, if he does, they wont be too far away with the odd one or two shorter. I am trusting however that all mentioned are intended runners?
However, i am going to back the next 3 e/way at best prices, Grandouet @ 6/1 hills, Zarkander 10/1 lads (nrnb), Spirit Son 10/1 koral, and Rock on Ruby @ 12s.
I am sure should the fly not make the race those prices will look very nice, if he does, they wont be too far away with the odd one or two shorter. I am trusting however that all mentioned are intended runners?
That's four
We haven't seen Zarkander yet this season so who knows, but you're getting NRNB. The others are intended runners as far as I know, though I wouldn't be stunned if RoR waits for the 2 1/2 miler at Aintree.
We haven't seen Zarkander yet this season so who knows, but you're getting NRNB. The others are intended runners as far as I know, though I wouldn't be stunned if RoR waits for the 2 1/2 miler at Aintree.
I'm leaning towards 1000 stars now.
12/1 NRNB seems fair to me, because he isn't a certain runner. If he wins tomorrow his price will surely shorten, and if he loses they may skip the Champion Hurdle all together and go WH or French CH.
12/1 NRNB seems fair to me, because he isn't a certain runner. If he wins tomorrow his price will surely shorten, and if he loses they may skip the Champion Hurdle all together and go WH or French CH.
Is it possible Mullins has decided to follow the same plan he uses with Quevega for Hurricane Fly. I realise there has been no info which is really unhelpful, but there has been no suggestion of injury either
Willie Mullins insists there are no problems with Hurricane Fly's wellbeing, despite the reigning Champion Hurdle winner missing another engagement at Leopardstown on Thursday.
Last seen winning at Punchestown in May, Hurricane Fly was ruled out of his first scheduled engagement in last month's Morgiana Hurdle and it had appeared uncertain whether he would line up in this week's Istabraq Festival Hurdle.
He was not declared after failing to impress Mullins sufficiently in recent pieces of work.
"He's grand and Paul Townend rode him out this morning," Mullins said on Wednesday afternoon.
"I just wasn't happy that he was straight enough to do himself justice.
"He's fit and well but he just hasn't worked well enough to run tomorrow.
"He worked against Thousand Stars on the Curragh last week over a mile and two furlongs and he needed it badly. After that I wasn't happy I had him in order.
"I told the owners that I wasn't happy with him and there was a chance he wouldn't run tomorrow. I left him in and decided to make a decision late on.
"As I've said before, he'll run when he's ready and not before.
"I want to get a run into him before Cheltenham."
Last seen winning at Punchestown in May, Hurricane Fly was ruled out of his first scheduled engagement in last month's Morgiana Hurdle and it had appeared uncertain whether he would line up in this week's Istabraq Festival Hurdle.
He was not declared after failing to impress Mullins sufficiently in recent pieces of work.
"He's grand and Paul Townend rode him out this morning," Mullins said on Wednesday afternoon.
"I just wasn't happy that he was straight enough to do himself justice.
"He's fit and well but he just hasn't worked well enough to run tomorrow.
"He worked against Thousand Stars on the Curragh last week over a mile and two furlongs and he needed it badly. After that I wasn't happy I had him in order.
"I told the owners that I wasn't happy with him and there was a chance he wouldn't run tomorrow. I left him in and decided to make a decision late on.
"As I've said before, he'll run when he's ready and not before.
"I want to get a run into him before Cheltenham."
Lets hope he came thru it fit and well? Suppose we may find out from trainer very shortly with his regular updates in Sundays Racing Post column??
Willie Mullins was "absolutely delighted" with Hurricane Fly's latest workout at Leopardstown on Thursday afternoon.
Ireland's champion trainer has recently not been satisfied with the current champion hurdler, and decided not to run him in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle over Christmas.
But after a strong workout with three stablemates, Mullins is hopeful he will make the line-up for the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 29.
"Everything went very well," said Mullins.
"It was more than a little workout, it was a good piece of work.
"I sent three others to gallop with him. He was ridden by Emmet (Mullins).
"Emmet and Paul (Townend) ride him in all his homework, but I've given Paul a few days off this week.
"Emmet settled him in behind and he cruised up to the others, and when Emmet gave him a squeeze he shot clear. I was absolutely delighted with him, it was just what we wanted to see.
"We're working towards the Irish Champion Hurdle with him on the 29th and hopefully he'll get there."
Hurricane Fly was unbeaten last season, with wins in races like the Hatton's Grace, the Festival Hurdle and the Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham and Punchestown
Ireland's champion trainer has recently not been satisfied with the current champion hurdler, and decided not to run him in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle over Christmas.
But after a strong workout with three stablemates, Mullins is hopeful he will make the line-up for the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 29.
"Everything went very well," said Mullins.
"It was more than a little workout, it was a good piece of work.
"I sent three others to gallop with him. He was ridden by Emmet (Mullins).
"Emmet and Paul (Townend) ride him in all his homework, but I've given Paul a few days off this week.
"Emmet settled him in behind and he cruised up to the others, and when Emmet gave him a squeeze he shot clear. I was absolutely delighted with him, it was just what we wanted to see.
"We're working towards the Irish Champion Hurdle with him on the 29th and hopefully he'll get there."
Hurricane Fly was unbeaten last season, with wins in races like the Hatton's Grace, the Festival Hurdle and the Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham and Punchestown
Blue across the board on Oddschecker - just shows what good workout can do!
Willie Mullins reports Hurricane Fly to be "100%" ahead of his planned seasonal return in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The eight-year-old was unbeaten in five Grade One starts last season, landing the Irish Champion Hurdle, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and rounding off a stellar campaign with victory at Punchestown, but the gelding has sidestepped two intended runs already this season, with the champion trainer admitting he had not been pleased with how his star performer had been showing up at home.
An impressive racecourse gallop at Leopardstown last week was considered a major step forward, however, and Mullins is keeping everything crossed that Hurricane Fly is back at the Foxrock venue on January 29.
"He just hadn't been pleasing me in his work and if his work is not good, I'm not happy and he's not running," Mullins told At The Races.
"He's a horse who is very sharp in his work, but he has obviously not been coming up the gallop as fast as I think he is able to. He did please me the other day and hopefully we can build on that.
"I don't think he needs to improve too much from his work the other day. I thought it was very good work and I'm more than happy with him now. With a clear run between now and the 29th, he'll be more or less at his best I hope.
"At the moment I don't see any problem with Hurricane Fly. He's working well and doing everything right. He did a little bit of work yesterday and I was very pleased with him. Paul (Townend) rode him out this morning and he's 100%.
"I'd say two more good bits of work will do him (before Leopardstown)."
Stablemate Thousand Stars is more likely to line up in the Champion Hurdle than the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, according to Mullins.
Mullins said: "At the moment I would be going Champion Hurdle. It's going to be hard to beat Big Buck's (in the World Hurdle), but hopefully, it's going to be hard to beat Hurricane Fly. He's got some nice options after that. I actually think the race in Aintree (Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles) should be his big target this season."
The eight-year-old was unbeaten in five Grade One starts last season, landing the Irish Champion Hurdle, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and rounding off a stellar campaign with victory at Punchestown, but the gelding has sidestepped two intended runs already this season, with the champion trainer admitting he had not been pleased with how his star performer had been showing up at home.
An impressive racecourse gallop at Leopardstown last week was considered a major step forward, however, and Mullins is keeping everything crossed that Hurricane Fly is back at the Foxrock venue on January 29.
"He just hadn't been pleasing me in his work and if his work is not good, I'm not happy and he's not running," Mullins told At The Races.
"He's a horse who is very sharp in his work, but he has obviously not been coming up the gallop as fast as I think he is able to. He did please me the other day and hopefully we can build on that.
"I don't think he needs to improve too much from his work the other day. I thought it was very good work and I'm more than happy with him now. With a clear run between now and the 29th, he'll be more or less at his best I hope.
"At the moment I don't see any problem with Hurricane Fly. He's working well and doing everything right. He did a little bit of work yesterday and I was very pleased with him. Paul (Townend) rode him out this morning and he's 100%.
"I'd say two more good bits of work will do him (before Leopardstown)."
Stablemate Thousand Stars is more likely to line up in the Champion Hurdle than the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, according to Mullins.
Mullins said: "At the moment I would be going Champion Hurdle. It's going to be hard to beat Big Buck's (in the World Hurdle), but hopefully, it's going to be hard to beat Hurricane Fly. He's got some nice options after that. I actually think the race in Aintree (Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles) should be his big target this season."
It'd worry me that the horse has only put in one good piece of work in some time, and Mullins dosen't appear to know why the other pieces of work were less than what they should be. At least he's not letting on in the interview.
8 months since we seen hthe Champion now, and a lot can happen in 8 months. No horse is immune to losing a bit of the sparkle that makes them so good, not even the greats.
So I'm beginning to think that Hurricane Fly, great and all as he was last season, for some reason is an unhappier horse this season.
All speculative really - I could be spectacularly wrong but the above interview would not inspire me if I was a backer.
8 months since we seen hthe Champion now, and a lot can happen in 8 months. No horse is immune to losing a bit of the sparkle that makes them so good, not even the greats.
So I'm beginning to think that Hurricane Fly, great and all as he was last season, for some reason is an unhappier horse this season.
All speculative really - I could be spectacularly wrong but the above interview would not inspire me if I was a backer.
On at 9/4 the fly 
, also great performance there from Oscars Well, of which i took some 25s ew, must surely improve for the conditions being better in March, a live outsider to run a place but this is all about the fly! 1000 stars obviously there as a pace maker for me, set the race up beautifully and must surely now be world hurdle bound!
Unaccompanied, never been a great fan of the horse, found out today imo, even if the ground can be blamed for a horse thats supposed to be grade one class and in receipt of 9ib's from everything else in the race ought to have shown up better. No chance what so ever in the champ hdl.
Yes its all about the fly! All value gone now, would be tempted to top up at 5/4 6/5 maybe even 11/10, but not odds on with 6 weeks to go. I reckon he be 11/10 on the day actually, maybe hills/lads could stick their heads out and get publicity
, also great performance there from Oscars Well, of which i took some 25s ew, must surely improve for the conditions being better in March, a live outsider to run a place but this is all about the fly! 1000 stars obviously there as a pace maker for me, set the race up beautifully and must surely now be world hurdle bound! Unaccompanied, never been a great fan of the horse, found out today imo, even if the ground can be blamed for a horse thats supposed to be grade one class and in receipt of 9ib's from everything else in the race ought to have shown up better. No chance what so ever in the champ hdl.
Yes its all about the fly! All value gone now, would be tempted to top up at 5/4 6/5 maybe even 11/10, but not odds on with 6 weeks to go. I reckon he be 11/10 on the day actually, maybe hills/lads could stick their heads out and get publicity
If you can find 11/10 on the day can u give me a ring and I'll be straight down.
If anyone lays evs then they've certainly got more balls than me!!!!
If anyone lays evs then they've certainly got more balls than me!!!!
if it gets there in one piece itl be 4/5 or 8/11 sp..lads 4/56 at mo but they have liabilitys and dont want to lay it..
STS - I wouldn't read too much into Thousand Stars today. He was clearly used as a pacemaker but that was necessary in a small field. They won't need a pacemaker at Cheltenham and the course plays to TS's strengths so he could well still run in the Champion (and be a decent shout to place). Plus TS jumped poorly today and was sacrificed so his form can't be taken too literally.
Yes wellchief, his sp will defo be around the 4/6 - 8/11 mark but mark my words, hills/lads/365 will do a so called price war on the first 'banker' of the festival and on the morning of the race they will push him out a couple notches, even if just for a couple hours, i.e if all firms are 4/5, they will go evs, if its generally evs, they will go 11/10 or 6/5! It has been happening every year for the last few, price wars to gain a little extra publicity!
Stront, i am not taking the form literally at all, it was clear to me 1000 stars was there as a pacemaker, but i really dont believe he will run in the champ now, not after that. Unless the race cuts up badly and mullins feels the need for a pacemaker but i cant see that happening at all, not the champ hdl. The champ chs is the race that promises to cut up, quite badly, the gold cup might, but at this stage i can see being at least 15 runners so maybe not. The world hdl will have a max field again.
Stront, i am not taking the form literally at all, it was clear to me 1000 stars was there as a pacemaker, but i really dont believe he will run in the champ now, not after that. Unless the race cuts up badly and mullins feels the need for a pacemaker but i cant see that happening at all, not the champ hdl. The champ chs is the race that promises to cut up, quite badly, the gold cup might, but at this stage i can see being at least 15 runners so maybe not. The world hdl will have a max field again.
STS - it's a bit of a side issue really. Mullins has quite a few options for both races so who knows. I think the deciding factor for TS will be what they consider the better prep for his major targets of the season at Aintree and in the French Champion. I agree they are unlikley to want a pacemaker for our Champion Hurdle and if they do it won't be Thousand Stars.
Sublime performance and think he surprised Wille a bit today. A joy to watch.
Great run from Oscars too, and I think all the over analysis about him early on this season, can largely be put down to stable form. Harrington has really picked up recently and OW appears to have come right. He looks to have a really good chance of snatching a place imo so good news for 25/1 e/w backers
Great run from Oscars too, and I think all the over analysis about him early on this season, can largely be put down to stable form. Harrington has really picked up recently and OW appears to have come right. He looks to have a really good chance of snatching a place imo so good news for 25/1 e/w backers
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