Champion Hurdle 2013

it would be interesting to know what the stats are for horses coming back from injury and performing to a level of say a few pounds to thier best pre injury , say for instance horses who have been off for a year or longer ,i wonder how many are ever the same again?

Now this would be a Champion Hurdle comeback "Frankie Dettori to carry the Olympic Torch on the back of Monsignor round Ascot Racecourse next Tuesday".

That's a good question Foyles. Some are (Kauto Star!) but many aren't. That's an issue I think for Spirit Son, but all the reports of Grandouet's injury were that it was minor, but it came at the worst possible time re the Festival.

yeh good question,and without knowing for sure,i would be pretty confident that the stats would not favour them coming back as good as they were.
Would be a real shame if Spirit Son is not able to fulfill his obvious promise,and as Stront says Grandouet has a fair chance of showing us what he can do at the top level.

Was anybody impressed with Rebel Fitz today?  Yes I know he was odds on, but he's won doing handstands and looks a big improver.  On the downside he will be 8 come the festival.

I thought they were going to go Novice Chasing with Rebel Fitz but wouldn't be the first time that minds change. Any comments from Winters after the race today?

Just read the article on attheraces website. Graded Hurdle at Tipperary next then a decision on hurdling or chasing. I've been impressed and he could develop as one to chase after the fly this winter

Simonsig wins the Champion Hurdle easily

Been a serious move for Simonsig the last 2 weeks, strongest horse in the race 25 down to around 12 now

I told you on June 25th Simonsig wins the Champion

Interesting that Nicholls was so certain to stick  2 miles with Zarkandar in the recent table tour, and that he will likely start in the International at Cheltenham. Whilst they wouldn't take on Big Bucks, maybe they are confident on turning around form with ROR. With one eye on the 102F who's going to be around to mop some of the decent 2 1/2 mile races? Assuming Oscar Whisky and Overturn go over fences does that leave the races for ROR before back to 2m for Champion, or a top handicapper like Get Me Out of Here?

Personally like to see OW stay hurdling,in hindsight he may well have won the CH,and imo would stand a great chance next March.
Trainer did tell me he was going chasing at the open day,along with Simonsig,and he said they would be kept apart.
Simonsig the Arkle,OW the Jewson??
Keeping a close eye on how these 2 fare over fences.

If Simonsig stays over hurdles then you need look no further for the winner of the Champion Hurdle although i fear Nicky has other ideas.

agree the farmer, would be a huge waste to go over hurdles with him

*over fences FFS

Does anyone else think IL DE RE could be interesting over hurdles this season and maybe, took a while to come to hand over hurdles this season but at the end of the season was transfered to Donald mcCain yard and has won both chester Cup and Northumberland plate something overturn I think didnt manage to do, if they can brush up on his jumping (sure they will) the horse has certainly got the engine on him, well beaten in the imperial cup off 124, there is plenty left to work with and even though he is entered in the long distance champion at Royal Ascot, but maybe he could be a player in the gretwood hurdle before progressing into maybe the bula and champion hurdle, it would be a massive rise in the weights, but not totally out of the question, think he could be a massive handicap blot in the Gretwood hurdle

needs soft really

However, a flat rating of 105 and a hurdles rating of 123 suggests he could be exceptionally well handicapped over hurdles.

Since that flat rating is based on 27 races it seems unlikley he'll improve enough to be a Grade 1 hurdler. Another issue might be trip - given he stays 19f on the flat will he want 3m+ over hurdles?

Rock On Ruby

Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby is back in full work after his summer break and building up to his comeback, which is likely to be in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on December 1.

The seven-year-old is now officially trained by Harry Fry, who oversaw his preparation last season from Paul Nicholls' satellite yard.

Fry can now take full credit for Rock On Ruby after collecting his training licence recently and he expects the first runners in his name to be out within the next two weeks.

"Rock On Ruby has done very well over the summer and he's back in full work now," said Fry.

"The aim at this stage is to start him off in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, which is on December 1 - that's Plan A, ground permitting.

"If it were to come up very testing, we could take him to Ascot the week before.

"There's two months to go before he runs though, so we're not doing anything serious with him just yet, but he's fit and well and he's certainly come back stronger. He's just coming into his prime now.

"We didn't think about going chasing this season. He's the current champion hurdler and the champion just gets the chance to defend his crown - it's up to the others to take it off him.

"If and when he does switch to fences, he would be a very exciting prospect.

"My licence came through at the end of last week and I'd hope to have my first runners in the next couple of weeks.

"Opening Batsman could be the first in a handicap hurdle while King Of The Night was rated in the 140s over hurdles and he'll be going novice chasing. He could be decent so I'm looking forward to it."

No idea if he's staying over hurdles or going chasing but Trifolium would be my dark horse at a big price (100 on here).

I'm pretty sure it's been announced that Trifolium will stay over hurdles this season.

Cheers - I've thrown a tenner on it @ 100 just for fun.

Taken 100+ last week too

Decent shout - I'd assumed he'd be about 1/3 of that price.

Nice one BJG - As the saying goes 'great minds........

Took most of the money between 140-160 wen it was announced thinkin hed be in to around 40 but shocked he is still at 100 tbh

Nothin between himself, Cinders and Darlan - he is 100 when they are 20 give or take!

Any shr00die opinions on Rebel Fitz please?

Can't ever call myself a shroodie, but I reckon he could continue to develop nicely as a Hurdler, but Champion winner might be a step too far. Hopefully 1000 stars will turn up for the race at Tipperary so we can really see what he's capable of. Trainer has no made no secret of the fact that he has schooled very well over fences, and they will make the call to stay over Hurdles or not after Tipperary. In my heart of hearts I can see him taking the races that the Fly avoids in Ireland but not a lot more. Definitely one of the most interesting outsiders though.

Can't ever call myself a shroodie, but I reckon he could continue to develop nicely as a Hurdler, but Champion winner might be a step too far. Hopefully 1000 stars will turn up for the race at Tipperary so we can really see what he's capable of. Trainer has no made no secret of the fact that he has schooled very well over fences, and they will make the call to stay over Hurdles or not after Tipperary. In my heart of hearts I can see him taking the races that the Fly avoids in Ireland but not a lot more. Definitely one of the most interesting outsiders though.

I agree that Champion Hurdler is a huge ask, but he won a competitive Galway Hurdle comfortably enough (Davy's near-balls up excused) giving weight all round off 145; that's a solid foundation for progressing on and he really looks a progressive type like you say. Travels well and jumps slickly and like you say, I'm excited to see how he copes up against Thousand Stars this weekend. I also don't think the 2m division is very strong at all this year with the principles, HF excepted, all much of a muchness for me. G'waaaan Rebel Fitz!

I agree that Champion Hurdler is a huge ask, but he won a competitive Galway Hurdle comfortably enough (Davy's near-balls up excused) giving weight all round off 145; that's a solid foundation for progressing on and he really looks a progressive type like you say. Travels well and jumps slickly and like you say, I'm excited to see how he copes up against Thousand Stars this weekend. I also don't think the 2m division is very strong at all this year with the principles, HF excepted, all much of a muchness for me. G'waaaan Rebel Fitz!

I've had a few quid on Rebel Fitz as does appear to be improving fast.  We'll know more on Sunday, but has to beat 1000 stars at the weights to be considered.

It would be a unique profile for a Champion Hurdler - running through the previous summer. There's always a horse like this who gets touted for the Champion but soon gets put in his place. Last year it was The Real Article. I expect Rebel Fitz to probably win on Sunday, and contract in the Champion market, but don't see him as a realistic player come March.

What has happened to Spirit Son. I am in hibernation during the flat season, so don't pick up a Racing post until now.

Broken a bone in his neck. OFTS, probably retired.

God,i did not know that.
What a tragic shame for connections,NH racing and us fans,and most of all of course for the horse.
He could literally have been anything.
So sad.

Looks like the Rebel Fitz bubble burst yesterday?  Disappointing that he could not confirm placings with Captain Cee Bee from earlier this year.  Any news why Thousand Stars ran so poorly?  I think probably needs a trip nowadays.

Willie Mullins said Thousand Stars was badly in need of the run wen interviewed before hand in France


Rebel Fitz doesnt like heavy ground

Fair enough BJG.  Points taken, however I still believe that Rebel Fitz should have had the beating of CCB who is knocking 12 to be considered as a Champ Hurdle contender.

mfw






05 Oct 12 17:02
Joined:


29 Dec 02
| Topic/replies: 8 | Blogger: mfw's blog



What has happened to Spirit Son. I am in hibernation during the flat season, so don't pick up a Racing post until now.


OUT WITH INJURY AGAIN THIS ONE LIKELY TO FINISH HIS CAREER.

Well thats surely Trifolium out of the picture.

Good looking field for the Fighting Fifth, with reigning champion Rock On Ruby reappearing and with the first three home in last yeras Supreme and the Triumph winner also entered it should at least tell us if last years novices/juveniles are up to challenging the established stars.

Despite McCain's excuse that the ground beat his horse (which lacked a bit of respect in my opinion) you have to say that Countrywide Flame went in to the race with the higher rating and came out looking superior. I would happily bet against the form being overturned regardless of the ground the next time they meet.

I find it difficult to understand why Rock On Ruby is 3rd favourite to 2 horses he beat out of sight last year. Hurricane Fly will never win a Champion Hurdle again, too old and can only be held up so Rock On Ruby will probably have left him behind on the run to the 3rd last as per last season. When they tried to ride him up with the pace Go Native was cantering all over him when he fell yet for some reason he's around the 5-1 mark. Zarkandar won a Wincanton handicap where the form looks anything but strong and would probably go for the World Hurdle if he were in any other stable. He won the Triumph 2 years ago but on several form lines Rock On Ruby holds him comfortably. How those 2 horses can be priced up to turn last year's form around beats me and Rock On Ruby's general form at Cheltenham is tremendously solid at a very high level.

Agree ROR should be shorter than he is,but i do think Zarkander is a serious horse in this.
At this stage i reckon they are the likeliest winners of the race.

Booster -Think the main reason Hurr Fly and Zark are above ROR in the betting is that a lot of people have heard their trainers
state that their horses weren't 100% on the day and didn't have a smooth preparation. Some also believe that ROR was advantaged by
the way the race was run. Personally don't particularly buy into most of it. Main concern with ROR is will he be the same horse this year as last. The Int hurdle should be quite revealing .

some do seem to knock him on here,but i really like this horse.he travels so well in his races and over 2m at Cheltenham i think hes very hard to beat.its ideal for a horse that travels so well,and stays so well.
its tailor made for him,and he should be fav imo.
why you think he might not be the same hose tinkler?

Personally don't see ROR winning again. Good horse, don't get me wrong, but gets beaten on a fairly regular basis, and do feel he got a superb tactical ride last year. Overturn was only a few lengths down and whilst he's an admirable horse, a repeat performance in my view would not be enough. Don't have a clue what will win but at this stage, ROR isn't for me.

If I were Mullins I'd also consider putting something in to set a more moderate pace at the outset from next year and keep field closer together in early stages, before gradually winding up. Do concede though that HF is statistically too old with Rooster Booster being only 9yr old in ages

the thing is ROR stays further and has the speed,so whatever the opposition do his jockey can adapt.he could go on earlyish or take it up later.
looking at the race this year,you have to fault Ruby and AP,and they wont be doing that again,so its possible they will be a lot closer,but if any of them aint gonna be as good next year,i would say it would be them, not ROR.
If hes gonna be beat it will imo be either Zarkander or if he comes back as good as he looked like he would be,Grandouet.
Still,early days and we aint seen a lot of the contenders this season yet.

Budd - Thought he was disappointing at Aintree and not sure whether he holds his condition very well (looked a bit underweight)
         Don't know much about the trainer either . Is he capable of conditioning ROR to win the race in 2 consecutive years?
        If he's in the same shape this year as last ,he sets a very good standard don't you think?

Difficult with HF. Mullins has said he wasn't right, had an awful prep, and i was fortunate to speak with a connection that night who said Ruby asked him 3 times and 3 times he didn't respond. Maybe he was past it or maybe he just wasn't right. He could surprise us and given 3 prep runs beforehand, would be interesting

well thats possible,hes ran twice at Aintree after good performances at Cheltenham,and got beat both times,although the first was after a really hard race in the neptune,and the 2nd was not far behind OW and TS who are pretty good over 2 and half m.
If as i suspect hes a horse they can train to peak in march,then yes i think the trainer can get him to win again,and he does set a very good standard imo.

As said on probably more than one thread, Zarkandar for me.

PFN has always thought him CH material. Last year he clearly had problems hence why he way only ready in time for the Betfair, which he duly won at a time when his horses were struggling. Apparently coughed afterwards, that might be hearsay, but many paddock judges commented that he did not look good prior to last year's CH, and considering that he ran a remarkable and eye-catching race.

Some have assumed that because of this he needs a trip, and maybe elsewhere he does. But the 2M at Cheltenham, especially in a fast run race is exactly what this fellow needs. I think btw the same applies to ROR. I actually backed him for this year's renewal after that race.

After that it was a mistake taking him to Aintree especially after being ill and after the fall I left him alone having originally planning to drip bet him through the summer.

His run at Wincanton, which is a fast track in comparison, proved his wellbeing to me and I went in again. Ok it was only a handicap, but giving lumps of weight away and in part making the running I thought it an excellent performance.

Clearly the acid test is the Bula where he will face both ROR and Grandouet. Grandouet also has a setback/break to overcome and clearly is a talented horse. If he hadn't of been brought down he would have likely beaten Zarkandar at Aintree as a 4yo, but to my mind was beaten easily at Cheltenham. Grandouet won the race last year but just think Zarkandar will always prove stronger up the hill. ROR has done nothing wrong at Cheltenham, and has great festival form and it would be wrong to discount him. But its all about opinions but I just fancy Zark to turn round last year's form

We have a number of mouth watering chase to look forward to over the coming weeks, but the Bula will also be potentially right up there

Grandouet or Zarkandar for me

that is all

I particularly agree with the point that Rock On Ruby can just sit there in the van whatever the pace, if it's quick he's been second in a Neptune and if it's slow he can kick from the front but however you look at it he's very solid and repeatedly shows his best at Cheltenham. Fry is a sharp one and it won't be lost on him that the horse won first time last season then didn't run between Kempton and Cheltenham. It's all about value and 9-1 appears just that compared to the front 2.

ROR seems best value to me also.  Not my sort of AP price at this stage unless doubles and trebles etc.  However, last seasons novices are not yet cutting it, therefore last years champ will do for me.  Countrywide flame has done nothing wrong and time will tell, but not a fan of 5 yr old champions.

Hurricane Fly remains a head scratcher for me. No bigger fan than me, but his last two runs last season suggested the spark wasn't there and his run the other day was inconclusive. I don't blame Ruby for his ride in the Champion - he was never travelling like a winner, never with his customary head down eagerness, and was close enough if good enough. But I'm not convinced either by Mullins saying he was never happy with him last season. He said after the Irish Champion that it might have been HF's best ever run.
It may be with him that you either take the leap of faith or not; unlikely that he'll run in anything like a Cheltenham simulation beforehand, although followers of the horse would doubtless be heartened by seeing him dish out a thrashing or two to Irish pretenders in the meantime. There will be a nagging doubt as to whether Cheltenham really suits him - I was amazed that he did not put a more emphatic seal on the race when beating Peddler's in 2011 - and maybe a heavy ground Cheltenham would inconvenience him far less than most of the others, if this winter becomes as wet as its promising to be.
HF will have his supporters; they may include me, but I don't believe anyone can be really confident again about him for the race.

Cyclops WM was at pains to point out throughout all of last season that he was not happy with The Fly and he did not have his first run until Jan 29th. I would accept that the horse has questions to answer but had he produced his previous seasons form he would have had the 2012 champion hurdle field for breakfast. Time will tell of course if he is back to his best. Meanwhile last seasons novices arent setting the world on fire and both the Supreme and Neptune were probably sub-standard.

Balder Success anyone?

Oscar Whisky looks bet of Festival at this stage to me. Will strip fit following the Welsh Champion Hurdle and is consistent enough to make a mockery of the odds. The Fly certainly hasn't looked as all conquering as he has in the past and would be surprised if he figures when up against others on the upgrade.

Hope you right Glossy,big prices on him i have,and hes my fav horse,but think it would have to be soft ground for him to win.

Not so sure he'll need soft, budd. The only ground he won't want is anything better than good-to-soft which won't happen at Chelt anyway. I think he has a huge chance and would have him amongst the principles and frankly find it incredible that the likes of Countrywide Flame, Darlan and Grandouet are shorter in the market than him.

Thinking it will help slow down the speedsters for him.
Yep,i would have him shorter as well,certainly less than CF and Darlan.
Grandouet looks like he could be a goodun though.

thefarmer






09 Sep 12 21:44
Joined:


06 Apr 08
| Topic/replies: 349 | Blogger: thefarmer's blog



If Simonsig stays over hurdles then you need look no further for the winner of the Champion Hurdle although i fear Nicky has other ideas.

I love these bold statements

Yep agreed, Grandouet could indeed be a good un but hasn't achieved anything like enough to suggest he should be 3 or 4 ticks shorter than OW. Talking myself into a big antepost bet here which is what I want to avoid this year!

If NH believed what some of the Simonsig worshippers believe he would be running him in the CH. He obviously doesnt and he realises that there is a big difference between winning a champion hurdle and winning a poor Neptune.

Oscar Whisky will only run if its soft....must be a huge chance of that this year

Not sure on what basis you've decided this year's Neptune was 'poor' Arklarkle.

We've not seen the 1st or 2nd this season yet but the 3rd has already won a Grade 2 race and was just behind Zaidpour on Sunday; beating the likes of Volder La Vedette in one of Ireland's most prestigious hurdles. The 4th and 8th placed horses finished 1st and 2nd in a decent handicap at the Paddy Power meeting, with Double Ross reversing the places before very nearly going on to make all at Haydock the week after. The 10th placed horse won its first run over fences before finishing 2nd in a Grade 2 Novice Chase at Newbury.   

That's every horse that has run this season who finished in the top 10 in the Neptune; all of whom backed up their race.

Bluebirdfan- Balder Success?, I take it your still on page 1 of the Timeform 50 to follow freebie..............I would still be interested in your logic on this one as cant see it myself.

Glossy, only one of his opposition has won a grade one at any stage and the handicap hurdle form is a long way from Ch hurdle form. 2nd and 5th both ran in April at the Punchestown festival - Felix Yonger could only finish fifth and Sous Le Cieux was beaten by two stable mates. Dont think the trainer (WM) of those four would rate them close to The Fly. Monksland did win an uncompetive race in Down Royal and finished in front of VLV since but I would ignore the mares form this year and they were both beaten by Zaidpour who is ok but not Ch Hur class - I would believe that the Meade stable would have rated him some way behind the ill-fated Go Native. I accept Simonsig was possibly the most impressive winner at the festival and he could only beat what was in the race and he could go to prove himself a world-beater. Jumping of course is the name of the game. Look at Mikail Dhagenuet who won the Neptune 3 1/2 seasons back. Sixteen races later we see him at Punchestown tomorrow attempting to win his first chase. We were told that chasing would be his forte and some were saying he might go for the Gold Cup in his first season - he was even quite low in the betting for it at one stage (a bit like Grands Crus). Hopefully Simonsig turns out soon as I need him for my TTF but am always worried when they turn out late in the season as it normally indicates that all is not well. Anyway GL with your punting.

Fair enough, good reply Arklearkle. Time will tell and we'll know a bit more in a few months time! GL to you too.

At the prices i think Binocular at 25-1 represents the value bet, was not far off HF and ROR last year yet massively priced in comparison, should the ground be on the good side come March he would be a threat to all and i think Nicky thinks there could be one more big race in him.
All prep geared to Cheltenham amd still relatively lightly raced including a victory over ROR in the 2011 xmas hurdle, only 3 runs back.

Will do for me.

Darlan very impressive today.

On a line through Raya Star, you'd have to say Oscar Whisky's price at 14/1 is huge, compared to Darlan's 3/1.

OK, Oscar beat him over 2 and a half, but Oscar beat Raya doing hand stands, and his price is 4 times bigger.

I still think the best form is the Zark, Grandouet, RoR race though.

If Darlan can go straight to being ante-post favourite after beating horses rated a stone below championship class in a slowly run race in heavy ground, that tells you all you need to know at this stage. From the evidence of the season so far it looks a weak division with nothing standing out and the market will ebb and flow on emotional responses to the trials. I won't be backing anything ante-post at this stage as I think there may be a big surprise in store. There are sure to be lots of twists and turns before the big day.

As this is my favourite race and i come on here once a year,here's my position.For the 3rd year running i have Oscar Whiskey at big prices.I have'nt seen anything today to worry me,also people who think  he wont be quick enough should compare the times of the International, and the Relkeel from the last or even the 3rd last, as i have done.
I see only 2 dangers,firm ground, and Peddlers,who i have also backed. Might see them both on New years day!

I hope you're wrong with Peddler's as I said on here at the start of last year's horror season that I thought they should target the World Hurdle as I thought he was one of the few worthy of taking on Big Buck's.

oscar Whisky only runs if its soft,and would have a big chance in those conditions.
Have him at big prices,but my main bet is ROR.
If i can back HF and Zarkander as well i reckon i will have the winner,but i may only back one of them,depends on prices.
Binocular is the dark horse imo.

RoR and Zark are similar. So I'd add Fly to get a speedy type. Ruby was patting him down the neck just after he jumped the last at Leopardstown. Think Ruby knew he was back.

I rewatched his win in Irish Champion from last Jan. Man that was bottomless. Not surprised it took it out of him running on that fto, Unaccompanied couldn't go on it either. If he was not right and missed his first 3 intended runs and then ran on that, he looks tired finishing.

Thing is being a 9yo might mean he's lost a bit of his powers. We'll only know on the day I suppose. Shame he missed 2 festivals though when he was young. Especially when he was 6yo, many winners are 6yo.

Wouldn't have had much interest in backing anything a/p for the champion hurdle as it has always looked the most open of race and lacked any value. This time last year I was lucky enough to back ROR at 16's. This year I watched him run in the name of a new trainer and wouldn't be overly worried that he won't peak come march. But on all seen so far you couldn't but be IMPRESSED with darlan. To me he was the one that would suffer the most due to a lack of pace and heavy ground. And although the price now reflects it, sometimes you shouldn't ignore a gift horse when its going. ***** 5 star

Anyone got a steer on when Binocular is going to hit the track, can't see NH wanting to risk him on bad ground.

Irish Champion Hurdle is his aim, but I wouldn't be surprised if he skipped it if it turned out to be better ground in England.

Can't understand those backing Darlan at the price this far out. He posted a time over 8 seconds slower than the novice River Maigue, beating a handicapper and another novice. The other horses he beat are perhaps not as good as their trainers have led us to believe and I don't think Darlan's Supreme Hurdle form is special. OK he was visually impressive the other day but I'd want to see him against better horses before backing him.

Anyone got any thoughts on one i just read about in sporting life, REBEL FITZ. Just looked at his form and ok off 156 he needs to find in excess of 20ib's worth of improvement but the form he showed when slamming course of courses and giving that one 17ib is top notch, and as long as no heavy is in going description, defo an improving type! At 40/1, worth a small speculative punt perhaps Would be worried he may head to one of the handicaps and so could be waiting for the weights to be published as well as better ground though off 156, he be one of the top weights surely

big fan of the Hurricane but don't think
ROR got the credit he deserved last season
and thought he ran well 1st time out when
blowing up near the last flight.With Nichols
by his name on the card would be shorter than
9&10/1 on the book,I reckon.
As for a big price runner Raya Star,EW,could
fit the bill@25s(books),90s+ on here.
   GL ALL

Lots of cards to be played yet.

Rebel Fitz form ties in with Captain Cee Bee a horse obliterated by Hurricane Fly. Twice. He has no chance.

Go back through the CH winners. Never is there a winner that just comes out of nowhere to win. All have run at previous years festival or been grade 1 winners.

Try Beech Road.

Oh Punjabi that was a great result, but piss poor race worst winner in last 10 years but love him.

he won a tough race imo,Bino and Cel Halo up that hill was not easy.

As I was at pains to point out to everyone on here punjabi had come 3rd in the previous years race. Had won a Grade 1 at Punchestown, then won the fighting Fifth. Then was about to win the Christmas Hurdle before falling. Hendo said on tv before the Kingwell I'm running him here to get him fit for Cheltenham. He will need this.

Just because the masses are blind to the obvious doesn't mean Punjabi was a surprise winner. Had he not fallen at Kempton he would have won the 1 million wbx bonus. He was a fantastic horse that season. Like many peaking at 6yo.

Agree CV he wasn't really the same afterwards but he was very good that season couldn't believe his price tbh after one poor run. Himself and Celestial Halo were at their best that year and it was a cracking race.

Where i agree with CVByrne in that winners of the champ do not often come out of know where, there was one such 'surprise' winner to most that i remember well cos i backed it on the day!

SUBLIMITY

Just to re-iterate, he was 20/1 morning of the race and seemingly did not have the form in the book good enough to win but something stuck out at me as i as always was looking for an outsider to back along with my more fancied runners and i picked this one.

I put REBEL FITZ up above as a dark one i plucked from a article in sporting life that i kinda agree with. He maybe only rated 156, too high for a handicap, and his form over 2 miles is good if not outstanding. On ground without heavy in the description his form figs are outstanding, having never finished worse than 2nd in any of these. Is obviously improving and who knows what he could produce if good were ever to be a part of any going description. He only needs to come out once, blow em away, be put up 10ib in ratings and all of a sudden he is 16/1 for this race. At 100 on here now, represents a brilliant if not speculative play that may well pay dividends!

Although i am worried as he was 75 yesterday before my above post, once above post was put up, some people took all the money down to 42, now some seemingly RICH **** has decided to put up 74k at 100. Gosh one can only imagine 1k never mind £74@100

Aye MM. What was great about that race was how mental the early pace was. They were miles clear of the supreme. Then the supreme field came back to them and was almost the exact same time for both races. The did a picture in picture to show  it. Was great to see.

Remember Ruby saying in every preview he was not gonna make the running. No chance etc... The off like the clappers he goes.

If I remember rightly won  a race on his
reappearance by half the track in Ireland,somewhere.

@Sea the stars....... I have never cursed a horse as much as Sublimity, actually maybe Newmill the previous year . The thing that annoyed me afterwards more is the horse won the Champion Hurdle and then promptly never displayed that level of talent again.

Poet was the outsider who there had been a bit of money for, would have thought they would prefer the Supreme rather than dropping him in at the deep end in the Champion. He had got down to 60/1 on betfair at one stage this morning, he has only run in novice hurdle at Newbury (albeit I was there and thought it was an impressive performance) and he isn't even included on most Champion lists.

Sublimity ran in the Supreme and finished 4th running on after being unlucky in running coming down the hill.
Anyone who watched that race carefully would have noticed that,and could have backed him at huge odds for the CH at the start of the season he won it.

Mick Fitz this morning saying Binocular was absolutely bouncing at home and is heading for a match with the Fly in Irish champ, which is thought to be the plan. Stans just pushed him out to 25s, so, as they were only 20s in shops when 33s online, and now he is 26s on here and 25s both in shops and online, i have decided now is the time to help myself to a little of the 25s.

E/way of course

Very nice to read the above, got some double carpet myself

PP money back all losers (max 100) if Fly wins

allegedly