Buddeleia, I understand how highly you rate AP and UDS; I put them both up on the CH Hurdle thread in September as the two most likely dangers to HF when they were huge prices. However, as a fan of both, I think its a huge leap of faith, not supported by the form book, to actually tout them as the best horses in the race. Neither has run in a senior Grade 1, and neither has come up against a single CH Hurdle contender or ever needed to jump at anything like Champion Hurdle pace. Neither has also run on the likely good to soft ground that prevails at Cheltenham, both winning at their leisure in Irish bogs. Potential is one thing, and Our Conor was so far ahead of his contemporaries that for many he looked like the second coming last season, but until that potential is tested at the highest level its impossible to say how they will respond. Since Sea Pigeon, I can't remember any horse winning this race on the bridle and we also don't know how either will battle (though I suspect both will). I well remember horses like Rhinestone Cowboy and Detroit City being massively fancied (both CH Hurdle favourites?) on the back of crushing lesser opposition, but both were out of their depth when faced with the demands of the Champion.

cyclops

Binocular did it without having to be asked the question. In fact I remember McCoy taking a pull after the second last. I do agree with your central point though in that I don't think anything will be beating this field on the bridle.

Yes Cyclops that all makes sense.

Don't stop me though having the opinion that all the CH contenders I have seen this season will not be able to give AP that much weight.
UDS is completely unexposed and he is the one that COULD beat her,as we don't know how good he is.
Could also be below top class,i do realise that.
Listening to Walsh yesterday he thinks hes bl00dy good!!
So do I.
But I admit its an opinion with no decent form to back it up.
Just a visual impression,and the way he races. Walsh says he is able to keep a really good gallop from the middle of the race to the line and would not want to let him get too far in front if he was on HF.
I don't think hes fibbing.

If UDS was that good surely he'd have ran in something decent by now?

If i was Mullins id go Mares Hurdle and switch Quveyga to stayers with Un De Sceaux in Champion along with Hurricane.

Buddeleia, I agree the visual impression is excellent for both. Suppose my main thrust is that I can't remember the Champion Hurdle ever being won by other than a battle hardened performer, be it one that has gained plenty of relevant experience on the flat, over hurdles, or both. Not that I'm saying it can't happen, but it seems unlikely. Wish the gun had been put to their heads this season to truly evaluate their chances but it might add even more spice to a potentially great race.

Well I have her at 40 nrfb from way back for the CH.
I have backed her nrnb for the WH though.

Fair plays, nice position

@ballydoyle -- If UDS was that good surely he'd have ran in something decent by now?

@buddeliea -- That's the puzzling thing Bally. Why aint he??

Because he was being aimed at the Punchestown Festival in April and not Cheltenham, let alone the Champion Hurdle. Looked at in that light, the slow, softly-softly approach on mainly right-handed tracks looks very sensible.

Budd, make sure that nrfb doesn't shaft you and only give you £50 back. Those lads at Vee Cee don't like displaying their terms too freely. Nice price all the same to be on at.