Zarkandar fav for the world hurdle

I'd sooner look at LC @ 10/1 or ROR at 10/1 than Zarkander at 5/1.

I like the look of ROR for the world hurdle. Fry is in blinding form and wouldn't up him in trip if he didn't think he will stay.

I love the Rock too, i recall The New One ripping old Zark a new one last year

last years top 3.....More of That (out), Annie (out -mares) At Fishers Cross (RIP) 4TH Zarkandar

I would not mind having and overrated horse like that.

LIFETIME RECORD    STARTS    WINS    2NDS    3RDS    WINNINGS    EARNINGS    BEST TS    BEST RPR    OR†
Flat Turf    3    1    1    1    £9,735    £18,717     91     91     88
Hurdle    21    9    5    1    £604,818    £789,352     159     165     160
Rules Races    24    10    6    2    £614,552    £808,069     —     —     —

Nick Mordin thinks he tired in December,I think he idled, (Nick knows a lot more than I do.)
Campaigned all wrong last season.
This is the horse that did what could not be done, one run and wins triumph.
Light campaign this season could see him go close, ( if Nick is wrong)

everything is relative mcmurr

what a fallacy to think the race is weaker because the last year 1-2 are not in this year race. There are many unexposed types coming into this just like MOT and AP were last year against the young Big Bucks. Zarkandar is a top class established performer who admitedly isn't as good as 2-3 years ago when coming 6 lengths off the Fly, beating TNO or winning the Triumph but his form this season is looking very good beating Gemix by 5 lengths and narrowly denied by an in-form RDS. His price is about right and don't think he's over-rated at all.

W will only know how strong the race was in retrospect but both MOT and AP came into the race unbeaten and so the tag, "could be anything" could fairly be applied to them both. Whilst there may be some candidates who have more to give I don't think you can apply that tagline to any of them so I don't see how you could argue that a late withdrawal of MOT accompanied by AP taking in The Mares won't significantly affect the quality of this renewal.

I'd argue that zark is not top class and saphir is coming into this off of a failed chase campaign....bearing in mind the connections, it's almost as if they're hoping for another fairytale BB scenario where instead of remembering the unseat in the hennessy, we'll all be remembering the fall in the Feltham that heralded in a new dominant force in the staying hurdling department...unlikely but it would be spooky wouldn't it....and we all like Andy Stewart

I love races with favourites like this

Does Blue Fashion go does anyone know?

Henderson was recently interviewed and he seemed to have him on his mind for it.
Non-committal though

Blue Fashion should have a chance in this, second to Faugheen, 2nd when giving weight to MOT last season.

Well I've just wathed Zarkandar getting stuffed in this last year and I just cannot have it, I' afraid. I know he was ridden like a doubtful stayer and that he has now had experience of the distance, but he couldn't get past At Fishers - and we were already aware that he was nothing like the same horse as the previous year. Add in the fact that he been done by Reve De Sivola... no... favourite? No. Can't have it.

He stays alright.  You need to see his run in France on 1st November and you will have no doubts.  Beating Gemix comfortably in France over 3m is a cracking run.  You might disagree, but I thought he just idled when hitting the front against RDS.  They'll hold him up and hit the front at the last if the race goes to plan.  Has been targeted at this race and goes there spot on.  No excuses if he gets beat.  Can't see a better piece of form than the Gemix run so worthy Fav IMO.

Cant help thinking Nicholls' upbeat comments on the horse are out of respect for connections.

Impossible for me to fancy, and with his place at the top of the market along with MoT (previously) and Annies Power up there, the race is easier to approach as a result.

I can't have the French form either - the way the race was run was perfect for him - trot round and then race up the straight. A world away from Prestbury Park at championship level. Like I say, watch last years renewal and you can't have him. And I don't think he's improved. He's was a nearly 2 miler and now he's a nearly 3 miler. Sam's on the right one of PN's - but if Mullins does change his mind about Annie (and he might very well so don't say he categorically won't) they all have it on to win this