Faugheen on the drift ...

dont no why such high profile trainer and owner cant just give a wee update on best hurdler we have seen for years just total disregard for the racing public.

Paddy now have Faugheen out at 5/2 to win the Christmas Hurdle, think that just about says it all.

Except that they've actually pushed him out to 10/11 from 4/6 for the Ryanair Hurdle on the 29th.

Personally don't think we will see either Faugheen or Annie Power this side of 2017.

They have probably both been dead for months tbh...the lack of communication from the yard is a farce

Cant see him running at xmas. Nicholls Canyon good odds to win 2 miler if bet struck at 11/4 and Faugheen a no-show. Champion Hurdle AntePost market is a mess.

...although if you're willing to gamble that Faugheen and Annie won't run, there are some big prices about the other runners.  Outside of Yanworth, everything else is 20+ on here - the market could look drastically different in a month's time.

The way it is going and the lack of depth, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pipe's threw in Moon Racer; they said after his last win he'd have an entry.

What's everyone's thoughts on long shots showing at 20/1+ that could collapse in price if Annie, Faugheen etc don't make it to the race?

I heard it was going to be made at some point in the next week.

Ruby fairly cagey on Racing UK but did say he sat on Faugheen yesterday and he felt 'a million dollars' - WPM just felt not ready to go to England at this stage. Talked about him having an entry at Leopardstown but did n't exactly fill me with confidence that he'll run there - but more likely he runs there than Annie Power and very unlikely that both of them will run.

Don't shoot the messenger!

Writing in his Racing UK blog on Wednesday, Walsh said: "He's grand, not a bother on him. I'd imagine he's in the Ryanair Hurdle in Leopardstown on the 29th. I don't know if he will run there but it won't be too long until you see him.

"I rode him yesterday and he's fresh and well. He looks a million dollars. Does he retain all his ability? Oh God, he does. I would not be too worried about him."

Wellchief.....Arctic Fire, Not back out till second half of the season, and undecided over Hurdles or Fences

Thanks a lot Fabulous.  I might have a little flutter at long odds for the Champion Hurdle then.  Can't see them beginning a novice chase campaign this let in the season, and he has gotten nearer to Faugheen than anything else (the Nichols Canyon race excluded).

All depends how bad his injury was, and how well he's recovered, but he was 7/2 for the race after Faugheen's withdrawal, and he was initially only out for 12 weeks, so I'll take the risk for small stakes that he'll be lining up this year.

My opinion is that Faughen will re-appear late January for Irish c.hurdle. I also think he will win come March. 11/4 might look big then.

Presumably if Nichols Canyon runs in Ryanair Hurdle, instead of the 3 miler, the day before, they're not convinced of the World Hurdle for him?
Shame, would love to have seen him go further. Always had the gut feel that he had somewhat more to offer.

However, he did win his next 4 after the Neptune, twice over 2m4 and then beat Faugheen. Guess he has the ability, if he's not too free and he jumps better. Authorised's can be a touch in and out.

"I'm hoping Faugheen will be back for the Irish Champion Hurdle. I don't want people to worry, he is in very good form." - Rich Ricci earlier today.

Petit Mouchoir is heading to the Irish Champion after an impressive performance today. Will connections pitch Faugheen for the same race now?

I hope Faugheen turns up to reflect his well-being but I'd not be so sure about him beating Petit Mouchoir 1st time out after over 12 months thro' injury, why? Petit Mouchoir was very impressive today; he is also only 6yr old and an improving youngster who'd probably have won the Fighting 5th had he not fallen; the 2nd in that race, Apple's Jade, franked the form by winning a Gp1 next time, and the 2nd to Apple's Jade, Vroum Vroum Mag, won another Gp1 yesterday.

Faugheen could go straight to Cheltenham, but will it be the Champion Hurdle or Stayers? Or could he be retired with Yorkhill (jumping right on his chase debut) taking his place, if so?  Oh, must not forget Annie Power...where next for her?

Now Annie drifting like a barge

What price either Faugheen or Annie Power retiring prior to Cheltenham? Shorter than either of them running in it I'd imagine.

I think the World Hurdle could be off the agenda for Vroum Vroum Mag. She looked to be hanging on the other day. She probably doesn't stay well enough at that level in my opinion.

Annie Power might head straight to Cheltenham like last year. She apparently worked badly in November but no news since. No surprise if they follow the same light campaign as last year - it served them well then.

It's worrying that Faugheen has missed a number of engagements.I think whichever of Faugheen or Annie Power show up, the race is theirs. It's a weak race outside the Ricci owned pair.