Morgiana (19th Nov )

Given your track record I'm sure that will be music to the ears of Willie and Rich Ricci. :D

With the current entries looking like:

Willie Mullins (9) : Cilaos Emery, Faugheen, Melon, Nichols Canyon, Yorkhill, Bapaume, Lets Dance, Limini, Vroom Vroom
Jessica Harrington (1): Jezki
Thomas Mullins (1) Top Othe Ra
Gordon Elliott: (2) Apples Jade & Campeador
Colin Kidd (1) Rashaan
Joseph Murphy (1) Swamp Fox

I am working on the assumption that Willie Mullins will run a maximum of 2 Faugheen + Baupame/Cliaos Emery. I would have a slight inclination it will be Bapaume given its ownership and wanting to set a decent pace for Faugheen. I also think that Willie will probably save a couple of the mares for the Hattons grace in a couple of weeks. Thats discounted 7 of the runners (Limini, Lets Dance, Vroum Vroum Nichols, Melon, Yorkhill and the other of the affirmed mentioned.)

Here is my angle, Apples Jade wont run given she ran on Sunday and I don't think there is anyway Gordon Elliott doesn't have a runner in a 50k hurdle given his champion trainer aspirations. Campedaor has been talked off as a Champion Hurdle darkhorse (16-1 Paddy Power) so for it to have any chance in that, you would think it would have to go close in this. Its race fit, unexposed and improving 5YO who will like the ground.

Given that the race is going to cut up badly and in my opinion, likely to be a certain runner due to the connections. 6-1 Each way is a great dirty each way bet.

Faugheen is amongst 8 declared. The others are stablemates Yorkhill, Nichols Canyon and Vroum Vroum Mag; Jezki, Apple's Jade, Campeador and Swamp Fox. It is interesting Mullins is fielding 4, 2 each from Ricci and Wylie, but Apple's Jade is an unlikely runner, according to Elliot.

The betting is also suggesting Yorkhill, Nichols Canyon and Vroum Vroum Mag are unlikely runners too - their prices are way too big to be considered probable runners; a probable 4 runner race,...a major disappointment, if so.

4 now with Vroum Vroum Mag - similar ownership to Faugheen - a late scratching. A pointless renewal, I believe, with just 4 runners, one of which has not even seen a racecourse for almost 2 years but odds-on.

A triumphant victory by Faugheen despite the small field after nearly 2 years off the track. Champion Hurdle winner? Given he is only 9/4 fav the jury is still out, for me.

For an effortless victory yes.

Firstly the 2024 race is this saturday on 23rd Nov.

State Man (the warrior) against Lossiemouth (the shirker) in this year's renewal. State Man (Townend) is 4/5, Lossiemouth (mullins) is 5/2. I think (and I hope) State Man will sock it to Lossiemouth on saturday.