Alexei

In recent years

Flakey dove won the champion hurdle on her 9 th run that season 2 handicaps

Make a stand won on his 9 th start that season 5 handicaps

So it’s not out of the question

Rooster Booster came in via handicaps as well, but I wouldn't call any of them recent years. Many years ago Bula pulled off that last ditch win in a hugely competitive handicap at Sandown, but that was still at a time when top horses ran in handicaps. The Schweppes used to be a Champion Hurdle trial in the 60's. The vast majority will now just ignore them. Horses are now not tough enough to go that route, and it's the same with chasing.

The latest crazy Champion Hurdle stuff is Elliott playing along with the idiot media regarding Wodhooh. He could/should just commit the horse to the Mares' Hurdle. He could do that right now instead of talking nonsense about taking on Lossiemouth. She isn't anywhere near quick enough for a Champion Hurdle. It took her all her time to get on top over the extended trip at Ascot. Hopefully, he will come to his senses.

I looked up rooster booster and it surprised me he only ran in one handicap in his champion hurdle season the great wood,I think we gets mixed up with his county hurdle season.

The most unusual one has to be Morley street he beat a st leger at goodwood and ran in 3 chases and 2 hurdles .

Can we not pretend there recent times going to quickly as it is.

Elliot is desperate to win a champion hurdle which is why he surprised many when keeping samcro over hurdles after his sun alliance win

Ran okay, but the combination of lack of pace and testing ground didn't help his cause. Problem is a horse like that needs to keep the confidence building, and he has just run into a brick wall. They may still throw him at a trial, but far better to do that after a win. Stable form has taken a big nosedive as well, not that anyone is highlighting it as they should. I think that's 1 winner from the last 27 runners.

I see it as that Celtic Dino's a better animal than this.

Not sure a literal interpretation of Chepstow would stand up. Alexei is now 20lbs higher than that run, and a line through Wilful would suggest that he has improved significantly since Chepstow. I also think that Alexei is a bit better than he showed today for the reasons above. I also think Celtic Dino would cope less well with a softer surface. I suppose they could meet in a trial. Alexei is at least proven at Cheltenham, whereas Celtic Dino hasn't gone near the place.

Celtic Dino was giving 7lbs to Alexei that day and ran a stormer against Woodoh.Reckon he would have beat Woodoh if it had been 2 miles.Entered to Run in Xmas hurdle Boxing Day against Sir Gino & Golden Ace.

He would beat Wodhooh at two miles, because Wodhooh is much better over further. Talk of a Champion Hurdle challenge for the mare is fanciful. If he runs, Kempton on drying ground should suit Celtic Dino - I can't see it suiting Golden Ace - so he might sneak a place although 8/1 two places doesn't look that appealing.

The weight and going beat Alexei but I doubt if he is CH class. We might find out on Friday if Sir Gino is as good as the market thinks. I will stick with Golden Ace.

I see Celtic dino is entered for the Christmas hurdle

Celtic Dino is now half the price of Alexei for the Champion Hurdle. Not sure that represents a fair summary.

It's impossible to say for sure what stopped Alexei yesterday. In a couple of strides he has gone from seemingly tanking to nothing. That wasn't the same horse that devoured the Cheltenham hill. It's very difficult to put figures on stable form, but there is no doubt the stable isn't in anything like the same form it was in the last time he ran. Only a run in a trial will confirm whether he is good enough. In a good year he wouldn't be good enough, but this isn't remotely a good year. If they commit to a trial, had I not already backed him, I would give some thought to the general 50's. I think that's the typical overreaction.

Kingwell next for Alexei,Tizzard.

Not sure you can say the ground was against Alexei.

Good going on the hurdles track.

More to do with four big runs and the stable imo.

But a combination of soft going and top weight always make sit hard.

It was good ground on Saturday, not soft.

It was on the soft side of good

according to jim  mcgrath not an end to gallop and a good ride on the winner

That's very good of Jim. I just wonder how many of O'Neill's rubbish rides he has called out - I am guessing in the region of none. If you had to give some balance these media bods would be rendered speechless.

If Alexei did go to Wincanton then he would presumably meet Golden Ace, and if he did give her a race - as you might expect - the 50's would disappear again.