The first big race of festival week is the Champion Hurdle ran on Day One. Run just over 2 miles, it's run on quite a gallop, but winners must be able to clear each hurdle and then tackle the famous uphill finish at an electrfying speed to come home first. The Irish have done very well in the race in recent years, with the great Aiden O’Brien-trained Istabraq winning it three times, denied a certain history-making four-in-a-row by the foot and mouth outbreak, which led to the cancellation of the festival. More recently Hardy Eustace has won it twice and last year's winner Brave Inca has added to Ireland's recent success.

Brave Inca is back to defend his crown but he will face stern competition from a number of contenders, most notebly from the English-trained Detroit City. Previous winner Hardy Eustace ran a great race in beating both Brave Inca and Macs Joy to capture the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on 28th January 07 and can’t be ignored on his recent Festival form alone. English hopes lie with the aforementioned Detroit City and Straw Bear, the latter I feel has the potential to win but may be found wanting amongst such classy company come the turn and run up that famous hill.

Favourites in the betting for the Champion Hurdle have fared okay in recent years and many punters hopes will lie with either Detroit City or Brave Inca. But I’m going to tip Asian Maze to bring some each-way value for In Fact, Ah readers. Currently trading at around 25/1, I feel this horse is a lot better than these odds suggest. This horse is due a big run soon and I feel trainer Thomas Mullins has been preparing the horse with this race in mind, with champion jockey Ruby Walsh likely to be onboard. The horse will be given a great ride around the Cotswold course. Also I have an inkling that Itkitaf will run a strong race - he’s available at 16/1 at the moment.
tags:champion hurdle

Published by Francie.