Hurricane Fly set to defy age and land an historic third Champion Hurdle
BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS THE CHAMPION HURDLE AND THE MARES’ HURDLE
RARELY has a horse been more eagerly awaited than this year’s renewal of the Stan James Champion Hurdle.
With the obvious exception of Annie Power, the “who’s who” of the two-mile hurdling division all make the journey to Prestbury Park to take part in this mouth-watering clash.
Dual-winner HURRICANE FLY will be joined down at the start by last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up (My Tent Or Yours), the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle winner (The New One), as well as the emphatic Triumph Hurdle winner (Our Conor). Strong cases can be made for all three challengers, but they may still struggle to lower the champion’s colours.
‘The Fly’ is looking for an extraordinary 20th Grade One victory and last tasted defeat two years ago to the day when finishing third to Rock On Ruby in the 2012 Champion Hurdle.
He’s rattled off nine consecutive wins since that blip and has looked better than ever this term even at the grand old age of 10. In fact, his trainer Willie Mullins genuinely believes he’s in the form of his life and still continues to improve.
His latest victory came in the Irish Champion Hurdle in late January where he looked in desperate trouble turning in, only to rally after a mistake at the last to see off Our Conor.
Connections of the runner-up that day have been making positive noises in recent weeks about his well-being and plenty are expecting further improvement. However, he didn’t get the job done against Hurricane Fly that day and almost seemed to get worried out of it at the end.
My Tent Or Yours came out on top in a thrilling battle with The New One in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, although supporters of the latter will feel the result would have been different but for a terrible last flight error.
My concern with The New One is speed as I’m not sure he’ll have the necessary zip to reverse form with My Tent Or Yours, let alone see off Hurricane Fly.
I’m pretty sure that Hurricane Fly’s biggest test will come from My Tent Or Yours even after last week’s traditional Nicky Henderson Champion Hurdle injury scare.
‘My Tent’ managed to puncture one of his feet, but apparently there are no concerns and he’ll wear a protective shoe.
His latest spin around Kempton in a “Bumper for Jumpers” removes the worry of a lack of a recent run and he’ll definitely be a tough nut to crack.
I’ve heard the theory mooted on the preview circuit that he didn’t quite get up the hill in last year’s Supreme Novices’ last year, but I simply don’t buy that. He bumped into an exceptional horse in Champagne Fever that day who was given an inspired Ruby Walsh ride.
The application of a hood to Jezki may see some improvement, but surely not enough to see him play a part in the finish. While the drying ground has to be a big negative for Melodic Rendezvous who looks a sell on Sporting Index’s 50 index if he runs.
There is no doubt that The New One, Our Conor and particularly My Tent Or Yours all have the ability to serve it up to Hurricane Fly. However, getting past the champion is a completely different ball game.
Pointer…
HURRICANE FLY 3.20pm Cheltenham