Champion Hurdle: Buveur D'air - Banker or Blowout?

Banker

Andrew Riley says:

Better than ever this season, he’s now on an eight-race winning streak and I can’t see anything putting an end to that anytime soon, especially this side of the Irish sea. The form of his Champion Hurdle last win is essentially an ante-post list for this season’s Arkle. Those that are left are either well into the veteran stage or won’t be pitching up this season.

Respect has to be given to Faugheen but with just two runs to his name in the last two years, you have to be backing the 2016 version of the horse to give him any chance in March. Nothing else on the list has achieved anything near what Nicky Henderson’s favourite has and he looks to be growing in confidence with every racecourse precession. He travels like a class horse, he jumps faster and slicker than his rivals and will love the good/soft ground usually encountered on the opening day of the Festival. Not only will he win this year’s Champion Hurdle, at just seven-years-old I believe he can add at least another to his name before his career is up (if he can stay sound).

Blowout

George Elek says:

Last year’s Champion Hurdle winner is the rightful favourite for this year’s renewal, but quotes of 4/6 and shorter look on the skinny side to me. One expects that Faugheen will line up, who can be forgiven for his last run in December when all was clearly not right. A line through that run and the 5/1 around looks juicy. Racecourse form figures of 122222 for My Tent Or Yours shows that his stablemate will not get an easy time of it come March. There is also the prospect of Melon, Yorkhill or Min possibly showing up. Second guessing the plan of Mr Mullins is a mug’s game, but all three have proven quality over hurdles and would be a major player here. There are better 4/6 chances to be had. 

Have your say and vote on our Twitter poll below:

Is Buveur D'Air in the Champion Hurdle a #CheltenhamFestival Banker or Blowout?

— Oddschecker Racing (@OddsRacing) January 18, 2018