Champion Hurdle Tip: Hargam

The Champion Hurdle has been blown wide open by the absence of Faugheen but is the re-routed Annie Power an adequate replacement?

The answer is patently no and I’m not convinced she’s a worthy favourite either. She’s had one race this season, a hack around Punchestown and is that adequate preparation for the stiffest test of her career?

Her best form is over slightly further than 16.5f and she’s never recorded a speed rating in the 140s, let alone the 158 that Faugheen clocked in the Christmas Hurdle.

That race at Kempton was the quickest (and probably best) trial for the Champion Hurdle and the vanquished horses therefore deserve investigation.

Runner-up The New One has solid claims and is a big price considering he’s been sent off half the price in the last two renewals. However, the horse that really catches the eye is Hargam.

Nicky Henderson’s hurdler only finished 0.75 lengths behind The New One and actually covered the final 5.45f quicker. Visually and on the clock there was virtually nothing between them.

Aged 5 he should still be improving and he has the added bonus of a Cheltenham win under his belt. He has the joint best sectional adjusted speed rating in the field and should not be 25/1 with William Hill refunding losing bets if your horses finishes second.