18th Feb 2013 | Cheltenham Festival
Zarkandar 11/2 for Champion Hurdle
Zarkandar won his third race of the season with a comfortable victory in the Kingwell Hurdle but Hurricane Fly is still the one to beat according to the betting.
Zarkandar kept his 100% record this season intact with a 4.5 length victory in the Kingwell Hurdle. It was the perfect preparation for Cheltenham but the bookmakers were unmoved and he remains a best price 11/2 (William Hill) to win the Champion Hurdle.
Bookmaker apathy is because nothing has looked in Hurricane Fly’s league this season. The 2011 champion remains a solid 7/4 (Sporting Bet) chance in the Champion Hurdle betting.
Willie Mullins’ 9-year-old has broken the 170 barrier twice this season according to the Racing Post Ratings, a mark that hasn’t been bettered at 2-miles.
Best RPRs at 2-miles this season
172 Hurricane Fly (Irish Champion Hurdle)
170 Hurricane Fly (Istabraq Festival Hurdle)
165 Rock on Ruby
163 Zarkandar
163 My Tent Or Yours (needs supplementing)
162 Grandouet
162 Binocular
The gap between Hurricane Fly and the rest is illustrated by the fact that many bookmakers make My Tent Or Yours second favourite for the Champion Hurdle even though he isn’t a definite runner.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:40 18th Feb, 2013 but subject to change
