15:30 Cheltenham
Tuesday 12 March 2019
All13:3014:1014:5015:3016:1016:5017:30
Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)
- 4YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 87y | Soft | 10 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 3m 59.07s
T: G P CromwellJ: Mark Walsh
Held up in mid-division, closed 4 out, 3rd before 3 out, led 2 out, allowed to drift right when drawing clear before last, stayed on strongly, impressive
T: W P MullinsJ: Paul Townend
Led until 2 out, no impression on winner before not fluent last, edged right flat, being closed on by 3rd close home op 16/1
T: Evan WilliamsJ: Adam Wedge
Held up in rear, jumped right at times, closed after mistake 4 out, went 3rd last, no chance with winner, kept on under pressure and closing on 2nd close home op 66/1
T: W P MullinsJ: Ruby Walsh
Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, hit next, ridden after 2 out, dropped to 4th last, stayed on same pace tchd 4/1
T: N J HendersonJ: D N Russell
Held up towards rear, went 5th 3 out, shaken up after 2 out, never on terms and well held before last
T: G ElliottJ: Jack Kennedy
With leader, hit 2nd, lost 2nd 4 out, well beaten before 3 out op 85/40 tchd 9/4
T: B PaulingJ: David Bass
Mid-division on inside, ridden and weakened before 3 out, tailed off
Also Ran
T: N J HendersonJ: N de Boinville
Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, slightly hampered 4 out, soon ridden and beaten, weakened before next, pulled up before 2 out
T: N J HendersonJ: B J Geraghty
Held up in touch in 4th, fell 3rd tchd 3/1
T: W P MullinsJ: Mr P W Mullins
Held up in mid-division, brought down 3rd
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Betting Breakdown
Tote Win:£22.30Pl:£3.30, £2.80, £7.30EX:£277.60Trifecta:£17,569.50Tricast:£22,067.60SF:£251.60Swingers:£48.80, £103.70, £156.70
Forecasts
Apple's Jade (7/4), Laurina (5/2), Buveur D'Air (11/4), Espoir D'allen (16/1), Melon (20/1), Sharjah (20/1), Verdana Blue (33/1), Brain Power (33/1), Global Citizen (50/1), Silver Streak (80/1)
BUVEUR D’AIR bids to become only the sixth triple winner of the blue-riband of hurdling (Istabraq (1998-2000) the most recent) and he arguably faces his most difficult opponent yet giving 7lb to the blossoming Apple’s Jade. However, in some respects he faced a similar challenge in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November (against the very well-regarded Samcro) and he passed that test with absolutely flying colours. So often the underestimated Champion, he can finally take his deserving place in Champion Hurdle folklore. In terms of looking for the future generation, the talented 5yo Espoir D’Allen fits the bill and therefore rates as a reasonably fair each-way option.
- Buveur D'Air
- Apple's Jade
- Espoir D'Allen
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £253,215.002nd: £95,400.003rd: £47,745.004th: £23,850.005th: £11,970.006th: £5,985.007th: £2,970.008th: £1,530.00
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