A cracking Champion Hurdle dominates the opening day of this year's Cheltenham Festival. Binocular's (winner last year) contentious absence has stoked up the hype but with or without him, I reckon Hurricane Fly is the most talented horse in the line up. A multiple Grade 1 winner over varying distances at three different tracks (Punchestown, Fairyhouse, Leopardstown), he is equipped with all the necessary attributes to triumph today. The big question mark is his lack of track experience, but this is very much reflected in the odds available. Paradoxically, as all the main contenders have successfully ascended the hill in gruelling fashion, Ruby's charge may relish it more without the "pain" memory track kicking in.
However, this being Cheltenham, I am also going to have a saver on Dunguib whose game (particularly his jumping) could be raised to higher than heretofore seen levels by running in a high calibre contest.
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh's day could be further enhanced by Quevega and doubling her with the Hurricane is the day's best bet. Otherwise, it is the usual highly competitive fare. I don't have strong opinions in either the Supreme or the Arkle but think Dunraven Storm could go well at a price (each way) in the former while Medermit should oblige in the latter.
good luck and enjoy....
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