Buveur D'Air enhances Champ' Hurdle claims Buveur D'Air made a seamless transition back to the smaller obstacles with an effortless victory in the Betfred-sponsored Contenders Hurdle at Sandown. Despite having won his first two races over fences, trainer Nicky Henderson only decided a few days ago to make the switch to see if he is a feasible contender for the Stan James Champion Hurdle. It proved the right call as the 1-4 favourite cruised past the pacesetting Rayvin Black with consummate ease to book his place in next month's Cheltenham Festival showpiece with a facile length-and-a-half success. Irving was third, with Hurry Henry a tailed-off last of the four runners. Jockey Barry Geraghty told ITV Racing: "He did it well. He was very slick over his hurdles. He was a bit sticky at the first, but after that he did it well. "The ground is tough, but he obviously did it easily." When asked if Buveur D'Air was a realistic Champion Hurdle contender, Geraghty said: "You'd like to think so." Henderson said: "I think that has earned him his (Cheltenham) ticket. "He's done nothing wrong over fences, but he is very good at this and very talented. "I thought it was worth a shot and he had to do what he did." The Seven Barrows handler continued: "We didn't learn a lot, I just think at this stage of his life he might just be a sharper hurdler than chaser. "Barry said he can make a length or two over hurdles with him but not so over fences. He is very quick, slick and pacey. "You can't say there is room for improvement but we are on the right track. "I think that (Champion Hurdle) is the road we will take." Contenders Hurdle was like a band rehearsal where the singer, drummer & guitarist did not turn up says @StevoGG >>> https://t.co/U3i91ocL6H pic.twitter.com/kWn7BQZqJa— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) February 5, 2017
