Emma Nagle looks at the Champion Hurdle: 'Anzadam could sneak into a place at 16/1'

With less than a month to go until the Cheltenham Festival, this year’s Unibet Champion Hurdle is already generating plenty of talk among the racing community.

Described by Emma Nagle as “one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking races of the week,” the two-mile showpiece features joint-favourites at the head of the market, a former champion attempting to prove he’s still got what it takes, and several contenders with question marks.

Joint favourites under the microscope

The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead currently share favouritism at 5/2.

On Dan Skelton’s The New Lion, there are reservations despite his high-class profile. Emma said:

“For me, he is very short for a Champion Hurdle,” with the view that his International Hurdle success was “a fair bit off a Champion Hurdle performance.” While his trainer has been “unwavering in his support,” the sense remains that he “still has a bit to prove to show he’s a real Champion Hurdler.”

Brighterdaysahead, who receives a valuable 7lb allowance, is respected for her ability but must overcome previous Festival disappointments. Emma added: “I think she has all the ability to do it, but the Cheltenham factor is still in the back of my mind.”

"Gordon has addressed that maybe Cheltenham isn’t her favourite place and said he’ll try to do things a bit differently this year, possibly stabling her away from the track.

A different preparation this season could help, yet there is caution: “I’m happy enough to watch Brighterdaysahead in this one.” Lossiemouth sits prominently in the betting at 4/1, though her participation is far from certain. “I don’t think she’s going to line up here,” with the Mares’ Hurdle considered more likely despite the fact she is “brilliant at Cheltenham.”

Former champion and forgotten contenders add depth

Constitution Hill also around 4/1, could head the market if lining up. Emma continued: “If he shows up, he’ll go off favourite,” but doubts linger over his recent performances and jumping. Even so, the belief in his raw talent remains strong: “If he jumps a clear round, he could be very hard to beat and is probably still the best horse in the race.”

Last year’s winner Golden Ace is next in the betting and continues to command respect. “She’s a rock-solid mare, she loves Cheltenham and at 6/1, it’s not the worst price you’ll see during the week.”

Among the bigger-priced runners, Anzadam is viewed as potentially underestimated. "He might be one who has been forgotten a bit quickly,” added Emma and "if things fall right, he could sneak into a place at 16/1. A return to form, and possibly the booking of Paul Townend, would likely see that price contract". Ballyburn is also in the market, though mentioned only briefly at this stage, underlining just how deep and competitive this year’s renewal looks.

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