3.05 2m. 87yds. 10 Declared. Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £337,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €189,911.00 2nd - €71,550.00 3rd - €35,809.00 4th - €17,888.00 5th - €8,978.00 6th - €4,489.00 7th - €2,228.00 8th - €1,148.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - ABACADABRAS may be worth a shot at an each-way price on better ground. The French-bred ran a cracker here last season when just losing out to Shishkin in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. He is a Grade 1 winner this season, in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown, but perhaps hasn't quite run up to that form on his last two outings at Leopardstown. A strong run race on a sounder surface now will suit him better and he has the gears to be a big player in this if things drop his way. Obviously he has a fair bit to find with Honeysuckle having chased home the unbeaten mare last time. She is a worthy favourite for this but a there is still a nagging doubt that two miles on better ground could be a bit sharp for her. Last year's winner Epatante was turned over at a short price when last seen at Kempton over Christmas but was reportedly suffering from back issues. If she turns up in the same form as last year she's obviously the one to beat again. Goshen is the other main English challenger. He returned to winning ways with an effortless success at Wincanton last month. Gary Moore's charge looked set for an impressive victory in the Triumph here last year until his last flight exit but is unproven yet at open level.%0A