15:30 Leopardstown

Saturday 3 February 2018

All13:1013:4514:2014:5515:3016:0516:40

BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

  • 4YO plus  |   Class 1  |   2m  |   Soft  |   8 Runners  |   Turf  |   Weighed In
  • Off time: 15:30  |   Winning time: 4m 0.09s
1st
Horse silk
6
8/1
T: Mrs J HarringtonJ: R M Power
Raced in 2nd, slight mistake 3 out, pushed along from next, challenged straight, led and stayed on well run-in op 14/1
2nd
Horse silk
2 ¼
1
1011-10
9/10f
T: W P MullinsJ: P Townend
Led, pushed along straight, soon strongly pressed, headed and kept on same pace run-in op 4/5
3rd
Horse silk
4 ¾
5
711-10
8/1
T: G ElliottJ: D N Russell
Soon chased leaders, still travelling smoothly from 2 out, pushed along straight, slight mistake last and one pace op 12/1
4th
Horse silk
4 ½
3
1011-10
25/1
T: Mrs J HarringtonJ: M P Walsh
Soon towards rear, pushed along from 2 out, progress to chase leaders but no impression approaching last, kept on same pace
5th
Horse silk
nk
4
611-10
7/2
T: W P MullinsJ: D J Mullins
Raced in 3rd, pushed along from 2 out, dropped to 5th and no extra straight, one pace op 11/4 tchd 5/2
6th
Horse silk
14
2
40/1
T: H De BromheadJ: S W Flanagan
Chased leaders, slow jump 2nd, slight mistake 5th, pushed along from 2 out, no impression straight op 33/1
7th
Horse silk
¾
8
9/1
T: P Hobbs & J WhiteJ: R Johnson
In rear, pushed along from 2 out, no impression straight op 7/1
8th
Horse silk
4 ½
7
511-9
9/1
T: W P MullinsJ: Ms K Walsh
Held up early and a little keen, soon chased leaders, pushed along from 2 out, no extra when bad mistake last op 20/1

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Betting Breakdown

Tote Win:€8.50Pl:€1.90, €1.02, €2.20EX:€22.70Trifecta:€124.20Tricast:€67.67SF:€17.63

Forecasts

Faugheen (9/10), Melon (7/2), Supasundae (8/1), Mick Jazz (8/1), Defi Du Seuil (9/1), Bapaume (9/1), Jezki (25/1), Identity Thief (40/1)

Verdict

There are question marks against Faugheen and Defi Du Seuil coming into this. The former is in a different league at his best and would obviously be a lot shorter if turning up in the same form as at Punchestown in November. However, his subsequent run at Leopardstown has not been explained and, after missing last season, there have to be concerns. Those worries are partially reflected in the market, but he remains an unattractive proposition at the early prices offered. Stablemate MELON is on the upgrade and has scope to improve on his already substantial achievements. He has the measure of Mick Jazz and his second in the Supreme Novices places him in the highest ranks. The pace did not suit him last time, but he has reportedly impressed in his work since and gets the vote.
  1. Melon
  2. Faugheen
  3. Bapaume

Previous Winners

2017
Petit Mouchoir
Weight: 11-10  |Age: 6
9/10

Prize Money

1st: €84,750.002nd: €28,500.003rd: €13,500.004th: €6,000.005th: €3,000.006th: €750.007th: €750.00

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