Paul Nicholls served up a big-race double at Cheltenham on Wednesday with victories in the Coral Cup and Queen Mother Champion Chase. That sets him up perfectly for Thursday’s Grade 1 World Hurdle where he saddles the first two in the betting, Zarkandar and Saphir Du Rheu. Here is our big race guide.
Zarkandar (5-1 888Sport)
Zarkandar won the Triumph Hurdle here in 2011 and was trained for the Champion Hurdle for the following two seasons. He did finish fourth to Hurricane Fly in 2013 but ran as though already needing a greater test of stamina. Since moving up in distance he has won in France and finished a close second to Reve de Sivola at Ascot. Many observers felt that he downed tools on the run-in that day and Noel Fehily will be keen to arrive as late as possible here.
Saphir Du Rheu (5-1 Paddy Power)
Nicholls had intended running Saphir Du Rheu in the RSA Chase but a fall at Kempton persuaded connections to put his chasing career on hold. A victory in the Cleeve Hurdle suggests that they made the right decision and he looks to have a major chance.
Whisper (11-1 Ladbrokes)
It has not been a great week so far for Nicky Henderson but he could receive a tonic if Whisper recaptures his best form here. He was a game winner at the festival last year in the Coral Cup before winning the Aintree Hurdle. The ground should give him every chance of staying this extended trip and he looks good each-way value.
Lieutenant Colonel (9-1 Ladbrokes)
The Gigginstown House Stud colours are carried by the six-year-old Lieutenant Colonel, trained by Sandra Hughes. He has got the better of Jetson at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown and has been backed at big prices in recent days.
Un Temps Pour Tout (12-1 Ladbrokes)
David Pipe’s Un Temps Pour Tout has not quite lived up to his enormous reputation but was not beaten far in the Cleeve Hurdle. He looks like a future chaser in the making and would probably have appreciated a little more cut in the ground.
Monksland (14-1 Ladbrokes)
Noel Meade’s Monksland has shown all of his best form in deep ground and renews rivalry with Dedigout after losing out by a short-head at Gowran Park. It should be close between the pair but both may be tapped for toe in the closing stages.
Nicky Henderson also runs Blue Fashion who would have an outstanding chance on his run behind Champion Hurdle winner Faugheen in November. He has yet to race beyond two and a half miles while At Fishers Cross is tried in blinkers for the first time after some disappointing efforts. Reve De Sivola was fourth in this race in 2013 but will do well to improve on that here.
Verdict
- Saphir Du Rheu 2. Whisper 3. Zarkandar 4. Lieutenant Colonel
