This year’s Champion Hurdle looks one of the most open renewals of the race for years and there is a whole host of stars that could realistically win the opening day’s feature. 

It was fantastic to see last year’s winner Binocular bounce back to form in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and all his greatest assets were on display in an impeccable display of accurate jumping.  His whole campaign has been geared towards the defense of his crown and his latest performance was made all the more impressive considering he had only been able to finish a laboured third in the race last season.

Binocular’s success also pays a huge compliment to Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner Peddlers Cross who was far too good for the champion at Newbury in November.  Unbeaten in seven starts, Donald McCain’s six-year-old could have further progress in him as he gains more racecourse experience and his blend of stamina and speed should make him particularly difficult to beat at Cheltenham in March.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and International Hurdle winner Menorah is another who would look to have outstanding claims of adding another success at Cheltenham to his impressive CV, while Oscar Whisky and Mille Chief are both more than capable of stepping up into Grade One company.

However, the most intriguing horse heading for the Champion Hurdle is Willie Mullins’ ultra-talented Hurricane Fly who looks set to fly the flag for Ireland.  The French import’s ability has never been in question and explosive victories in six Grade Ones in two years have been made all the more impressive by the fact he has been so hard to keep fit. 

The seven-year-old was forced to miss trips to Cheltenham in 2009 and 2010 but he looks well on course for a raid on the Champion Hurdle in 2011 and horse racing fanatics will be overwhelmed with excitement if he and Binocular finally clash in the race.  Both have very similar running styles and encouragingly for his followers Hurricane Fly looks to be getting better and better with each outing.  The biggest challenge to Willie Mullins’ superstar will be staying fit but if you can back him non-runner, money back at Ladbrokes, it might not be the bet of the Festival, but more the bet of the year.

Champion Hurdle ante post selection:

Hurricane Fly – 5/1