Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

A fascinating if slightly sub-standard renewal of the 2m Championship division with the drying ground looking to favour Brain Power from the trio that trainer Nicky Henderson runs in the race. He’s clearly been put away to wait for better ground after his impressive handicap victories and deserves a chance at this level. The other major Henderson hope Buveur D’Air looks a far better horse with cut in the ground and the likely quicker surface here could leave him vulnerable. Yanworth has some high-class hurdling form to his name and will appreciate a strongly run race although there still remains a nagging doubt about his jumping under pressure and the fact that he may not quite have the gears for this. The novice Moon Racer adds an extra dimension to the race and comes here with just two hurdles runs (and wins) to his name and it’s a brave decision by connections to run him although his lack of experience could well be a problem. Irish trainers have taken the last four runnings of this race and PETIT MOUCHOIR gives them a good chance of making it five. His dominant run style could give him an easy time on the front end and his overall form matches anything in this race. The Willie Mullins duo of Wicklow Brave and Footpad look capable of outrunning their odds for the man who has trained the last two winners of the Champion Hurdle.

1. Petit Mouchoir
2. Yanworth
3. Footpad