15:30 Leopardstown

Saturday 3 February 2018

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

BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 4m 0.09s

Faugheen³⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 172| BF| CD

9/10

Suffered just his second defeat over hurdles with an inexplicable run here at Christmas. Remains to be seen if that was a one off as he seeks a second success in this. Has pleased in his recent work and current price reflects some of the risks.

Form: 1211/1P

Identity Thief²⁸¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Sean Flanagan| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 153| C| D

40/1

Useful chaser who has finished last on his last two excursions into Grade 1 company over hurdles. Off the track since April and makes little appeal.

Form: 1PU460-

Jezki^b1³⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Mark Walsh| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 153| CD

25/1

Successful seven times at the highest level. Scored back over this trip in October despite trainer's fears it may be inadequate nowadays. Has 16L to find with Faugheen on recent form if that rival arrives in similar shape.

Form: 285-125

Melon^h1⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 159| BF| CD

7/2

Much-vaunted novice last season after debut success and found only Labaik too strong in the Supreme Novices. A slow gallop did not help in the "International" last time and he is reported to be in excellent shape for this.

Form: 122-13

Mick Jazz^h³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 155| CD

8/1

Improved as a second season novice last year to land some nice prizes, but looks held by Melon on Down Royal form. Took advantage of Faugheen's "no-show" in the Ryanair Hurdle and rolls the dice again in search of similar fortune.

Form: 231-351

Supasundae³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 159| CD

8/1

Successful off a mark of 148 in the Coral Cup over 2m5f at Cheltenham. Has superseded that since in clashes with Yanworth and Apple's Jade, but this trip is likely to be on the short side.

Form: 2412-32

Bapaume³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Katie Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153| CD

9/1

Useful juvenile hurdler winning at the highest level at Punchestown and finishing third to Defi Du Seuil in the Triumph. 3m may have been too far last time, but no forlorn hope with conditions favourable and a cloud hanging over Faugheen.

Form: 1231-23

Defi Du Seuil⁷⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 157| BF| D

9/1

Another with demons to vanquish after losing his unbeaten record at Ascot. Scoped wrong afterwards and stable are not in the best of form at present. Claims on his Triumph Hurdle victory, but even his best efforts leave him in need of improvement.

Form: 11111-4

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)

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.