BETDAQ Punchestown Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 17:32 | Winning time: 3m 54.3s

Buveur D'Air²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: D N Russell| T: N J Henderson| OR: 167| BF| D

2/1

Dual Champion Hurdler who surrendered his crown when falling in this year's renewal. May have found 2m4f and soft ground taxing his stamina when beaten by Supasundae at Aintree and should be happier back at 2m. Not bomproof, but is the one to beat.

Form: 1-121F2

Melon^p²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 159| D

5/1

Runner-up in the last two Champion Hurdles and looked vulnerable when coming to grief three out over 2m4f at Aintree in the race won by Supasundae. Fell in this last year, too, and overall record suggests he is not one to place maximum faith in.

Form: 2F-442F

Petit Mouchoir^p1¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: B J Cooper| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 152| CD

33/1

Never reached the heights expected of him over fences and recent efforts over hurdles have not been too inspiring, either. Hard to make a case for him against the best of these rivals.

Form: 24-6304

Summerville Boy²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 150| D

33/1

Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner, but has not won a race since and was well behind Supasundae and Buveur D'Air at Aintree. Needs to regain his best form to have any chance,

Form: 311-474

Supasundae^t²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 161| CD

9/2

Thorough professional over a variety of trips and showed his tenacity to beat Wicklow Brave in this race last year. Fended off Buveur D'Air at Aintree on latest start, but this shorter distance may be more in that rival's favour.

Form: 1-22271

Wicklow Brave¹¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 154| CD

16/1

Lost nothing in defeat when runner-up to Supasundae in this race last year. Fell early on at Fairyhouse recently, but fine second under a big weight in the Coral Cup on previous start suggests the fire still burns.

Form: F4722F

Apple's Jade^t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 163| BF| CD

2/1

String of impressive successes before running no sort of race in the Champion Hurdle. More like her old self over 3m at Aintree last time, but did not get the job done and leaves the impression she has had enough for the time being.

Form: 111163

Forecasts

Buveur D'Air (2/1), Apple's Jade (2/1), Supasundae (9/2), Melon (5/1), Wicklow Brave (16/1), Petit Mouchoir (33/1), Summerville Boy (33/1)

Supasundae won this last year and looks sure to make another bold bid after scoring over 2m4f at Aintree last time. He saw off BUVEUR D'AIR in that contest, but the dual Champion Hurdler was hampered by the fall of Melon three out and has sound prospects of turning the tables granted better luck in running over this shorter trip. Apple's Jade would be a huge threat at her best, but she has not been able to reproduce her earlier form on her last two runs. Wicklow Brave retains enough ability to make his presence felt.