Timeless Sash Windows Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 2m | 6 Runners | Turf

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: W P Mullins| OR: 157| D

Extended unbeaten record to 4 in Grade 3 at Naas a year ago but has gone from an exciting, unknown quantity to looking a hard ride in the space of 2 runs since, pulling her way to the front when 6¾ lengths fourth of 8 to Lossiemouth in December Hurdle at this C&D (good to soft) 34 days ago.

Form: 11/112-4

Casheldale Lad^h³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Jordan Gainford| T: G Elliott| OR: 152| D

33/1

Smart hurdler. 3 wins from 6 runs this season. Ran as well as could be expected when third behind Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead in December Hurdle and another minor role looks on the cards.

Form: 1-311F3

El Fabiolo³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: J J Slevin| T: W P Mullins| OR: 156| C| D

10/1

High-class chaser at best but let down by jumping in recent starts. Seemed to relish the return to the smaller obstacles when winning minor event at Punchestown and could well have more to offer in this sphere.

Form: 2/F2FF-1

Poniros²²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 149

22/1

Useful on Flat. Caused the biggest shock in the history of the Triumph Hurdle when running out a 100/1 winner on debut in this sphere and proved that was no fluke when second in Grade 1 at Punchestown next time. Disappointed at Royal Ascot next time and off since.

Form: 12-

Brighterdaysahead³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 159| CD

7/4

Three-time Grade 1 winner who looked back to her best when chasing home Lossiemouth in December Hurdle at this C&D (good to soft, 5/2) 34 days ago. Rates the main threat to the favourite once again.

Form: 11143-2

Lossiemouth³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 159| CD

11/10

Prolific hurdler, winning 13 of 15 completed starts, including 9 at the highest level, adding a December Hurdle to her illustrious roll of honour over Christmas. Very much the one to beat.

Form: 2F11-11

Forecasts

Lossiemouth (6/5), Brighterdaysahead (6/4), Anzadam (7/1), El Fabiolo (10/1), Poniros (25/1), Casheldale Lad (33/1)

LOSSIEMOUTH and Brighterdaysahead were first and second in the December Hurdle over C&D 5 weeks ago and can dominate again, the former fancied to confirm the placings and record her 10th Grade 1 success. El Fabiolo seemed to relish the return to hurdles at Punchestown and is best of the others.