Bhp Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Desperately disappointing that Faugheen misses out on the race but that's sport and it leaves a quartet all eager to inherit his crown. Stablemate Nichols Canyon is the only rival ever to defeat Faugheen but he'll be hard-pressed to reverse C&D form with Petit Mouchoir from last month's Ryanair Hurdle. His trainer is enjoying a fine spell and his move between the final two flights last time was utterly decisive, ensuring connections will be confident of upholding that form. Assuming he's in the same mood, it's very tough to see how either Ivanovich Gorbatov or Footpad will bridge the gap but there remains some hope that last season's Triumph Hurdle hero can get back on track for the spring campaign and a positive run here would be a boost. 1. Petit Mouchoir 2. Nichols Canyon 3. Ivanovich Gorbatov