15:30 Cheltenham

Tuesday 12 March 2019

All13:3014:1014:5015:3016:1016:5017:30

Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

  • 4YO plus  |   Class 1  |   2m 87y  |   Soft  |   10 Runners  |   Turf  |   Weighed In
  • Off time: 15:30  |   Winning time: 3m 59.07s
1st
Horse silk
3
16/1
T: G P CromwellJ: M P Walsh
Held up in mid-division, closed 4 out, 3rd before 3 out, led 2 out, allowed to drift right when drawing clear before last, stayed on strongly, impressive
2nd
Horse silk
15
5
711-10
20/1
T: W P MullinsJ: P Townend
Led until 2 out, no impression on winner before not fluent last, edged right flat, being closed on by 3rd close home op 16/1
3rd
Horse silk
nk
7
80/1
T: Evan WilliamsJ: Adam Wedge
Held up in rear, jumped right at times, closed after mistake 4 out, went 3rd last, no chance with winner, kept on under pressure and closing on 2nd close home op 66/1
4th
Horse silk
1 ½
9
611-3
5/2
T: W P MullinsJ: Ruby Walsh
Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, hit next, ridden after 2 out, dropped to 4th last, stayed on same pace tchd 4/1
5th
Horse silk
7
10
33/1
T: N J HendersonJ: D N Russell
Held up towards rear, went 5th 3 out, shaken up after 2 out, never on terms and well held before last
6th
Horse silk
6
8
7/4f
T: G ElliottJ: J W Kennedy
With leader, hit 2nd, lost 2nd 4 out, well beaten before 3 out op 85/40 tchd 9/4
7th
Horse silk
45
4
50/1
T: B PaulingJ: David Bass
Mid-division on inside, ridden and weakened before 3 out, tailed off

Also Ran

PU
Horse silk
1
33/1
T: N J HendersonJ: N de Boinville
Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, slightly hampered 4 out, soon ridden and beaten, weakened before next, pulled up before 2 out
F
Horse silk
2
11/4
T: N J HendersonJ: B J Geraghty
Held up in touch in 4th, fell 3rd tchd 3/1
BD
Horse silk
6
611-10
20/1
T: W P MullinsJ: Mr P W Mullins
Held up in mid-division, brought down 3rd

Watch Race Replay

Unlimited race replays of all UK & Irish racing

Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee

Log in with your existing Sporting Life, Sky Bet, or Sky Games account. If you don't have any of those, it's completely FREE to register!

Betting Breakdown

Tote Win:£22.30Pl:£3.30, £2.80, £7.30EX:£277.60Trifecta:£17,569.50Tricast:£22,067.60SF:£251.60Swingers:£48.80, £103.70, £156.70

Forecasts

Apple's Jade (7/4), Laurina (5/2), Buveur D'Air (11/4), Espoir D'allen (16/1), Melon (20/1), Sharjah (20/1), Verdana Blue (33/1), Brain Power (33/1), Global Citizen (50/1), Silver Streak (80/1)

Verdict

BUVEUR D’AIR bids to become only the sixth triple winner of the blue-riband of hurdling (Istabraq (1998-2000) the most recent) and he arguably faces his most difficult opponent yet giving 7lb to the blossoming Apple’s Jade. However, in some respects he faced a similar challenge in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November (against the very well-regarded Samcro) and he passed that test with absolutely flying colours. So often the underestimated Champion, he can finally take his deserving place in Champion Hurdle folklore. In terms of looking for the future generation, the talented 5yo Espoir D’Allen fits the bill and therefore rates as a reasonably fair each-way option.
  1. Buveur D'Air
  2. Apple's Jade
  3. Espoir D'Allen

Previous Winners

2018
Buveur D'Air
Weight: 11-10  |Age: 7
4/6

Prize Money

1st: £253,215.002nd: £95,400.003rd: £47,745.004th: £23,850.005th: £11,970.006th: £5,985.007th: £2,970.008th: £1,530.00

MOST READ RACING

Sporting Life
Race Replays
Unlimited race replays of all UK & Irish racing.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

RACING TIPS

Next Off

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo