UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY - PREVIEW & TIPS
4:00 CHELTENHAM
UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE CHALLENGE TROPHY (GRADE 1) (GBB RACE)
The feature race of the opening day crowns the season’s champion two-mile hurdler.
CHAMPION HURDLE - PREVIEW
First run in 1927, the Champion Hurdle remains the most prestigious contest in the hurdling division and one of the defining races of the Cheltenham Festival. Its roll of honour features the very best two-mile hurdlers of every era, from Persian War, Night Nurse and See You Then to modern champions such as Istabraq, Hurricane Fly, Buveur D’Air, Honeysuckle and the brilliant Constitution Hill. The race is often the ultimate examination of speed, rhythm and accuracy at championship pace and only the most fluent and tactically adaptable hurdlers tend to prevail.
This year’s renewal has developed an unusual narrative, with several of the division’s established stars absent and the market reshaping throughout the winter. The late decision to run Lossiemouth adds further intrigue, while Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion both arrive with the profile of horses capable of taking command of the division. There should be no shortage of pace with Tutti Quanti likely to push forward and others comfortable racing prominently, ensuring the race is run at the tempo expected of a Champion Hurdle.
CHAMPION HURDLE - RUNNER BY RUNNER GUIDE
ALEXEI - 20/1
He has progressed markedly this season, highlighted by an impressive victory in the Greatwood Handicap over this course and distance. His Kingwell success confirmed him as a high-class hurdler in his own right, though that race did not demand the level of improvement required here. He travels strongly and handles Cheltenham well, but stepping from handicap company into a championship Grade 1 demands another sizeable step forward.
ANZADAM - 22/1
He looked an exciting prospect when completing a Grade 3 double early in his career but has struggled to reproduce that promise at the highest level this season. His runs in Grade 1 company have been respectable without threatening the principals and he can race keenly which is not ideal in a race likely to be run at a strong pace. There is ability there, but he needs a career-best effort to feature.
PONIROS - 12/1
Last season’s remarkable 100/1 Triumph Hurdle winner proved that success was no fluke when finishing second in a Grade 1 at Punchestown. His third in the Irish Champion Hurdle on seasonal return suggested he would improve considerably for the outing, particularly after becoming detached early before finishing well. With only three hurdle runs to his name he remains one of the most unexposed horses in the race and a strong pace could bring his stamina and finishing effort into play.
THE NEW LION - 5/2
A highly progressive hurdler whose only defeat came when falling in the Fighting Fifth while still travelling strongly two out. His novice season culminated in a commanding Festival success over further and his recent Cheltenham Grade 2 win confirmed he possesses the speed required for this trip. He travels smoothly through his races and finds plenty once asked and with his ceiling not yet fully exposed he arrives as the most intriguing contender in an open year.
TUTTI QUANTI - 22/1
A slick-jumping and improving hurdler who has thrived in competitive handicaps at Newbury this season, most recently defying top weight in emphatic style. Those performances suggest he is still progressing, but this represents a very different level of competition and he will need another significant leap forward. He is likely to adopt positive tactics and may help ensure a strong early tempo.
WORKAHEAD - 66/1
Lightly raced for an eight-year-old and has shown flashes of ability, including a promising Leopardstown maiden success earlier in his career. However, his form since returning has been some way short of championship level and he struggled badly in last year’s Supreme. Even allowing for improvement from recent runs, he appears outclassed in this company.
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD - 9/2
A powerful mare who produced one of the most authoritative performances of the season when winning the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. She possesses relentless galloping strength and handles testing conditions particularly well, though her Cheltenham record remains a slight concern. If reproducing her Leopardstown form she has the class to play a major role, but she will need to prove she can deliver the same level here.
GOLDEN ACE - 8/1
Last year’s Champion Hurdle winner arrives attempting to defend her crown after a campaign that has again shown her consistency at the top level. Her Fighting Fifth success and solid effort behind Sir Gino in the Christmas Hurdle confirm she remains competitive in this division. However, both recent victories were helped by the misfortune of others and in a cleaner race she may find a couple with greater raw ability.
LOSSIEMOUTH - 2/1
One of the most accomplished hurdlers in training, with multiple Festival victories already to her name and an exceptional overall record. Her defeat in the Irish Champion Hurdle was slightly underwhelming by her high standards, though she still ran well and now returns to a track where she is unbeaten. First-time cheekpieces may sharpen her focus over this trip and if she returns to her best form she sets a formidable standard.
CHAMPION HURDLE - FINAL THOUGHTS
This Champion Hurdle should be run at a proper championship gallop, with Tutti Quanti likely to go forward and others close behind ensuring the pace remains strong. In a field where several contenders prefer to travel prominently, positioning and clean jumping will be crucial from an early stage, particularly on the Old Course where the race can develop quickly turning for home.
The New Lion makes the most appeal in what looks a wide-open renewal. His record remains outstanding aside from the Fighting Fifth fall and his latest Cheltenham success suggested that two miles is well within his range when the race is properly run. He travels strongly, jumps efficiently and still looks capable of further improvement, making him an attractive candidate to emerge as the new champion in a year where the established hierarchy has shifted.
Lossiemouth is an obvious threat given her exceptional Cheltenham record and proven Grade 1 class, while Brighterdaysahead brings the strongest recent piece of form after her Irish Champion Hurdle victory. Poniros, with his low mileage and Festival record, is another who could outrun his odds if the race unfolds to suit his finishing style.