Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby declared favourite for Aintree Hurdle
The winner of Stan James Champion Hurdle, Rock On Ruby, has been declared 9-4 favourite for next month’s John Smith's Aintree Hurdle. Paddy Power was the first one to show respect and give Paul Nicholls’ trainee the highest starting price for the upcoming
Grade 1 event.
The seven-year-old stepped into limelight following his brilliant win in the Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham Festival earlier this month. It was Rock On Ruby’s maiden Grade 1 victory, and the bookmakers have plenty of reasons to
rate him highly for the upcoming events.
On Aintree Hurdle prices, Paddy Power said:
"One of Rock On Ruby's syndicate members has suggested that he thinks Rock On Ruby will win the next two Champion Hurdles. More immediately this race will give anyone out there who thinks this year's victory might have been a fluke the chance to take him
on."
Rock On Ruby rolled over down some big names in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Among his opposition were: Hurricane Fly, Binocular, Zarkandar and Oscars Well. Despite presence of the aforementioned high status runners, Nicholls’ trainee did not show
any nervousness.
Ridden by Noel Fehily, the gelding was at his best right from the beginning. Just before the last few fences, the dashing runner managed to gain a decent advantage. He was challenged at the moments, but Nicholls’ trainee had enough to keep his dominance.
Beating Overturn by 3¾ lengths, he secured top slot quite comfortably and won a cash prize worth £210,715.00. Although his participation in the Aintree Hurdle is still not hundred percent confirmed, Nicholls has already stated that Rock On Ruby could go
to Aintree.
If he takes part in next month’s big challenge, he will be accompanied by his stable mate, Zarkandar, who finished fifth in the Champion Hurdle. Zarkandar is last year’s Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle winner.
He stepped into the Champion Hurdle after a classy success in the Grade 3 Betfair Hurdle (Handicap) last month. Yet he failed to perpetuate his good work, missing fourth slot by a head distance. With Rock On Ruby and Zarkandar’s inclusion in the Aintree
Hurdle, the experts are anticipating an exciting clash.
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