Ruby Walsh rates Hurricane Fly favourite for Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham
Star rider Ruby Walsh has rated Willie Mullins’ trainee, Hurricane Fly, favourite for the Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, set to be held at Cheltenham on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.
After months of anxious wait, the much-anticipated festival starts at Cheltenham today. The extravaganza will be kicked off with the Grade 1 William Hill Supreme Novices´ Hurdle at 13:30 (GMT).
Tuesday’s card also includes high profile Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, scheduled to commence at 15:20 (GMT). The high voltage event has attracted 10 dangerous runners.
Their names are: Hurricane Fly, Binocular, Zarkandar, Rock On Ruby, Oscars Well, Overturn, Zaidpour, Brampour, Celestial Halo and Kalann.
Hurricane Fly is currently holding the highest odds for the high status meeting. The eight-year-old deserves a lot of respect, as he has been performing superbly over the last one year.
One can make an idea of his brilliant form by the fact that the champion sprinter has been unbeaten since his Rabobank Champion Hurdle victory back in April 2010.
In today’s mega event, Hurricane Fly will be ridden by Walsh, who is pretty confident of a positive result. He acknowledged Binocular as a tough rival, but claimed that Mullins’ trainee is in good shape to fancy his chances.
Walsh said:
"I thought Binocular was good at Wincanton, but to me it all points to Hurricane Fly. He is the form horse, he is the champion and by the laws of probability you'd have to think that he should win."
The stage is set for some crucial battles on the opening day, as the officials at Cheltenham have completed their arrangements.
With some selective watering on the course, the going is likely to stay good for the start of the extravaganza. Simon Claisse, clerk of the course, is hopeful that the state of both new and old courses will remain good during the entire festival.
“We watered probably a total of six furlongs of the Old Course in places where it is always quicker and it was finished by lunchtime. It was a helpful morning's weather, staying cloudy to keep moisture in, but it was sunny by 3pm,” he added.
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