Welsh Champion Hurdle

2.40 Ffos Las
William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle (Class 2) (4YO plus)
Winner £28,179


Barizan: Enjoyed tremendous juvenile hurdling season ( 6 wins), nearly pulling off one of great front running performances in Triumph Hurdle and romping home at Punchestown festival; Hasn’t come back as good though, getting thrashed by Clerk’s Choice first time out, poor in Elite Hurdle and only one paced at Haydock and then Cheltenham last time.

Oscar Whisky: Made smooth progress as a novice last season, winning his first 2 starts with contemptuous ease and then running fourth in the Supreme Novice Hurdle despite inexperience; Made an impressive return when cantering all over decent middle distance staying hurdlers, Any Given Day, Karabak, and Celestial Halo at their trip on Cheltenham’s New Year’s day meeting and outstanding horse here.

Won In The Dark: Grade 1 winner who performed with credit last season(won twice) and was fourth in Aintree Hurdle; This easiest task he’s faced for quite some time and useful horse on his day, so one in mind for betting here.

Black Jack Blues: Has made all of the running in 4 of his 5 wins (and useful second at Aintree in big handicap hurdle) but not so good when taken on; This is an easier spot however and can run well.

Takari: Made a fine start to life for new yard when runner-up in a valuable handicap at Market Rasen and was making steady headway when falling at the third last in the County Hurdle; This entirely different test.

VERDICT: OSCAR WHISKY sent out a serious marker when beating a good field on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham and can take this on the way to a crack at the Champion Hurdle. Won In The Dark is excellent forecast value.