Ryanair Hurdle 2013

2.00 Leopardstown

Ryanair Hurdle (grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €59,999

Advice: 1 pt win Jezki (11/4 general)

Captain Cee Bee: Honourable and high class hurdler/chaser, winner of Supreme Novice Hurdle in 2008 and then switched codes with distinction afterwards; Has been on the go for a long time and age seems to have caught up with him judged on latest efforts.

Hurricane Fly: The outstanding 2 miler for the last 3 seasons; his only blip in 2011 Champion Hurdle but won two renewals in fine style outside of that and proven near unbeatable in Ireland, racking up 15 Grade 1 wins on Irish soil; As good as ever when landing second Champion Hurdle success and following up at Punchestown although he was less than impressive on return for second season running latest; The one to beat in no uncertain terms but faces two top young quality rivals aiming at his crown and biggest non festival task for years on his plate.

Jezki: Beaten just once in 8 hurdling starts, and that behind Christmas Hurdle winner My Tent or Yours and Champagne Fever on first run of the calendar year; Emphatic winner at Punchestown festival afterwards and came forward from return at Down Royal before stretching himself to land Hatton’s Grace Hurdle last time out, where he may have underwhelmed some but was never in danger; Back at 2m, can make a serious bid for tiltle credentials.

Thousand Stars: Often been behind Hurricane Fly and no different on last Irish run, when second at Punchestown following yet another strong effort in Aintree Hurdle; Not at best in France twice afterwards and this first run, so not expected to get any closer today.

Our Conor: Fast improving over flat but even that couldn’t have pointed towards brilliant hurdle campaign when he won four from four with ease, although nothing could have compared to his obliteration of Triumph Hurdle field at Cheltenham where he won by 15 lengths on the bridle; Not sure that race as strong as either of his other two competitions but huge talent nonetheless; One run since a pleasing enough comeback on flat over 1m4f 70 days ago so should be primed for this.

VERDICT: The second of two showstopping Champion Hurdle trials and arguably the race of the season on it’s own. Hurricane Fly has been the undisputed champion in this sphere for the last 2 seasons but faces his toughest task on home solid for a long time and will need to be on top form to beat young guns Our Conor and JEZKI, with preference for the latter to make it 8 wins from 9 starts over hurdles.