Champion Hurdle
3.03.2010
At the risk of repeating myself too often, I'm finding it very hard to understand why reigning champion hurdler Punjabi is still being overlooked by so many people for this year's renewal.
Maybe it's because he was a 22/1 shot when cutting down Celestial Halo in the dying strides last year, or maybe it's because, as usual, he has taken his time to reach peak form this year. Regardless, owner Raymond Tooth's gelding doesn't seem to get the credit he deserves and consequently remains at particularly attractive odds for the two-mile hurdling championship.
Whilst attracting very few of the usual racing tips, the bookmakers appear equally divided about his chances with some firms offering 7/1, while others offer as big as 10s. Nicky Henderson made it clear from the very start of the season that the main aim for Punjabi was to be at his very best in March to attempt a repeat performance at Cheltenham. He was in need of the outing, but ran well until tiring at the last, behind Khyber Kim at Cheltenham in December, and then got beaten in a mud bath four-runner race at Haydock by the smart Medermit.
After being frustrated by the weather on a number of occasions, Punjabi went to Kempton last weekend and strolled home in the specially arranged two-mile conditions race, from inferior opposition. He won, as one would expect against such rivals, but significantly that race has left him spot on for March 16th. Remember, Henderson has won the Champion Hurdle four times - including a hat-trick with See You Then in the 1980s - and knows exactly what is required to get the job done.
Given a decent surface, a large field and a strong gallop, Punjabi is one of the best Cheltenham horses around. I believe is more than capable of repeating his victory of 12 months ago.
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