Epatante tops Champion Hurdle entries
Nicky Henderson’s mare is among 36 possibles for Cheltenham showpiece
Ante-post favourite Epatante heads a total of 36 entries for the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The Nicky Henderson-trained mare moved to the head of the market for the March 10 contest after running out a five-length winner in last month’s Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Epatante had previously won a Listed event at Newbury on her first start since disappointing when favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at last season’s Festival. Henderson holds a strong hand in the two-mile showpiece, despite the absence of injured dual winner Buveur D’Air. The Seven Barrows trainer has also entered last year’s Triumph hero Pentland Hills, previous Grade One victor Verdana Blue, Fusil Raffles and Call Me Lord. Willie Mullins is another with multiple options, headed by Morgiana winner Saldier and recent Matheson Hurdle scorer Sharjah.Klassical Dream, winner of last year’s Supreme but disappointing so far this year, also features in a four-strong Closutton entry along with Aramon. Henry de Bromhead’s Honeysuckle is unbeaten in six starts to date and she could be joined by stablemate Petit Mouchoir, while Gordon Elliott has included the rejuvenated Apple’s Jade in his seven contenders. Elliott has also entered top novices Envoi Allen and Abacadabras, while the highly-touted Samcro – winner of the Ballymore in 2018 – is another possible although he has been novice chasing so far this term. Last year’s third Silver Streak, three-times Grade One winner Supasundae and Betfair Exchange Trophy winner Not So Sleepy also feature.
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.