It was announced on Tuesday that the awesome Constitution Hill will be staying over hurdles this season. Whilst that news has opened up ante-post Cheltenham betting for the novice chases, is the Champion Hurdle now a foregone conclusion? The only man with the potential firepower to threaten the favourite is Willie Mullins. One horse in particular looks like his best chance of being crowned champion in March. You can check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Impaire Et Passe looks like the only horse that could serve it up to Constitution Hill in the big race in March. He looked like he was in a totally different league when breezing past some good horses in the Ballymore last March. There was plenty of hype about this horse beforehand. The Irish believed he was untouchable on the day and they were proved to be correct.
No one wanted to take him on at Punchestown next time, dispatching his four rivals with ease, and he remains unbeaten in five career starts. He’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Istabraq, Hardy Eustace and Faugheen, who all won the Ballymore before going on to win the Champion Hurdle in the following season.
Willie Mullins is the greatest trainer of his generation and arguably of all time. If anyone can train a horse to the level required to beat Constitution Hill, it’ll undoubtedly be him. State Man was put in his place last year and it’ll be hard for the likes of Lossiemouth to make a challenge. Impaire Et Passe is therefore your best option if you’re looking to take on the reigning champion in March.
Impaire Et Passe @ 6-1 (Champion Hurdle)
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