Wednesday 8th February 2017

News broke a few days ago that both Min & Faugheen will miss the Cheltenham Festival. It's certainly been a tough few weeks for leading owner Rich Ricci. With Annie Power also on the injury list, I wouldn't of liked to be the person that made the latest phone call to Mr Ricci.

The Champion Hurdle is now looking a very sub substandard renewal. Buveur Dair is the new favourite after a impressive return to hurdling over the weekend. The EW bet at the moment could be The New One priced at 16-1. I never thought I would be saying that but he's a proven yard stick and in very good form this season. The tactics of riding him front the front are working well.

With so many doubts about other horses shorter in the betting, might not even run etc, The New One must have a solid EW chance in this years race.