Harchibald can spring a surprise in Champion Hurdle
A literal interpretation of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March gives Noel Meade’s charge no chance.
That was won by Katchit with Punjabi beaten six lengths into third and Sublimity only another length away in fourth.
Trailing in a moderate 10th was Harchibald, so it probably takes at least a minor leap of faith to go with him now.
Nevertheless, there are solid enough reasons for believing him well capable of producing a big effort. Realistically, he was never going to get involved at Cheltenham, on the rain-softened surface.
Prior to the Festival, the nine-year-old had won well on the all-weather at Dundalk, but it is his performance at Newcastle in December which persuades one he is a possibility now. Harchibald showed he was far from a light of other days with a smooth defeat of the classy Al Eile, with Katchit in third spot.
Obviously, Punjabi and Sublimity have to be respected, but as long as there is no significant rain Harchibald will give us a big run!
Fiveforthree, disappointing when only third behind Jered here on Tuesday, turns out again in the Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle.
He will be far better suited to stepping up an extra half mile in trip, but will surely need rain to produce his best.
Preference is for Trafford Lad, beaten into third behind Fiveforthree in the Ballymore Properties at Cheltenham. He won his bumper at Cork on quick ground.
Eoin Griffin’s once-raced Bantry Commons looks the one to beat in the Yes To Carrots Bumper.
Well touted, prior to making his debut at Leopardstown in February, he finished second behind Jaffonien. The form got a timely boost when third placed Themoonandsixpence won easily at Cork on Sunday.
