Touch of brilliance means Annie Power better than anything else

Will Annie Power prove an able replacement for Faugheen? Yes, says Tommy Lyons.

No sooner had the announcement come of Faugheen’s absence than Annie Power was drafted in to replace her stable companion and reigning champ as favourite for the Champion Hurdle.

However, as the dust settled over the passing days her strength at the top of the market wavered – until yesterday’s bombshell that another stable companion, last year’s runner-up, Arctic Fire, will also miss the race.