Hargam can spring surprise in Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham

On official figures, only 10lbs separate the 12 runners in this afternoon’s Stan James Champion Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, and if you omit 100-1 outsider Sign Of A Victory, that can be reduced to just 6lbs.

If that is an accurate reflection of their current abilities, we’re in for a tremendously exciting race, from which no result would be entirely surprising.

That in mind, it may be worth taking a chance on another outsider, the Nicky Henderson-trained Hargam.