Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Preview

The maxim 'horses for courses' tends to apply to Cheltenham's unique undulations more so than many other tracks, and BACK IN FRONT is confidently selected to re-affirm his liking for the Gloucestershire venue with victory in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle (3.15) at the Festival. The Edward O'Grady-trained gelding has a 100% record over the Champion Hurdle course and distance having won both his previous starts over hurdles at the track. Firstly there was his facile victory in the 2003 Supreme Novices' Hurdle - one of the easiest victories I have ever witnessed at a Festival - then came success in the Bula Hurdle in December, in which he gave the smart Inglis Drever 4lb and a four-length beating. That performance in the Bula represents arguably the strongest piece of form recorded in the two-mile hurdling sphere this season, and highlighted Back In Front's effectiveness at Cheltenham. In addition, the form of his penultimate effort gives him the beating of two of Tuesday's main rivals, Harchibald and Macs Joy. The race in question was at Punchestown in November. Harchibald came out on top that day, beating Back In Front by 1½l, with Macs Joy a head adrift in third. However, Back In Front was conceding 5lb to Harchibald on that occasion, while Macs Joy was in receipt of 8lb, therefore the selection should reverse and confirm the placings respectively. As well as possessing a high cruising speed and potent turn-of-foot, the eight-year-old has developed a slick hurdling technique, which is so crucial an attribute too look for in a potential Champion Hurdle winner, as, given the frenetic pace at which the race is invariably run, a single mistake can prove costly. Last year's winner Hardy Eustace, who warmed up for a repeat bid with victory at Gowran Park last month, must be considered a major threat. He upset the Rooster Booster bandwagon when out-pointing the gallant grey in last year's renewal, demonstrating a good deal of pace to leave that rival standing after the last flight, eventually scoring by 5l. A reproduction of that will ensure he is firmly on the premises again, but this year's race is shaping up to be far more competitive. Macs Joy is firmly on the upgrade. He prevailed in a heart-stopping finish to the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January, recording the narrowest of verdicts over Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace respectively in a three-way photo. Although they all meet on the same terms on Tuesday, the going was heavy at Leopardstown that day, which would not have been ideal for the second or third, so Jessica Harrington's charge may be hard pushed to confirm the form. Harchibald was reported to have worked terribly on the gallops the other day and it would not surprise me if trainer Noel Meade were to pull him out of the race. The six-year-old has progressed beyond all recognition this season and if he were to line up in peak condition he would merit the utmost respect. But the vibes emanating form the yard are deeply disconcerting and it may be that he is best watched on this occasion. Accordion Etoile and Essex are the next two in the betting, ensuring that Irish raiders represent the first seven in the market. Both have decent each-way claims and cannot be ruled out, although they do have a bit to find with proven Grade One performers like Back In Front and Hardy Eustace, while Rooster Booster appears to lack that edge that some of the younger horses possess, and it will be a surprise if he were up to repeating his 2003 triumph. Betting verdict: 2pts win Back In Front @ 4/1 (Betfair), or 7/2 generally (VCBet)