Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown

The Rabobank Champion Hurdle at 18.30 CET at Punchestown today is the main feature of the fourth day of the meeting and, despite having only 6 runners, is a fascinating event. Willie Mullins saddles 3 runners, but obviously the high class Hurricane Fly (Ruby Walsh) is his number one after winning the "real" Champion Hurdle in such good style in March. He has won his last 5 races, all Group Ones, and is certainly the best Irish hurdler for some years. The only serious opposition comes from the two British raiders Menorah (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Bonocular (Nocy Hderson/ Tony McCoy). Menorah was a blow-par fifth in the Champion Hurdle, while Binocular, who won the race in 2010, was forced to miss Cheltenham this year because of treatment for an allergy. He was only 4th at AIntree over the wrong distance but at his best could be a live danger to Hurricane Fly. The other Grade One event here is the novice hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 19.05. Mullins, who is having a grea t meeting, has two more chances here, with So Young (Walsh) his main hope, but we prefer the more reliable First Lieutenant (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell), who finished in front of him when winning at Cheltenham.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cool Warrior - Curragh Boy - The Baler
2. Race: Uncle Junior - Ballymak - Rocco`S Hall
3. Race: Wishfull Thinking - Montan - Hampshire Express
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - Binocular - Menorah
5. Race: First Lieutenant - So Young - Prima Vista
6. Race: Celtic Folklore - Kid Cassidy - Baily Green
7. Race: Whatwillwecallher - Golden Firebird - Ourbeautifuldream
8. Race: Boxer Georg - Cork All Star - Gone To Lunch