Champion Hurdle 
/ Timeform / 12 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Can Hurricane Fly defend his Champion Hurdle crown?
"Last year's winner Hurricane Fly has cemented his position at the top of the 2m tree since then and can confirm himself the best since Istabraq with a follow up."
Can Hurricane Fly defend his Champion Hurdle crown on the opening day of Cheltenham 2012? Read on to get Timeform's thoughts on the big race on Tuesday...
Binocular won the 2010 Champion Hurdle, and back to that sort of form on last 2 starts after undergoing breathing operation. Smooth winner of Kingwell Hurdle last month, and looks the main threat to Hurricane Fly.
Brampour has been much improved this season, winning at Ascot then Greatwood Hurdle at this track a couple of weeks later. Third in Grade 2 here after and had excuses since, but hopes look pretty slim in this company.
Celestial Halo has been a fine servant to connections, landing the Triumph in 2008 as well as 4 Grade 2s. Only just touched off in 2009 renewal of this, but latest defeat to Binocular confirms he's just short of this level.
Hurricane Fly was unbeaten in 5 starts (all Grade 1s) last term, including in this contest, and showed himself as good as ever when making impressive return in Irish Champion in January. Hard to beat on that form.
Kalann quickly left his Flat form behind switched to hurdling, running out a ready winner of 4-y-o minor event here in October. Failed to really build on that since and firmly up against it.
Oscars Well won 2 Grade 1 novices last term and would surely have won the Neptune but for a late blunder. Better form in defeat this season, but put in his place by Hurricane Fly last time.
Overturn is a front runner who was seventh in 2011 Champion. Better than ever this term, completing hat-trick when beating Binocular in Fighting Fifth. Given a break and likely to give it his all again.
Rock On Ruby propelled himself into Champion Hurdle picture when running away with handicap at Newbury on return, and pushed Binocular hard when neck second in Christmas Hurdle. Definite place contender.
Zaidpour is unbeaten in 4 starts this season, showing himself effective from 2m to 3m. Last 3 wins gained at Grade 2 level and this step back up in class likely to prove a bridge too far.
Zarkandar took Triumph Hurdle win in unbeaten 2010/11 campaign, and returned from absence with impressive win in Betfair Hurdle last month. Capable of better still, but that is factored into his price.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. Hurricane Fly
2. Binocular
3. Rock On Ruby
Timeform View: Last year's winner Hurricane Fly has cemented his position at the top of the 2m tree since then and can confirm himself the best since Istabraq with a follow up. An on-song Binocular would provide the stiffest resistance, with Rock On Ruby a solid each-way proposition.
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Connections of Binocular are expecting a big run from the 2010 winner, who was unable to defend his crown 12 months ago......
Willie Mullins is pleased to see the taps being turned on at Cheltenham ahead of Hurricane Fly's defence of the Champion Hurdle......
Timeform Radio have another podcast for you, with next week's Champion and World Hurdles under the microscope......
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