D’Air to dream

Buveur D’Air is now no better than even money to complete a Champion Hurdle hat trick in March after his impressive win at Newcastle last week. And the debate rages on about whether he is a great champion.

Well according to Racing Post Ratings he has run a career best in beating Samcro (who was also given his highest RPR). And let us not forget that Samcro was being seen almost as the second coming this time last year. The way Buveur D’Air lined him up before the last was similar to England rugby legend Richard Hill lining up an unsuspecting fly half before smashing into him. The champ went past him before hitting the final flight and was still eight lengths too good.

Apart from the mares Laurina, and Apples Jade, the other runners in the champion are known to him or are unlikely to be good enough. Plus Apples Jade is more likely to run in the Mares Hurdle.

For what it is worth I am now firmly in the Buveur D’Air camp. He is some race horse and maybe the wind surgery has improved him a few pounds. I don’t want to tempt fate but as he only turns eight next month he could still be around for at least another season after this one.

The Ladbroke Trophy (Hennessy that was) was won by Sizing Tennessee, who I did give a brief mention in last weeks column as a lively outsider. I didn’t back him and to make matters worse my father did. And he sent a text to remind me that he did very soon after the race. Thanks Dad.