Honeysuckle has enough class to make a bold bid in weak Champion Hurdle
This year’s Champion Hurdle is already disappointing.
It’s not often you can say that in December, but it’s true.
With the tragic death of Espoir D’Allen, the injury to Buveur D’Air and the underwhelming seasonal debuts of Klassical Dream and Pentland Hills, it’s a race lacking star quality.
The International at Cheltenham on Saturday only emphasised the fact.
Call Me Lord is in no way shape or form good enough to win a Champion Hurdle.
He’s a talented 160-rated animal but Grade 2 company is about the ceiling of his ability, and we’re unlikely to see his green silks anywhere near the winner’s enclosure in March.
It was fantastic to see Ballyandy back to his best in second, but his proximity only highlighted the contest’s weakness.
Many said afterwards that the return of Pentland Hills was distinctly promising, but I’d have to disagree.
Yes, he tanked into the race and clearly blew up through lack of fitness, but if he’s going to win a Champion Hurdle he needed to get closer to the principals.
Triumph Hurdle winners have often floundered in open company in the past, and he could be the latest exciting juvenile to suffer.
Over in Ireland, it’s been a similar story.
The Morgiana was by far the most informative Champion Hurdle trial staged on the Emerald Isle this season, but it didn’t set the pulse racing.
Saldier produced a fine turn of foot to see off his rivals, but Petit Mouchoir was too close for comfort in second.
The fact Klassical Dream couldn’t find a second gear was thoroughly disappointing too, for all that he may have needed the run.
And with Cornerstone Lad winning the Fighting Fifth and Fusil Raffles scraping home in the Elite Hurdle from a horse rated just 152, the 2m hurdle campaign is descending into farce.
Enter Honeysuckle.
If ever there was a time for Henry De Bromhead to take the plunge and scrap the mares’ route, then this is it.
The brilliant five-year-old sluiced up in the Hatton’s Grace last time, a performance that cemented her place towards the top of the Irish hurdling tree.
It wasn’t the strongest race in the world but she dismissed Barcadys with consummate ease and she’s clearly a mare who deserves the utmost respect.
Unbeaten in seven starts, she has an Annie Power feel to her and could well be the real deal.
In a race lacking star quality, she has it in bundles – so why not go for it?
There’s plenty of water to go under the bridge before March but she’s almost certain to improve further and she’ll receive weight from the boys.
He’s a novice but has future Champion Hurdle written all over him, from hind to hoof.
Whether connections decide to take on the old guard remains to be seen, but if he does then he’s certainly no bit-player.
A match between the two would be something. I’d favour the mare, though.