Ruby Walsh not certain to ride Hurricane Fly
Ruby Walsh is not short of the odd decent ride at Cheltenham but he is not seemingly aware if he will be on board Willie Mullins’ Hurricane Fly in the Stan James Champion Hurdle on day one. Although Walsh was on board for 3-wins (from 3 rides), his enforced absence with injury has allowed Paul Townend to win 3-more Grade One races on the hurdler and the stats are now 6-7 under Townend.
"I haven't talked to Willie about it - it's a decision for him and the owners. I ride Quevega, Big Buck's, Kauto Star and Master Minded. After that I haven't looked at the rest of them" Ruby told Racing UK.
Just to slot in my current thoughts on the race, I have long been a huge fan of Hurricane Fly who should be hard to beat if getting to race day without incident.
I find my self drawn latterly to Menorah though, and he will be added to the portfolio. Let's take a whistle stop tour through the evidence - the horse has won all three races at Cheltenham, including of course last year's Supreme Novices Hurdle. The second course win was off a massive weight in a handicap, an approach reminiscent of the stable's Rooster Booster, and the third win resulted in a 4 1/2 length defeat inflicted on no less than Cue Card. It's all there!"
Course form and even more so festival form time and time point the way to further success and for whatever reason, I cannot get excited by Binocular this year. I am therefore going to back the challengers and urrently the best price is 5/1 about both Hurricane Fly and Menorah.