Irish Champion Hurdle: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Hurricane Fly was an easy winner of this race last year

Timeform examine the runners in the Irish Champion Hurdle, a race which Hurricane Fly is attempting to win for the third time...

Binocular won the 2010 Champion Hurdle and scored twice last term prior to finishing fourth to Rock On Ruby in the 2012 Champion Hurdle. Record when fresh isn't the best and will probably be better for the run.

Captain Cee Bee is a high-class performer around 2m and had a rusty Thousand Stars back in fourth when landing the Grade 2 Tipperary Hurdle in October. Well held behind Hurricane Fly the last twice, however.

Hurricane Fly was the winner of the 2011 Champion Hurdle and, though beaten when defending his crown in that race last year, he's looked as good as ever in 2 starts this term. Impossible to oppose here.

Thousand Stars is a high-class hurdler and versatile to boot, winning Grade 1s at between 2m and 25f. However, has come up short on each of the 8 occasions that he has faced stablemate Hurricane Fly.

One Cool Shabra is capable in his own right but looks well out of his depth here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Hurricane Fly
2. Binocular
3. Thousand Stars

Timeform View: Binocular possesses the ability to make a race of it with Hurricane Fly but the fact that he hasn't been at his best on his reappearance in the last 3 seasons is an obvious concern. In any case, Hurricane Fly comprehensively outpointed Nicky Henderson's charge on the sole previous occasion that they've met and is confidently expected to win this race for the third consecutive year.

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