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Boxing Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Odds: Ante Post Tips, Preview
Honeysuckle can land second Champion Hurdle for Henry de Bromhead
Irish trainers dominated the 2021 Cheltenham Festival from start to finish, and they seem to hold all the aces for the 2022 renewal of the big race of the entire week (due off Friday 18th March at 3.05pm).
The standout contender at this stage is Henry de Bromhead’s A Plus Tard, who shortened up dramatically in the ante-post lists after a devastating return to land the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.
He is now a top priced 7/2f with the bookmakers, and the shortest UK trained runner is Nicky Henderson’s Chantry House (12/1). Here at bettingexpert we take a look at the principal contenders ahead of the what promises to be a high class renewal.
1 – Honeysuckle
Henry de Bromhead’s mare is now gathering a public following in Ireland very similar to Dawn Run in the 1980’s, posting a career best effort on form when winning the 2021 renewal of the Champion Hurdle (when sent off a very heavily backed 11/10f on the day).
She has now won all 13 start under Rules (after winning her only point to point at Dromahane back in April 2018), and her partnership with Rachael Blackmore works perfectly. She is a strong traveller with a sharp turn of foot, and returned better than ever to land the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse in November (third win in the race and quickened clear in style before the home turn).
A light campaign is on the cards as she begins her preparation to defend her crown, with the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in February again likely to be the ideal stepping stone towards Cheltenham in March. The current price of 4/5 might look extremely generous if everything goes smoothly over the next few months, and it is very hard to locate any serious challengers in the form-book.
2 – Sharjah
Willie Mullins battle-hardened 8-y-o has won 8 of his 22 runs over hurdles, and is a terrific advert for all involved, racing frequently and almost always giving his running regardless of conditions. He finished a very good second behind Honeysuckle in 2021 at Cheltenham, dropped out in rear by Paul Townend and running on well up the hill without ever threatening the impressive winner (also finished second behind Epatante in 2020).
The top class performer returned after 7 months off with a comfortable win in the three-runner Morgiana at Punchestown in November, and seems sure to reward each-way support again in the 2022 renewal. Perhaps a more positive ride would make matters interesting, but this will be his fourth attempt at the big race and it is hard to believe he is improving after so much racing.
3 – Epatante
Nicky Henderson’s mare had well documented back problems when largely below par last season, often not finding that much off the bridle, but she remains with loads to prove after dead-heating in the Fighting Fifth on her seasonal reappearance at Newcastle in December.
She travelled strongly there under a confident ride, but again rather faltered when asked to assert from the last by Aidan Coleman, and it is hard to believe that the bare form is anywhere close to the level achieved by any of the Irish trained rivals. Good ground probably suits her ideally, and a tiit at the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton over Christmas is likely to be on the agenda.
4 – Appreciate It
Willie Mullins 7-y-o enjoyed the perfect first season over hurdles last term, winning all four starts and landing a hefty public gamble down to 8/11f when winning the Supreme Novice Hurdle by 24 lengths under Paul Townend.
He is expected to follow stable mate Ferny Hollow and go over fences this season, with the Arkle Chase on the agenda if things go smoothly, so his inclusion in all the betting lists for the Champion Hurdle is precautionary. Obviously he is a top class and very exciting prospect, with deep ground suiting very well (all form on soft or heavy so far).
5 – Zanahiyr
Gordon Elliott’s 4-y-o represents completely different formlines to most of the principals, with a profitable juvenile campaign last season notching four wins. He let down backers when too free in the Triumph Hurdle at the 2021 Festival (sent off a well backed 11/8f in a small field), but returned to his best at Down Royal in October when landing a Grade 2 in style.
However, a subsequent defeat at the hands of Sharjah seemed to expose his limitations (gifted an easy lead but brushed aside from the last), and it is hard to see him reversing that form let alone troubling the imperious Honeysuckle.
Cheltenham Champion Hurdle 2022 Odds
| Horse | bet365 | Skybet | Paddy Power | William Hill | Betfair | BetVictor | Unibet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeysuckle | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.73 |
| Sharjah | 10.00 | 10.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 9.00 |
| Epatante | 15.00 | 15.00 | 11.00 | 15.00 | 12.00 | 13.00 | 15.00 |
| Ferny Hollow | 15.00 | 13.00 | 15.00 | 11.00 | 15.00 | 11.00 | 15.00 |
| Appreciate It | 15.00 | 15.00 | 17.00 | 13.00 | 17.00 | 13.00 | 17.00 |
| Echoes In Rain | 26.00 | 26.00 | 21.00 | 17.00 | 21.00 | 21.00 | 26.00 |
Cheltenham Champion Hurdle odds as at 2pm December 7th 2021. Odds may now differ.
