Champion Four Year Old Hurdle Preview: Far too classy

Willie Mullins has dominated Punchestown's Four Year Old Hurdle in recent years, winning the last five renewals, including with the now very smart Apple’s Jade in 2016. He has no fewer than six declared horses in this year’s renewal, while the nine-strong field is completed by three horses trained by his Irish Champion Trainer title rival Gordon Elliott. But which one of them is bringing a knife to a gunfight?

Elliott ace the one to beat?

The main gunslinger they’ll be hoping to catch is Farclas, who had the scent of a high-flyer from day one over hurdles, finishing runner-up on his first two starts which were in graded company.

He was one and a quarter lengths second to Mr Adjudicator in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in February but reversed the form with that rival when winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last time.

Another all Ireland affair as Farclas wins the JCB Triumph Hurdle pic.twitter.com/cYNtaDdliI

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 16, 2018

A first-time tongue tie perhaps helped Farclas in the finish, not flinching at any stage under a strong drive, his attitude looking a real plus, as he seemed to relish the extra emphasis on stamina.

There is definitely more to come from Gordon Elliott’s charge, and he is fancied to confirm the form with Mr Adjudicator who was only fairly useful on the Flat, but has raised his game several levels since sent hurdling, winning two of his three starts.  Mr Adjudicator isn’t the most stoutly bred – a rare National Hunt horse for his sire Camacho – and he will be suited by better ground than he faced at Cheltenham (heavy).

Dark and stormy

Stormy Ireland also contested the Triumph Hurdle last time, and ran a big race given how exuberant she was. She had been kept fresh since winning on her stable debut (by 58 lengths) four months earlier, soon pulling her way to the front and still going with plenty of zest on the home turn until her earlier exertions told, looking tired when falling at the last. However, she remains with plenty of potential, and could surprise a few in receipt of 7 lb from the males.

Of Mullins’ other entries, Saglawy also makes a fair bit of appeal after winning his last two starts, including a Grade 2 juvenile at Fairyhouse last time by two and a half lengths from Mitchouka (Saldier third, Veneer of Charm fourth, Msassa fifth, Eoline Jolie sixth). He had the advantage of a hassle-free lead, but took the step up in grade in his stride, full value for his success, and actually winning with a bit in hand. This will demand more, but he remains open to improvement and couldn’t be in better hands.

Fairyhouse form a big pointer

Smart prospect - the well-backed Saglawy wins the Grade 2 @BoyleSports Juvenile Hurdle for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend at @Fairyhouse: pic.twitter.com/Yd5e1ICqVz

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 17, 2018

Mitchouka has been kept very busy (this will be his 10^th start of the season), but he has won four times (including over C&D) and he bounced back from a Fred Winter flop when second to Saglawy last time; he needs to improve again though, a comment that also applies to stablemate Veneer of Charmwho won the aforementioned Fred Winter but has not reproduced that level of form in two starts since.

Saldier showed the benefit of his run in the Triumph, comfortably producing his best race to date. He still isn’t the finished article, finishing with running left, and is another who seems sure to progress further. Msassa improved plenty on the bare form shown at Wexford despite shaping as if still needing the experience in fourth, while Eoline Jolie seemed caught out by inexperience, and possibly fitness, on her first outing since leaving Dominique Bressou after six months off; she remains with potential.

Conclusion

This could be a fantastic contest, especially if the title race has gone down to the wire, and Gordon Elliott is fancied to prevail as he has in many big races this season, including the Irish Grand National and the Grand National. It’s clear that Willie Mullins has more strength in depth among his six-strong posse, however they may struggle to contain Farclas. He won with a bit in hand at Cheltenham, and is expected to improve further on just his fourth start, so is fancied to uphold the form with the likes of Mr Adjudicator and Stormy Ireland.

Recommended bet:

Back Farclas to win Saturday’s Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at 5/2