The great hurdler may find his bid for a second success in Leopardstown’s prestigious race thwarted by stablemate
It’s a pity ITV4 viewers will not see it but there is no doubt the focal point on Saturday is Faugheen’s return to action in the Irish Champion Hurdle, to be shown on At The Races. After a mystifyingly poor effort at Leopardstown over Christmas, can this great hurdler bounce back to win this prize for a second time at the age of 10?
Age itself should not be the problem, Hurricane Fly, Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace having all won this race after turning 10. Soft ground helps these old stagers by making raw speed less important.
Related: Cue Card fit and on course for Ascot Chase, says trainer Colin Tizzard
Sandown 12.40 Countister 1.15 Big Jim 1.50 Buveur D'Air 2.25 Terrefort 3.00 Folsom Blue (nb) 3.35 Vino Griego 4.10 Palmers Hill
Lingfield 12.50 Paparazzi 1.25 Author's Dream 2.00 Kachy 2.35 Brother Tiger 3.05 Victory Bond 3.40 Roundabout Kitten 4.15 American Gigolo
Musselburgh 12.55 Coup De Pinceau 1.30 Keeper Hill 2.05 Amour De Nuit 2.45 Baby King 3.15 Southfield Theatre (nap) 3.45 Kelpies Myth 4.20 Wonderful Charm
Wetherby 1.00 Northern Beau 1.35 Mercian Prince 2.10 Coningsby 2.40 Vintage Clouds 3.20 Red Rising 3.55 Galway Jack 4.30 Burns Cross
Kempton 5.45 Runaiocht 6.15 Ripp Orf 6.45 Bungee Jump 7.15 Morning Has Broken 7.45 Humbert 8.15 Sky Marshal