Expert Analysis

Plain sailing for the magnificent Honeysuckle, her third successive win in this prestigious contest, though time analysis is not particularly complimentary, as she was slightly slower overall and late on than Sir Gerhard in the following race, and her overall time does not compare all that well to the handicap, either (finishing speed around 102%). Last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Appreciate It (rated 165) was an intended runner but withdrawn at the declaration stage.  

HONEYSUCKLE (h162+ here, 169 previously) accomplished her mission with little fuss, preserving her unbeaten record (14 out of 14) in the process, and will go to Cheltenham a long way ahead of her opposition judged on the balance of her form, for all that the visuals of this were not really backed up by times/sectionals. She raced in third travelling strongly (jumped left at 1 or 2), led 2 out and quickened a few lengths clear, rather hesitant at the last and kept up to her work without extending further. Her sex allowance works very much in her favour, as does the fact that the Champion Hurdle cupboard is pretty bare if she is taken out. 

ZANAHIYR (h160 here, 162 previously) probably ran respectably but might have fared better turning this into more of a test, that made difficult by his blundering badly at the first, though he was soon back on an even keel in second, every chance until outpaced by Honeysuckle between the last 2. He has place prospects in a weak Champion Hurdle and, a horse who threatened to stay well on the flat, remains worth a try at beyond 2m over hurdles.

ECHOES IN RAIN (h153 here and previously) finally confirmed the form she had shown when winning by a wide margin at Fairyhouse in April, held up, typically taking a strong hold, not asked for an effort until 2 out but running on from there without being able to get past the runner-up never mind the winner. She could go well in a strongly run handicap but has been officially (and justifiably) reassessed at 6 lb higher for this run.

SAINT ROI (h157 here and previously) ran about as well as before, held up, lacking a change of gear to get into it and merely keeping on. 

HEAVEN HELP US (h131 here, 147 previously) should be back to form when returned to lesser company, making the running before put in her place and eased.