Champion Hurdle

(Transcribed highlights from the Towcester/GG.COM Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening - Paul Jones)

Paddy Brennan : I couldn't have given Khyber Kim a worse ride in the Greatwood as held him right out the back, but then they hacked so for him to win was an unbelievable performance. He's a Ferrari. He proved it was no fluke in the Boylesports when he beat Celestial Halo, but I felt he was better in the Greatwood. I was praying they wouldn't run him in the Totesport Trophy as that could have taken the edge off him. If he runs I don't think Solwhit has the speed and I rate Go Native my main danger. Good-to-soft will be okay for my fellow.

Mark Winstanley : I've been with Go Native all season who kicked on too early when he won the Supreme. He is all speed and there is no substitute for speed in the Champion Hurdle. Celestial Halo could be the only front-runner, which makes him interesting if he were to slow it down and he could get the run of the race. I would not be surprised if he turns up with something different this year and I better not say anything more. Starluck is a million for me as won't get up the hill. There was mucus found in Solwhit's system and the same problem for Pittoni so I would be worried about the Byrnes horses running next week.

Andrew Mount : No strong view at the top of the market but I do feel that Donnas Palm is overpriced at 50/1.

Gavin Gibson : I backed Zaynar before it got beat at Kelso as on a line through Starluck he has the beating of Go Native but they have got to make a lot more use of him. I think Khyber Kim needs more cut and also wants a real gallop and not sure he will get that this year if Ruby slows it up in front on Celestial Halo.