Guest Feature: David Cummings' Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle Tips
3 minutes Check out the latest horse racing tips from respected tipster David Cummings
A field of twelve go to post for the Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle with Willie Mullins accounting for a third of the field. The most notable past winners of the race are Granville Again in 1992 and Alderbrook 1996 who both won the main prize in the Champion Hurdle. This race differs from some ‘champion’ races being a handicap and generally the winner is something lower in the weights with a progressive profile. Here are some of the leading fancies for the race and my tip for the most likeliest winner.
1415 Ayr
2m Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Going: Good To Soft
Ethical Diamond (11/4)
There is a familiar sight with Willie Mullins at the head of the market with Ethical Diamond and a recent fourth last time behind Kargese at Cheltenham reads well when switched to hold up tactics. He made every yard the time before at Punchestown so it will be interesting to see how his tactics unfold here. He's not bombproof in this with 11st 12lbs on his back but this doesn't appear to be the strongest of renewals.
Kabral Du Mathan (7/2)
Paul Nicholls is looking for his fourth win in this race and this lightly raced, improving five-year-old has every chance. He brings very good Handicap form to the table and got to within two lengths of a well handicapped Secret Squirrel last time at Windsor, with some solid runners behind. Preceding that run he arguably would have won a decent Ascot handicap if it wasn't for a mistake two out, travelling like the winner with the first two drawing miles clear. A lot to like and a true run race would suit.
Valgrand (6/1)
Trained by Dan Skelton, Valgrand has been bitterly disappointing since a bright start to the season when landing a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham. He appeared to be one to follow but has barely beaten a rival home since. He was freshened up for Cheltenham after a small break but again didn't appear to give his running. He's hard to back until we see more spark but not completely written off at this early stage in his career.
Dysart Enos (9/1)
Arguably has the best piece of form to offer when third in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham before Christmas behind Burdett Road before disappointing in the same Ascot handicap well behind Kabral Du Mathan. Didn't run too badly in the Mares’ Hurdle behind Lossiemouth last time but will need to rediscover the early season form, not out of it.
Bunting (12/1)
Was quietly fancied for the Coral Cup at Cheltenham but ran with the choke out most of the way and was eventually pulled up. The drop in trip is interesting and hasn't got many miles on the clock but does have it to prove. One of four for Willie Mullins.
Selection - Kabral Du Mathan
Danger - Ethical Diamond
