In the world of horse racing, opinions clash and predictions vary. But when it comes to the Unibet Champion Hurdle, Ruby Walsh has a clear favorite: The New Lion. Walsh, a renowned racing analyst, shared his insights on the 'From The Horse's Mouth' podcast, leaving listeners with plenty to ponder.
But here's the twist: Brighterdaysahead, a horse that recently reversed form with Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion, didn't impress Walsh as much as one might expect. He noticed her hanging to the left, a sign that didn't bode well for her performance. Walsh compared this to Lossiemouth's run behind Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle, where she struggled to keep up.
Walsh's words: "I thought she was going to fall out of the television... but to her credit, she kept hanging on." Despite this, he believes Brighterdaysahead's performance wasn't enough to secure her place in the Champion Hurdle. And this is where it gets interesting—Walsh suggests that Lossiemouth might still have a chance, but he has reservations.
"I wouldn't say it's off the table... but I've always thought she was better going a bit further." Walsh's intuition hints at a potential upset, but he's cautious. And then, the big reveal: Walsh declares The New Lion as his top pick for the Champion Hurdle. He believes the International wasn't run to suit the horse, but he saw potential in its turn of foot.
The analyst predicts a win for The New Lion, with Brighterdaysahead in second and Golden Ace in third. But will his predictions hold true? Only time will tell. And this is the part most people miss—the beauty of horse racing lies in its unpredictability. So, what do you think? Is The New Lion destined for victory, or will another horse steal the show? Share your thoughts and keep the racing spirit alive!
