THE Champion Hurdle ante-post betting offers little interest with Faugheen very short at 2/1, and it’s more due to the stable decision to point him at the Champion rather than Vautour, than on what he has done on the track to date.

Next in the market we have last year’s first, third and fourth, though the odds indicate little confidence in the expectation of Hurricane Fly, generally 14/1, winning another Champion at the age of 11.

None of the new hurdlers on the horizon have yet accomplished anything to encourage an antepost wager.

Wouldn’t you just love Un De Sceaux in there to put some fizz into that market?

In contrast to the Champion Hurdle, the Gold Cup market is fascinating and looks one of the most open in a long time. At least 12 horses have legitimate claims at this stage of the season.

Last year’s second and third On His Own and The Giant Bolster are 33/1, yet there is no real suggestion that last year’s form could not be repeated.

Holywell at around 10/1 could be the imposter but the Hennessy win of Many Clouds was a further boost to his form.

More will be known after this weekend with three more contenders lining up in the John Durkan Chase but at this stage the Gold Cup looks an intriguing race with at least eight Irish-trained runners all in the mix.