THESE are early days in the 2017/2018 jumps season, but already the showdown between Faugheen and Buveur d’Air, if and when it occurs, promises to be the race of the season.

The former, winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2015, was magnificent in victory at Punchestown recently, while the latter, the reigning Champion, was imperious in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last weekend.