Nicky Henderson sid today that he expects Barry Geraghty to remain loyal to Punjabi and pick him over Zaynar in the Champion Hurdle.
The duo were paraded before the cameras at Henderson's Lambourn yard for a Cheltenham Festival open day and the trainer displayed an infectious enthusiasm for the current title holder.
Punjabi is currently a 10-1 shot to retain his crown, whilst Zaynar is two points shorter at 8s.
Henderson said: "AP will ride whatever Barry doesn't in the Champion. I think Barry will stick with Punjabi through loyalty but nothing is set in stone. Zaynar does stay very well. He won the Triumph last year but the Champion is run on an easier course and I think that will be against him."
