Reigning Champion hurdler Punjabi is set to have his final prep race in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton before attempting to defend his crown at the Festival next month.
Tony Stafford, racing manager to Punjabi’s owner Raymond Tooth, has given an upbeat report on Nicky Henderson’s charge in his latest blog on www.wbxtriplecrown.com and revealed his thoughts on how the 2010 Champion Hurdle is taking shape.
He says of Punjabi: “Raymond Tooth’s reigning Champion might not have had ideal preparations to his two races so far, given his own requirement for excessive work at home, and the snow before his Haydock run behind Medermit.
“But Punjabi has been fortunate, indeed, with the timing of those races and Wincanton’s Kingwood Hurdle should ensure he gets to his main objective fully prepared. On Saturday it’s Binocular’s turn at Sandown while favourite Zaynar’s entry is only a precaution I’m sure if last year’s beaten favourite does not stand his ground.”
Tony also takes time to look at the Contenders Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday where Binocular could have his final run before the Champion.
“A possible outcome is that Binocular will challenge his older colleague between the last two and not look especially impressive when going on by a couple of lengths. After all, at Saturday’s weights, on official figures, Afsoun is 1lb better in than Binocular, even after being dropped 2lb after Haydock to 156.”
Iain Turner, PR and Sponsorship Manager for World Bet Exchange said, “I am delighted that Tony Stafford is continuing his blog on www.wbxtriplecrown.com.
“Tony will continue to update his blog in the build up to the Champion Hurdle and it will take a brave horse to deny Punjabi a repeat victory. His insight has already proved to be crucial with WBX Members and readers of his blog benefitting from exclusive news on the Champion Hurdler.”
