Ruby Walsh has several enviable choices to make ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, none more so than which of Rich Ricci’s ex-Supreme Novice winners Min and Douvan in the Champion Chase.
However, I’ve heard Ruby Walsh talk about the favourite Altior and I though it was telling how highly he respects that rival, given his unshakeable faith in returning star Douvan.
He’s also said he’s seriously considering jumping off Douvan for Min in the Champion Chase, which also shows the esteem he holds the former too, and I can’t help but think in year’s gone by it’d be unimaginable that Walsh wouldn’t find a way of splitting their targets.
Walsh is going to be extremely confident of Un De Sceaux’s chances in the Ryanair and I just can’t see either Min or Douvan being redirected to take him on – Yorkhill is surely going to end up in that race.
I’ve noticed that MIN is still entered in the Champion Hurdle and quoted at 12/1 in the non-runner no bet market, which is a price I think as to be taken, even if the chances of him lining up are slim.
He’s ran brilliantly in Altior’s Supreme Novices’ – one of the classiest renewals in recent memory – and beat the current favourite Buveur D’Air in that race so, despite that horse clearly having improved, he would have to have a huge chance.
He would certainly be a fraction of that price if he did get declared, so with the NRNB concession I can’t see any reason not to temporarily tie up some hard earned.
Can you?
2pts win Min @12/1 non-runner no bet, Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham, Tuesday
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