Champion Hurdle Tips

Nicky Henderson is fearful of the challenge posed by his former inmate Khyber Kim (13/2) in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle – despite playing a three-strong hand with Punjabi (13/2), Zaynar (10/1) and Binocular (15/2).

Khyber Kim was stabled at Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard during his novice campaign in 2007-8 but has spent the last season and a half with Nigel Twiston-Davies.

And the eight-year-old has proved a revelation in his two most recent starts by claiming the scalps of the reopposing Medermit (11/1), Punjabi and Celestial Halo (13/2) over course and distance.

Henderson said:

“Khyber Kim is the horse I am most afraid of. I used to have him as a novice and I remember Mick Fitzgerald said at the time the horse could win a Champion Hurdle and an Ascot Gold Cup as he is that good.”

Barry Geraghty remains loyal to Punjabi, with Andrew Tinkler aboard last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner Zaynar, who was turned over at long odds-on in his warm-up for the Festival.

Champion Hurdle Recommendation

• Back Khyber Kim @ 15/2 with Paddy Power