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Nicky Henderson holds the cards for novice hurdle division after strong weekend
He didn't need to match his chase RPR, but in posting a career-best hurdle figure of 165, Champ moved to the head of this season's three-mile hurdle division.
The form of Saturday's Grade 1 Howden Hurdle looks pretty solid with runner-up Thyme Hill (162) and fourth home Thomas Darby (157) reproducing their form from last season's Ryanair Stayers Hurdle at Aintree to the pound.
Splitting that pair, last year's winner Paisley Park (159) ran his best race of the season, without quite suggesting he is still capable of scoring at the highest level.
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more inFeatures
- He's survived a scalping, two broken legs and bankruptcy - but now this extraordinary trainer has reached the end of the road
- How Gordon Elliott unwittingly changed Jim Crowley’s life - and set him on the path to the top
- 'He should be overlooked at your peril' - odds-compilers mark your card for Royal Ascot
- Previews and tips for all 35 races at Royal Ascot
- ‘It was heartbreaking. That should have been our day’ - Dancing Brave and the Derby wounds that never healed