Champ can be a force in the three-mile sphere if reverting to hurdles

From the start of the century the three-mile hurdle division was dominated by a trio of horses, Baracouda, Inglis Drever and Big Buck’s, all multiple winners of the Stayers’ Hurdle, but it’s been a much less predictable division in recent times and again looks full of uncertainty heading into the new season.

Thyme Hill bookended last season with wins that suggested he’s the best of the British challenge, lowering the colours of former champion Paisley Park in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November and signing off with a narrow victory over Roksana in the Ryanair Stayers’ Hurdle at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

Philip Hobbs’s stable star didn’t make the Cheltenham Festival owing to a setback, and it was once again Ireland to the fore in the Stayers’ Hurdle, rapid improver Flooring Porter leading home a one-two from Sire Du Berlais. That pair seem likely to be back at it again this season.