In for a shock? Five top tipsters give their views on an open Champion Hurdle

In this extract from the Racing Post Cheltenham Festival Guide 2020, a group of top tipsters debate an open-looking Champion Hurdle. Buy your Guide now to read more Tipster Forums on the big races, the views of the major bookmakers, in-depth analysis and trends for the major contests, Racing Post Ratings and Topspeed, plus Paul Kealy's invaluable race-by-race guide to the Grade 1s featuring in-depth assessments of more than 100 top contenders

David Jennings My reflex reaction after the Irish Champion Hurdle was that Epatante would win it. Honeysuckle was all out at Leopardstown and it was a weak renewal. Epatante is speedy, jumps slickly and is progressive.

Richard Birch It looks ripe for a big-priced shock winner. The one towards the top of the market who must be opposed is Pentland Hills, who never looked the heartiest of battlers on the Flat.

Keith Melrose A boilover wouldn’t surprise me at all and I’m tempted by an each-way bet on Supasundae. He ran a fair race in fourth in the Irish Champion on his return and was forced wide round the last bend to make headway. It could be that he needs a track like Cheltenham over two miles these days.

Graeme Rodway It’s wide open. Epatante looks the right favourite but was disappointing at the meeting last year and that’s a worry. Envoi Allen would probably be good enough to win but looks likely to stay in novice company, so what about Ballyandy each-way? He loves Cheltenham and is thriving this season.

Supasundae: has each-way claims in the Champion Hurdle according to the Racing Post's betting editor Keith MelroseCredit: Patrick McCann

Brian Sheerin Pentland Hills is crying out for a strongly run race and could be worth chancing at the prices. I’d be against Epatante on the basis that she disappointed at Cheltenham last season and Honeysuckle didn’t strike me as a Champion Hurdle winner in waiting when landing the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown.

Don't miss the Racing Post Cheltenham Festival Guide 2020 – 208 pages featuring Paul Kealy's race-by-race guide, Racing Post Ratings, top tipsters, bookmaker Q&A, trainer analysis and more. Order here or call 01933 304858. Out now!