Long Walk stroll was impressive but no reason why Champ shouldn't go for Gold
Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle recently was not plan A or B for Champ, and, despite his commanding win in the Grade 1, remaining in the staying hurdling division may not be as obvious as some think.
Trained by Nicky Henderson for JP McManus, Champ is the 4-1 second-favourite for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, although he is as big as 25-1 for the Gold Cup, so it is clear where the layers think his future should lie.
He toyed with Britain's best staying hurdlers in the Long Walk, cruising round under Jonjo O'Neill Jr before being firmly on top at the end.
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