How do you see the Stayers' Hurdle picture after Champ's Long Walk Hurdle win?

'Connections would be daft not to keep him over hurdles'

Champ is built to be a chaser, but connections would be daft not to keep him over hurdles this season after that impressive display and he deserves to be at the head of the market for the Stayers' Hurdle.

His stablemate Buzz is unlikely to return to the track any time soon, Thyme Hill is honest but lacks that extra bit of class, while Paisley Park seems to need five miles these days. The biggest threats will come from Ireland in Klassical Dream – who can probably match Champ for class but has only raced three times in the last two years – and Flooring Porter, who won a sub-standard Stayers’ last season.
Dan Hill

'I see him as firmly the one to beat'

I get the feeling it may not be as straightforward a decision as some think to send Champ to the Stayers' Hurdle. After all, he outstayed Gold Cup winner Minella Indo at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020.

Connections of the other Stayers' Hurdle contenders will hope he stays away as I see him as the one to beat at that level – and that would be the direction I would take him in. Thyme Hill was the best in the division and appeared to run his race. He got close but under pressure Champ found plenty in the closing stages and just looked the superior horse on the day.

His jumping turned from his major downfall last season to his asset here, and you have to love how he hurdled the last just when he needed to. If connections confirm hurdling will remain his game, the 4-1 may not last too long.
James Stevens

Age might not be a boundary

Champ’s technique over fences left something to be desired at times but there was no faulting his slick jumping of hurdles and he must surely stay in the division he has the best chance of being crowned champion in. He beat the majority of his likely Stayers’ Hurdle rivals at Ascot comfortably enough and 4-1 is fair.

He will be ten in March so age is not on his side, but he is not your typical ten-year-old. He remains unexposed after just eight hurdles starts, with only two of those over three miles or further.
Matt Butler

Catch-up on Saturday’s action:

Long Walk: Options open for 'old friend' Champ as he stamps his class back over hurdles

Lee Mottershead: 'He wanted a cuddle' - long week ends in Long Walk for emotional Henderson (Members’ Club)

Ascot: Tritonic puts the cherry on the Christmas cake for in-form owner Max McNeill

Navan: Champion Bumper favourite American Mike remains unbeaten with dominant victory

Haydock: 'If you get it wrong, you'll get it right next time' - Hammond gets it spot on

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