Our experts with 25-1, 20-1 and 12-1 plays in a wide-open Champion Hurdle

After Epatante's defeat in the Christmas Hurdle and Sharjah's third successive Matheson Hurdle victory at Leopardstown on Tuesday, our experts assess where the value lies in the Champion Hurdle market

'His price could tumble in the coming weeks'

It's hard to believe an eight-time Grade 1 winner is currently 25-1 for the Champion Hurdle – and he's already won two of them!

Buveur D'Air is reportedly in excellent shape in the run-up to the Contenders Hurdle, a race he has won three times, twice en route to Cheltenham Festival success.

I still consider Epatante the most likely winner of the race but the figures suggest she didn't perform that far below her best in the Christmas Hurdle and it isn't difficult to envisage her stablemate posing the biggest threat. His price could tumble in the coming weeks.
Maddy Playle, RPTV

Robbie Wilders fancies Song For Someone (left) for Champion Hurdle gloryCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

'Song For Someone is the play at 20-1'

If I knew Concertista was going for the Champion Hurdle I'd be all over her at 20-1. She has looked a different beast this season and that race would suit but she will likely tackle the Mares' Hurdle.

In light of recent events surely Song For Someone is the play at 20-1. He is another who has been transformed this campaign and giving 2lb to Silver Streak when winning the International Hurdle was a superb effort.

If Epatante returns to her Fighting Fifth form then she will win, but at the prices I’d rather back Song For Someone, who must seriously enter calculations if the ground is soft or worse.
Robbie Wilders, tipster

'I don't think he got the credit he deserved'

I’d have to say Silver Streak. He’s the one who has defeated Epatante, not Sharjah, and I don’t think he got the credit he deserved for beating the champion mare at Kempton on Saturday.

He seemed happier out in front, jumping as well as I’ve seen him, and solid yardstick Ballyandy wasn’t in the picture back in third. The time was much quicker than the novice hurdle earlier on the card, and it could be third time lucky in the Champion Hurdle for Evan Williams’ grey. He’s twice run well in the race, notably last season.
James Hill, tipster

More to read:

'He's like Santa, he always seems to deliver' - super Sharjah seals hat-trick

Natural talent: Monkfish cut to 15-8 for Cheltenham Festival after Grade 1 win

'Annnnnnnniieeeeeeeee' - Chris Hughes delight as top mare cut for Mares' Chase

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