Three Racing Post judges deliver their verdict on Samcro's defeat

Worth another chance to show he's up to it

You're obviously going to be disappointed when a supposed superstar gets beaten at odds-on, but he was said to be 80 per cent fit and the winner was fit and in form. Whether he is a genuine Champion Hurdle contender remains to be seen, but he's worth another chance to prove he's up to it. Would I back him at single figures for the Champion Hurdle, though? Don't be daft.
Paul Kealy, betting editor

He'll need to show a lot more to get near Buveur

Well, his return wasn't scintillating! Having travelled powerfully through the majority of the contest, Samcro looked sure to kick on in between the third- and second-last hurdles but seemed to lose his equilibrium over the road crossing and immediately came under pressure. It was disappointing he didn't pick up in better fashion as the race-fit Bedrock stormed past, but Gordon Elliott is sure to have left some improvement in him and I wouldn't give up just yet. However, he would need to perform a lot better to get anywhere close to main Champion Hurdle rival Buveur D'Air.
Tom Collins, The Punt

Last season's aggression just wasn't there

If you had backed Samcro for the Champion Hurdle then it is hard to be upbeat about that performance. The aggression he showed last season when powering into the bridle just wasn't there for whatever reason, but you'd have to expect him to improve considerably for the run. Gordon Elliott is right not to panic. Remember, Faugheen was beaten first time out in the Morgiana three seasons ago. That said, this season's Champion Hurdle could be the best for some years and I'd be siding with Laurina at this stage.
Tom Park, Ante-Post Focus