'He's simply more talented' - our experts on the Irish Champion Hurdle

Saturday's Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle (3.15) promises to be a cracker as Honeysuckle puts her unbeaten record on the line again while attempting to defend her crown in the race. She faces stiff opposition, with last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up Sharjah leading the opposition. Three of our writers give their verdict on the potential outcome of the race . . .

She's the most likely winner

It is hard to see Honeysuckle getting beaten, especially on her favoured ground.

Everyone knows that two and a half miles is probably her optimum and the testing ground will play to her strengths, whereas it is a negative for Sharjah and Abacadabras.

Expect Abacadabras to come on a bundle from Christmas. It was well documented that he scoped dirty after disappointing in the Matheson Hurdle and he has been subject to some positive vibes from the Gordon Elliott camp in recent days.

The ground swings it in the favour of Honeysuckle. She's the most likely winner on Saturday but I wouldn't rule out Abacadabras turning the tables at Cheltenham.

Brian Sheerin, reporter

Don't dismiss outsider of the field

The signs are pointing towards the great Honeysuckle extending her remarkable unbeaten sequence, but it would be no shock if Petit Mouchoir runs another massive race.

I was surprised that the in-form Petit Mouchoir is the outsider of the field, and while he is the most exposed runner, you know what you will get with him and he was in front of reopposing rivals Abacadabras and Saint Roi when third behind Sharjah last time out.

With a record that features two victories – both in Grade 1s including this race in 2017 – and six placed efforts at Leopardstown, plus a current Racing Post Rating that is just 3lb shy of his best, Petit Mouchoir could easily put up another bold show.

Matt Rennie, reporter

Sharjah is simply the more talented

Honeysuckle took advantage of Sharjah's failure to fire when winning a weak running of this race last season and if Sharjah is at his best Honeysuckle might struggle to repeat the feat.

Sharjah is simply the more talented of the two and the only thing that brings them together is the generous 7lb sex allowance that Honeysuckle receives from her male counterpart.

Sharjah has three times recorded Racing Post Ratings of 166 or higher, including when landing the Matheson Hurdle over course and distance at Christmas, and Honeysuckle will need to repeat her highest ever figure of 160 to compete with Sharjah if he runs to that form.

She hasn't performed to that level since winning the Hatton's Grace back in December 2019 and her best figure since comes in at just 157. That leaves her with quite a bit to find.

Graeme Rodway, tipster

Read more on the weekend's racing:

Confirmed runners and riders for the Irish Champion Hurdle on Saturday

Five horses who could be slashed for Cheltenham at the Dublin Racing Festival

Champion Hurdle bid pending for Honeysuckle if star retains Dublin crown (Members' Club)

Kennedy hoping for magic Dublin Racing Festival with Abacadabras and Delta Work (Members' Club)

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