Samcro replaces Buveur D’Air as 2019 Champion Hurdle favourite
Published:
Samcro has been trimmed for the 2019 Champion Hurdle, after Gordon Elliott confirmed the star would remain over hurdles this season.
Speculation has been rife that the Irish trainer was going to send last season’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle winner steeplechasing this campaign.
But with Gigginstown targeting a first Champion Hurdle success, the decision has been made to keep Samcro over smaller obstacles.
He’s now the favourite to land the renewal at next year’s Cheltenham Festival, ahead of two-time Festival winner Buveur D’Air at 3/1. Melon comes next at 8/1, with Willie Mullins’ Laurina at 10/1.
Meanwhile, our traders make it an 11/2 shot for Samcro to go the entire season unbeaten.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “News that Samcro will stay over hurdles this season has sent him straight to the head of the Champion Hurdle betting, replacing Buveur D’Air as favourite.”
**Champion Hurdle
5/2 Samcro, 3 Buveur D’Air, 8 Melon, 10 Laurina, 12 Summerville Boy,16 bar
**Samcro Special
11/2 go unbeaten this season
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
