Invincible Vroum Vroum To Speed Home Again

Punters who were in the money when Vroum Vroum Mag (9/4) took the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham have another chance to play up their winnings when the admirable mare bids to win the Punchestown Champion Hurdle on Friday (5.30pm).

Vroum Has The Speed
While Willie Mullins’ wonder mare was a Grade 2 winner over 2m7f at Ascot prior to Cheltenham, this trip is likely her most favoured and she will rate a big threat to the favourite with a handy 7lb pull in the weights – an allowance that saw the likes of Quevega, Refinement and Asian Maze all benefit in this race down the years.

Unbeaten in her last nine outings, Vroum Vroum Mag is beginning to have the look of invincibility.

She can be relied upon to give her best once more on Friday.

Tent To Shed Bridesmaid Tag?
My Tent Or Yours is the 13/8 favourite having been beaten 18l by Annie Power at Aintree and was previously beaten 4l by the same rival at Cheltenham in March. There is plenty to like about Nicky Henderson’s consistent performer, who has now made the top two in 15 of his 16 career runs, and there will be plenty of punters looking to him coming in front at last.

Thief Back On Solid Ground
Even further behind Annie Power in the Champion Hurdle was Identity Thief (3/1), who was beaten 2l by Nichols Canyon at Christmas (2m, heavy) before the aforementioned sixth at Cheltenham (beaten 18l). It may well have been that Henry De Bromhead’s runner simply didn’t handle Cheltenham’s unique contours and a return to form on Friday may see him in the places.

Sempre To Surpise?
Another well beaten at Cheltenham was Sempre Medici (14/1), who was improving up the ranks in winning a Grade 2 in February (2m, heavy) before being pulled up in the Champion Hurdle. A bad mistake put paid to his chance that day, but Willie Mullins will know whether he has recovered well enough to take his chance on Friday. If he does, then he could surprise a few people at decent odds.

Fethard Player is also in the line-up and arrives in form following his County Hurdle second, but this represents a significant step up in class.

Recommended Bets
My Tent Or Yours looks solid, but Vroum Vroum Mag has the winning habit, which in tandem with the vital 7lb allowance, may just swing things in her favour.

*Prices correct at time of publication.