Champion jumps trainer Martin Pipe predicted his progressive Valiramix could prove a big challenger to Istabraq in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle in March. Valiramix is quoted by William Hill and Coral as 7-2 second-favourite for the Cheltenham race behind market leader Istabraq, who is bidding for a fourth success in the event.
Valiramix won by nine lengths over The French Furze in the rescheduled Bula Hurdle at Newbury on his reappearance last month. "I was delighted with Valiramix. He ran a great race. He has some good form lines, of course, with horses that have met Landing Light, The French Furze and other horses but he won very well indeed," Pipe told the Racing Channel.
"It was his first race of the season. He came there and did it on the bridle and won easily. He really has improved and strengthened up this season," Pipe added. "Hopefully, he can keep going and who knows? He must be one of the dangers - if there is a danger - to Istabraq but, of course, Istabraq is a champion and the real Istabraq on his day will take all the beating."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
