Nicky Henderson believes Buveur D’air has more to show in top-class hurdle races which is why he switched back from chasing.
The six-year-old is one of three runners Henderson runs in this afternoon?s Stan James Champion Hurdle but earlier in the season, today’s Arkle looked a more likely target.
Having developed into a top-class hurdler last year, finishing placed in the Supreme Novices’ before winning a Grade 1 at Aintree on his final start where he beat Petit Mouchoir and Limini, it was decided to go novice chasing with him this term.
He won both his starts ay Haydock and Warwick but his trainer told Cheltenham Radio that he still looked like a horse who could go for the Champion Hurdle.
“He was impressive at Haydock but he had a lot of hurling technique in his jumping and we thought he had a lot more to do over hurdles.
“When the announced that Faugheen wasn?t going to run and with Annie Power also out, it left the door wide open and it was an obvious decision.”
He returned to hurdles with an easy victory in a small field race at Sandown but on the work he has done at home and with previous high-class hurdling form, he looks to be a major player this afternoon.
Henderson also saddles the improving Brain Power and veteran My Tent Or Yours.
