Stats earmark The New One for 2015 Champion Hurdle

Few could argue that The New One was very unlucky in the Champion Hurdle, but the betting seems correct that he is the ante-post favourite to get his compensation in 2015.

The New One was severely hampered by the fatal fall of Our Conor as the race was just starting to get serious and it was somewhat remarkable that he got to within three lengths of the eventual winner Jezki, given the setback he encountered.

The New One is the 4-1 joint favourite to win the 2015 Champion Hurdle and on three occasions in the last decade, the third-place finisher has returned in the following year to achieve victory.

These were Hurricane Fly (2012), Binocular (2010) and Brave Inca (2006).

Jezki is also 4/1 to defend his crown in 2015, but this feat has not been achieved since Hardy Eustace’s successive victories in 2004 and 2005.

Much could depend on whether Barry Geraghty remains in the saddle, as he remains unbeaten on all six five rounds now on Jezki.

My Tent Or Yours split Jezki and The New One in second and he is 6/1 in the 2015 Champion Hurdle betting.

However, he is hard to back until proving he can win at Cheltenham, having now finished second on both career visits.

Earplugs have been mentioned as a method of potentially helping the horse settle better and if these have the desired effect, this would have to be considered a boost to his chances, given how strongly he travels.

Meanwhile, Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Vautour is also 6/1, but the early vibes coming from the yard of trainer Willie Mullins is that a chase career beckons, where the 2015 Arkle at Cheltenham would look an obvious target.

Josses Hill is also in the betting at 16/1 after finishing second in the Supreme, but is another that may well go chasing next season.