You may not be expecting to read an article about why a horsel could win hurdling's most coveted prize; the Champion Hurdle on 14th March 2017 at Cheltenham at the fourth time of asking. However, few would argue that national hunt racing needs a feel-good story right now and, the Nigel Twiston-Davies horse - The New One would definitely provide that if successful.
Best chance yet of winning the Champion Hurdle
Given the multiple entries of top horses - there still remains uncertainty as to which horse will run in what race, let alone who will win.
Not always the punters pal, but trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies in a recent Horse Racing247 article, all but confirmed that The New One will take his chance in the Champion Hurdle, rather than testing his stamina over a mile further in the World Hurdle, a few days later.
This, it is argued is not only the most sensible option, but also a popular one too. Having won the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock Park for the last three years - few could argue that he doesn't deserve another crack at the main prize.
A great season so far
Last season ended poorly with a disappointing fourth place finish in the Champion Hurdle behind Annie Power and, an unfortunate fall in the Aintree Hurdle left people wondering if we would see The New One again.
See him we did - a victory at Cheltenham in December saw form reversal with My Tent or Yours who finished ahead of The New One in last year's Champion Hurdle. This had you asking the question - can he give it one more go? It has been a good season so far, with only one defeat to current Champion Hurdle favourite Yarnworth. This is why The New One is currently 14/1, as doomsayers do not think he can reverse that form.
However, Yarnworth has been reported to have picked up a niggling injury and his well-being will have to be taken on trust. Also, contrary to popular belief; The New One will not mind one bit if the ground is tackier than normal at Cheltenham this year.
Lifting a cloud that will hang over Cheltenham
It's been a strange season, with one thing and another.
The death of one of the best chasers around: Many Clouds after beating Thistlecrack in the Cotswolds Chase at Cheltenham on January 28th this year - means that there will be a cloud hanging over the festival.
A victory for one of the course's favourite runners; The New One could, in a small way, lift that cloud a little by reminding people what true characters some racehorses are. The debate about whether or not horse racing can ever truly recover from this, in the same way that boxing never truly recovered from Bradley Stone, is for another article.
A good festival in stall, but a The New One victory in the Champion would make it a great one
It promises to be a great four days and punters will relish the atmosphere, despite the fact that they are only allowed to purchase four drinks at a time, this year.
This is thanks to the shenanigans of MK Dons & Northampton Town footballers - who drunkenly urinated in cups at last year's festival.
The New One is universally trading at 14/1 with most bookies and given the weaker nature of the race this year - he could easily cause punters to raise their glasses in his honour, finally.
