CHAMPION HURDLE: SCU'S VIEW - Why I'll be shouting 'Come on my son!' to Osana

Thirty years on from when I won the big hurdling prize for the first time as a jockey on Celtic Shot, I'm convinced my jockey son Tom can take the prestigious prize on the David Pipe-trained gelding.

He'll need to produce a finely judged ride. Osana is a quickjumping frontrunner who will try to burn off the opposition. Press the pedal too early and he may find himself running on empty in the pull to the line. But I believe Tom has the most solid mount in the race. Mind you, he'll need to be at the top of his game.

Ireland have monopolised this contest in recent years. They have won the last four runnings and seven of the last nine.

In the last three seasons, Nicky Henderson's Afsoun, third last year, is the only British horse to have even reached the frame.

The green wave is headed this time by hot favourite Sizing Europe, rather than last season's winner Sublimity.

He was visually stunning in winning the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January but a chink in his armour may be his tendency to jump big at his hurdles in a race where speed through the air is vital.

He beat Osana by four lengths in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at the course in November but received 6lb that day and must now race at level weights.

Sublimity has only raced once since his victory 12 months ago and he was soundly beaten by Osana in the boylesport.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham's December meeting.

His trainer John Carr admitted that he did not have him tuned up for that race but it takes a massive leap of faith to believe he can bridge that 20-length gap.

The Irish contingent lining up this year lacks old favourites like Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace and Macs Joy but enigmatic Harchibald is back after a gap of two seasons.

The 2005 runner-up is a frustrating horse, though. He has a history of finding far less than looks likely after cruising into contention and even Paul Carberry — one of the most talented riders in the Weighing Room — may not been able to lift him home.

Twice he has faltered up the punishing climb of the Festival finishing straight and I don't expect anything different this time around.

Afsoun, Blythe Knight and Straw Bear all look just short of the quality needed but Katchit cannot be written off. He hardly runs a bad race and has never been out of the first three in 12 hurdles.

They include four wins and a second from his five runs at Cheltenham.

The only problem is his age. He is five years old and See You Then in 1985 was the last of that age group to be crowned champion. He could be a winner of the future but not this year.

Key to my final decision to go for Osana is that he is trained by the Pipe stable, who know how to peak a Champion Hurdle hope.

David's father, Martin, won the race with Granville Again, who I rode to victory in 1993, and Make A Stand four years later.

Osana reminds me of the latter with his style of running and I'm hoping for an action replay.

STAT ATTACK

The Irish have won seven of the last nine Champion Hurdles.

Only one front-runner has won the Arkle Chase since 1980.

Eleven of the last 12 winners of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle were successful last time out.

2008 CHAMPION HURDLE RUNNERS

AFSOUN

Third to Sublimity last year but can get worked up before races. Fact he has been tried at longer distances suggests his team don't really believe he can win.

ODDS: 25-1

BLYTHE KNIGHT

Useful Flat performer who beat Osana in an Aintree handicap last season but his form this term is not good enough. Questions over whether this track will suit.

ODDS: 40-1

BOBS PRIDE

Had an entry in one of the handicaps at the Festival and that surely looked a better option. Ireland has more potent chances of lifting the prize.

ODDS: 50-1

CATCH ME

Third in Ballymore Novices' last year and back to form with four-length defeat of Jazz Messenger. Strong pace will suit but jumping not always fluent.

ODDS: 9-1

CONTRABAND

The 2005 Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase winner is well past his best and hasn't run for almost a year. The first of the field you can cross off your list.

ODDS: 500-1

EBAZIYAN

Won the Supreme Novices' last year but has done precious little since. Note that returning winners of that race have a poor record in the Champion Hurdle.

ODDS: 28-1

FARMER BROWN

Solid record on all forms of ground but his recent races against fellow Irish contenders seem to show that he is well down the pecking order.

ODDS: 40-1

HARCHIBALD

Love him or hate him, this one is a real character. He'll cruise into contention but you'd be a brave punter to back him to find the necessary kick when it really matters.

ODDS: 6-1

KALDERON

Hasn't won since October 2006 — one of only two successes — and he won't be ending that barren patch here. Is doing nothing more in this field than making up the numbers.

ODDS: 66-1

KATCHIT

Beat Blythe Knight by a comfortable five lengths last time. Previous Festival winner who loves this track and has never been out of the frame over hurdles. Solid place prospect but 5-year-olds rarely win.

ODDS: 10-1

KAWAGINO

A well-beaten fifth in the Champion Hurdle last year and his best recent form has been over a much longer trip. Not good enough and unlikely to make the shake-up once the pace hots up.

ODDS: 10-1

OSANA

My choice. Young progressive gelding who will try to burn off the opposition from the front. Four-length defeat to Sizing Europe at the track in November but better off at weights.

ODDS: 5-1

PUNJABI

Great run under top weight in the totesport Gold Trophy last time but has not beaten Katchit in two meetings, including last year's Triumph Hurdle. Needs a little extra than he has shown.

ODDS: 25-1

SALFORD CITY

One-time Derby fifth with as much attitude as talent. Not run since November and has been waiting for his required better ground, but best form suggests he'll struggle in this company.

ODDS: 150-1

SIZING EUROPE

The hot favourite, who confirmed he was the best the Irish have to offer with victory at Leopardstown in January. Could jump quicker but a high cruising speed makes him the one to beat.

ODDS: 2-1

STRAW BEAR

Legitimate excuses when pulled up in the Champion Hurdle last year and has a verdict over Harchibald in the Christmas Hurdle this term. Looks a few lengths short of the standard required.

ODDS: 25-1

SUBLIMITY

Last year's winner has only run once this season and was well beaten by Osana. Said to be not fully fit that day but it will take a fantastic training performance to lift the prize again.

ODDS: 9-2