Barry Geraghty is in no rush to choose between Zaynar and Punjabi for his ride in the 2010 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle and admits it will be a very difficult decision to make.
The Nicky Henderson trained Punjabi currently a 14-1 shot with Ladbrokes, won the race last year, however has not yet reached that level of form this season. Last seen when ridden by stable jockey Geraghty at Haydock, he was well beaten behind Champion contender Medermit.
Zaynar has been the opposite, having been in sparkling form in winning his two races so far this season. After winning at Ascot on his seasonal reappearance in impressive fashion, he continued his preparations with a facile success at Cheltenham and is currently 5-1(William Hill) joint-favourite for festival success.
"I'm keeping my options completely open and it's very hard to split them. The Champion Hurdle is wide-open and we'll have to see nearer the time," he told At The Races.
"It would be hard to get off a champion but Zaynar won the Triumph and they are both Festival winners and very good horses." added Geraghty.
Follow this link to Betfair to see all the markets for the Cheltenham Festival 2010