Rising Irish six-year-old Bust Out is set for a Cheltenham rematch with Istabraq after trainer Jessica Harrington confirmed the gelding could opt for a possible tilt at the Smurfit Champion Hurdle. Bust Out, a gallant second to Istabraq at Leopardstown, is reported to be in 'great form' at the moment and will tackle the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 27 before heading for the Cheltenham Festival.
The gelding was a 20-1 shot when beaten just a head by triple champion hurdler Istabraq who turned in what some observers regarded as only a workmanlike performance in the Tote December Festival Hurdle last month. Speaking of Bust Out, Harrington insisted: "He's in great form. He came out of there great. He came on a good bit for that. All being well, he runs in the Irish Champion Hurdle there."
Asked whether Bust Out could turn the tables on Istabraq at Cheltenham, she added: "If you're not there, you can't do anything about it. I am happy enough with him. As far as I intend, he's going chasing next year so I don't want to run him too many times this year. He may as well go (to Cheltenham) and we can have a bit of fun with him."
Harrington is not expecting Bust Out to start favourite for the AIG Europe race if Limestone Lad and Ned Kelly are in the line-up. Bust Out is quoted by William Hill at 33-1 for Cheltenham behind 7-4 favourite Istabraq, 3-1 chance Valiramix and 5-1 shot Landing Light.
Filed by Shane Murray
