Istabraq heads the list of 20 horses left in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle following today's confirmation stage. Aidan O'Brien's star has recovered from his workout at Leopardstown last week and remains on course to bid for an unprecedented fourth success in the contest. When asked about Istabraq's well being the trainer said: 'So far he's fine for Cheltenham.'
All the leading fancies stand their ground but one notable absentee is Westender, who was as short as 25-1 for the race. Martin Pipe's six-year-old will instead run in the opening Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle on the same card.
Pipe now relies on second favourite Valiramix, the likely mount of Tony McCoy, Mr Cool and Rodock. Nicky Henderson also has a strong hand with Geos, Landing Light and Regal Exit.
There is a powerful Irish contingent with Ansar, Chimes At Midnight, Ned Kelly, Penny Rich, Rostropovich and Liss A Paoraigh as well as Istabraq still entered while Francois Boutin's Bilboa is the only French entry.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
