By Charlie McCann
Hurricane Fly and Jezki clash for a 6th time in this afternoon's Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown with the score currently reading Hurricane Fly 3 v 2 Jezki after ‘The Fly' recorded a 20th G1 success in the Morgiana Hurdle last month at Punchestown. Jessica Harrington's charge looked desperately in need of the run that day however and can reverse the form with Champion Jockey AP McCoy replacing Mark Walsh in the plate. Hurricane Fly won the corresponding race last year however with one horse reaching his peak and another ultimately past his prime, Jezki (1.25) is given the nod to return to winning ways; currently 6/1 with BetVictor to defend his Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival in the spring.
Champion Hurdle 2015 prices from BetVictor
Faugheen 5/4
The New One 3/1
Jezki 6/1
Hurricane Fly 16/1
Josses Hill 16/1
Irving 20/1
25s Bar
Seven go to post for one the strongest novices' chase of the season and recent course and distance winner Shanahan's Turn (3.05) can maintain his yet unblemished record over fences. Henry De Bromhead's 6-y-o was always going to come into his own over the larger obstacles and has impressed on both outings, likely to complete the hat-trick en-route to a tilt at the JLT Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in the spring.
Just six go to post for the feature G1 Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury with Vyta Du Roc bidding to maintain his unbeaten record on British soil. The French import has left it late to beat Emerging Talent and Shantou Bob at Cheltenham and Sandown respectively and as such, a chance is taken on Arpege D'Alene (2.10) after last month's impressive success at Ascot. Paul Nicholls' 4-y-o is a half-brother to last year's Hennessy winner Triolo D'Alene and couldn't have done the job any easier under Noel Fehily, earning quotes of 20/1 and 25/1 for the Neptune and Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdles respectively. He can get the better of Nigel Twiston-Davies' Blaklion, with conditional Ryan Hatch unable to use his 5lb claim.
Should the ‘Master of Seven Barrow's come up short in the feature he should have two favourites go close elsewhere on the card with Top Notch (12.30) and Clean Sheet (3.50) both arriving with lofty reputations. The former makes his British debut after a brace of wins in his native France whilst the latter can build on an excellent debut for Henderson when second earlier this month at Sandown's Tingle Creek meeting
Emma Lavelle's Highland Lodge (1.35) has fallen to a very attractive mark and can return to winning ways in the feature handicap chase over three and a quarter miles. The selection has trickled down the handicap to a career-low mark of 130 and with 10lb conditional Richie O'Dea taking off a further 10lb, he looks primed to give a good account. Since returning this season the 8-y-o has ran with credit in competitive handicap chases at Chepstow and Aintree but should relish the return to the Lambourn-track, the scene of a career-best in last year's Hennessy Gold Cup.
For all the latest odds, specials and much more head to BetVictor.com
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