Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown

easily the best racing in Britain and Ireland today takes place at Leopardstown, where the Irish Champion Hurdle (2 miles, Grade One, 15.50 CET) tops the bill. It has attracted a really strong field, including two past Cheltenham winners, Sublimity (Robert Hennessy/ Philip Carberry) and Hardy Eustace (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood), both of whom would have preferred better going than they are likely to find here. Although Sublimity seems the logical choice, following his victory here at Christmas, all the money has come for oldtimer Brave Inca (Colm Murphy/ Ruby Walsh) and Muirhead (Noel Meade/ Barry Geraghty) - both of whom finished behind Sublimity last time -and the result could well produce some changes in the betting for Cheltenham. The other Grade One on the card is a novice chase over 2miles 1furlong at 14.50, where Willie Mullins with two of the five entries has a strong hand. Jayo (Ruby Walsh) is clearly his main prospect and has Forpadydeplasterer (Tom Cooper/ Barry Ge raghty) to beat. The Grade Two novice hurdle at 16.25 should concern mainly Western Charmer (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood) and Corskeagh Royale (Noel Meade/ Niall Madden).

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Alexander Severus - One To Many - Time Electric
2.Race: Jayo - Forpadydeplasterer - Follow The Plan
3.Race: Fantoche - The Penitent Man - Central House
4.Race: Brave Inca - Sublimity - Muirhead
5.Race: Western Charmer - Corskeagh Royale - Weapon`S Amnesty
6.Race: Hangover - Ross Accord - Rockers Field
7.Race: Mostly Bob - Chargen - Mr Nice