Champion hurdlers clash at Punchestown

Cheltenham does not monopolise the headlines today, as the best race of the day is run in Ireland - the Morgiana Hurdle at 15.15 CET at Punchestown, which sees a fascinating clash between the champion hurdlers Hurricane Fly (Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh) and Jezki (Jessica Harrington/ Mark Walsh). The 10yo Hurricane Fly has won 20 of his 24 stars, including the Champion Hurdle twice, but the younger Jezki put him in his place this year at Cheltenham and followed up by winning again at Punchestown. Neoitherf has rtun since that race in early May and Jezki will be favourite today, but the Fly is not easily dismissed and it could be a close thing, while any rain would definitely be in the older horse´s favour. Of their 3 opponents, two have no chance, but the mare Little King Robin (Colin Bowe/ Mr B O´Neill) is a strong front-runner who has already won 7 races over hurdles this year and may well expose any weakness in the two favourites. Mullins and Walsh should also have winners on the undercard, and Aleichi Inola and Indevan could take the other graded races at 14.05 and 14.40 respectively and see off a strong Gigginstown challenge.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Noah Webster - Black Spot On - The Herds Garden
2. Race: Alelchi Inois - Chancol - Un Beau Roman
3. Race: Indevan - Shanahan`s Turn - Very Wood
4. Race: Hurricane Fly - Little King Robin - King Of The Picts
5. Race: No More Heroes - Outlander - Mells Theater
6. Race: Abolitionist - King Vuvuzela - Top Spin
7. Race: Bordini - Beau Et Sublime - Art Of Security