Inca primed for Champion bid

BRAVE INCA will have one more serious gallop before travelling to Cheltenham in his bid to justify favouritism in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle on March 14.

Third in the race last year, the eight-year-old is the market leader to follow up his success in last month’s AIG Europe Champion Hurdle.

“He is very well at the moment - he did a piece of work at the end of last week and I was very happy with him,” said Murphy.

“He will have one more serious piece before he heads off.

“He acts around Cheltenham having won the Supreme Novices’ and being beaten two necks in a Champion Hurdle. I just hope we can get him there in good form and he will have a right chance.

“He is as tough as nails and only does the bare minimum. He only gives what he is asked and I know he only won a length (in the Irish Champion) but you wonder if there is more there.”

Brave Inca beat Macs Joy on that occasion but Murphy is not fearing any one single horse.

“Macs Joy would be one of many I would fear,” he said “He won the Irish Champion last year and is improving with every run.

“You can’t get away from Hardy Eustace either. He has been to Cheltenham three years in a row and won there every year and if he is half right he has to be respected.”

Dual Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace will work after racing at Leopardstown next Sunday to complete his preparations for this year’s renewal.

The nine-year-old missed an engagement at Gowran Park last weekend having disappointed when finishing last in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at the end of January.

“Hardy Eustace worked well during the week and I am happier with him now,” said trainer Dessie Hughes.

“The plan is to bring him to Leopardstown next Sunday when he will work after racing.”

Meanwhile, Feathard Lady is back in light work after recovering from the sprained hind fetlock joint that ruled her out of the Champion Hurdle.

Colm Murphy’s unbeaten six-year-old had been on the easy list since picking up the injury last month and connections are now hoping to have her fighting fit for a trip to the Punchestown Festival.

“She has been to the veterinary hospital twice and has been given the all-clear,” said Murphy.

“She is back doing slow work now and if she is ready for Punchestown then great but, if not, we are not too worried either.”