Strong opposition for Brave Inca
Colm Murphy’s charge proved in the Festival Hurdle on his last start when beating rising star Iktitaf that he is still going to be the one to beat come March.
The nine-year-old just got the better of Macs Joy in a fantastic tussle for this race 12 months ago and the two look likely to meet again as Jessica Harrington’s charge is set for his first start of the season.
Harrington also has the Grade One-winning novice Hide The Evidence engaged.
Connections of dual Champion Hurdler Hardy Eustace, second behind Detroit City in the boylesports International at Cheltenham last month, will hoping for a much better showing than last year, when he trailed in only seventh.
Noel Meade has not confirmed Harchibald on account of the soft ground, but both Iktitaf and Christmas Hurdle winner Jazz Messenger could still take their chance for the Co Meath handler.
Asian Maze is also still a possible for Tom Mullins, who will be aiming to put a disappointing performance in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle behind her.
The female contingent is strengthened by the Eoin Griffith-trained Lounaos, who is currently favourite for the Triumph Hurdle.
She is due to carry only 10st 5lb compared to the 11st 10lb shouldered by Brave Inca and company due to allowances. The field is completed by Silent Oscar.
Cashmans bet: Evens Brave Inca, 5-1 Hardy Eustace, Macs Joy, 6-1 Lounaos, 7-1 Jazz Messenger, 10-1 Hide The Evidence, 100-1 Silent Oscar. Doubtful runners Asian Maze and Iktitaf.
Paddy Power bet: 6-5 Brave Inca, 4-1 Hardy Eustace, 5-1 Iktitaf, 6-1 Macs Joy, 7-1 Jazz Messenger, 10-1 Asian Maze, 14-1 Lounaos, 20-1 Hide The Evidence, 100-1 Silent Oscar
Meanwhile, Dessie Hughes’ Schindlers Hunt heads a maximum of eight in the Grade One Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.
As low as 8-1 for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, a clerical error meant he was not given an entry for that race on Monday and Hughes will be keen to pick up the Grade One contest to soften the blow.
Runner-up to Cailin Alainn in the Drinmore Novice Chase, he won the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase in fine style.
The main threat is likely to come from King Johns Castle and Conna Castle, the latter having finished second to Vic Venturi in the Grade Grade Three Ballybrit at Gowran.
Grade Two winner Hear The Echo, Noel Meade’s Khetaam, Tommy Stack’s Wanango, Charles Byrnes’ Vintage Treasure and Robert Tyner’s Young Desperado complete the field at the five-day stage.
Ladbrokes World Hurdle favourite Black Jack Ketchum is set to run at Cheltenham on Saturday despite the prevailing heavy ground at the track.
Jonjo O’Neill is targeting the eight-year-old at the Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle as a prep run for the Festival, for which the sponsors quote him at 4-5.
Conditions at the course are described as heavy with snow forecast for Tuesday night, although no problems are expected with milder weather set to move in for the weekend.
O’Neill said: “He is in great form at the moment and the plan is to run.
“He has run on soft ground before but never heavy. I don’t mind running him on heavy as he needs match practice, but he wouldn’t want it sticky.”
