Fly can wing in again in Champion

THERE doesn't seem to be any logical reason why one would oppose Hurricane Fly in this afternoon's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He was superb when winning the race twelve months ago, stays much further than this extended two miles and his jumping is quick and accurate. Last year he powered home from Peddlers Cross and Oscar Whisky and both of those horses now have their sights set on other targets at the festival.

Hurricane Fly has ten Grade 1's to his credit and has won his last seven races. Willie Mullins waited for most of the campaign for the eight-year-old to come right, producing him to make a somewhat belated return in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in late January.