Racing: Istabraq attracts betting interest

Istabraq has been a constant drifter in the ante-post exchanges on the Smurfit Champion Hurdle in recent weeks but that may be about to change.

Aidan O’Brien’s superstar, chasing a record fourth hurdling crown at Cheltenham in March, was the subject of support with the the Tote today.

‘‘For the first time in this season’s ante-post market we’ve seen punters begin to nibble at the price on offer,’’ said Tote spokesman, Jeremy Scott.

‘‘Istabraq does not have to prove what a great horse he has been, but with question marks still lingering concerning his ability to take a fourth Champion Hurdle crown, punters have been reluctant to touch him in the betting up until now.

‘‘After a period in which he’s done nothing but drift in the market, he now looks to have found his market price, having stabilised at 2-1, although if interest continues tomorrow we could see his price cut for the first time this season.’’

Istabraq’s one run to date this season saw him run out a narrow winner from Bust Out at Leopardstown at Christmas.

He fell in two of his three starts last season when his bid for a fourth title at Cheltenham was dashed by the foot and mouth outbreak.

O’Brien has stated that Istabraq’s next race will be in the Cheltenham contest and he has duly been taken out of this weekend’s AIG (Europe) Champion Hurdle, a race he has won four times.

Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Tote betting: 2-1 Istabraq, 3-1 Valiramix, 4-1 Landing Light, 14-1 Brother Joe, Geos, 16-1 Bilboa, Marble Arch, Ned Kelly, 20-1 Arctic Owl, 25-1 Ansar, Rodock, 28-1 bar.